Dandjoo Wangkiny (Together Talking) about Reconciliation in the City of Stirling

Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.

A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) provides the City of Stirling a framework to contribute to the reconciliation movement. The RAP program is governed by Reconciliation Australia, who outline four stages in the RAP process – Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.  

The City of Stirling is working on our fourth RAP which enables the City to meet its vision for reconciliation through measurable actions. ​The RAP design is guided by Reconciliation Australia who have set the following key themes:

• Relationships
• Respect
• Opportunities
• Governance.

The process of building a RAP is guided and monitored by Reconciliation Australia and involves comprehensive community and employee engagement.

We have now completed three Innovate level RAPs, each developed in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and community members, staff, organisations, and the broader community. Our most recent RAP (2021-2023) concluded at the end of June 2023.

Some of the highlights from our journey so far include:

Relationships

• Developed an Aboriginal Action Group (which developed the City’s first RAP) and later became the RAP Working Group 
• Delivery of annual NAIDOC and Reconciliation Week events.

Respect 

• Incorporation of localised Nyoongar designs for the City's new entry statements
• Expanded the City’s Aboriginal art, library and history collections
• Elders Portrait Exhibition
• Development of Lake Gwelup Trail – A story trail incorporating Aboriginal history and stories, Colonial and settlement history and natural environment
• Cultural Awareness training offered to City staff and volunteers. 

Opportunities

• Continued to maintain a formalised partnership agreement with Wadjak Northside, providing financial and staffing support  
• Supported Aboriginal owned businesses across the City
• Delivered Mooro Tours to community to provide cultural learning experiences and foster respect and appreciation of First Nations culture.   

A RAP helps us to:

• Define priorities and actions
• Prioritise budget and resourcing
• Evaluate and measure our performance.

An Innovate RAP will provide our organisation opportunities to focus on tried and tested strategies and programs, helping to set clear and measurable targets.

Reconciliation Australia is the lead body for Reconciliation and provides structure, expert support and guidance and accountability. It is a Reconciliation Australia requirement that they review and endorse the Draft RAP prior to adoption by Council.

Our RAP Working Group meets quarterly to oversee implementation of the RAP and provide guidance to the City on important issues as they arise.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for new members.  Please register your interest to join our group.

The community engagement outcomes will help inform the development of the City’s next Innovate RAP.  The outcomes report will be uploaded to this page.

The City's Social impact team and RAP Working Group will guide the ongoing direction of the City's next Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. 

The City of Stirling is committed to celebrating our diverse population and being respectful of all cultures to create a community where all people feel welcome.  As we welcome discussion and value diverse perspectives, we appreciate your support about the importance to keep the conversation respectful.