Aboriginal Advisory Committee
Notice
of Meeting
Monday, 1 May 2017
21 April 2017
Mr John
Rayner
An Aboriginal Advisory Committee
Meeting will be held at 12noon in the Ground Floor Meeting Room, Hurstville
Civic Centre, MacMahon Street, Hurstville on Monday, 1 May 2017 for
consideration of the business available on Council's website at http://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Meetings.
Gail Connolly
General Manager
BUSINESS
1. Apologies
2. Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting
3. Matters Arising from Previous Meeting
4. Disclosures of Interest
5. Agenda
Items
6. General Business
7. Next meeting - Monday, 7 August 2017 12.00noon
Aboriginal Advisory Committee Meeting
Summary of Items
Monday,
1 May 2017
Previous
Minutes
MINUTES:
Aboriginal Advisory Committee Meeting - 6
February 2017
Agenda
Items
AAC006-17 Nomination
for Salt Pan Creek as an Aboriginal Place
(Report by
Multicultural and Indigenous Development Officer)............................ 2
AAC007-17 Smoking
Ceremony protocols
(Report by
Multicultural and Indigenous Development Officer)............................ 4
AAC008-17 Projects
update
(Report by
Multicultural and Indigenous Development Officer)............................ 7
AAC009-17 Review of
Aboriginal Strategy
(Report by
Multicultural and Indigenous Development Officer)............................ 8
AAC010-17 Submission to
the Referendum Council
(Report by
Multicultural and Indigenous Development Officer).......................... 26
Georges River Council – Aboriginal Advisory
Committee Meeting - Monday, 1 May 2017 Page 2
5. Agenda
Items
Item: AAC006-17 Nomination
for Salt Pan Creek as an Aboriginal Place
Author: Multicultural
and Indigenous Development Officer
|
Recommendation
(a) That
the Committee be informed on the progress of the nomination for Salt Pan
Creek, previously known as Salt Pan Creek Aboriginal Camp, to be declared as
an Aboriginal Place.
(b) That
the Committee provides input on the recognition and protection of this
significant place.
(c) That
the Committee continues its partnership with Council and Office of
Environment and Heritage (OEH) on the recognition and protection of
Aboriginal sites and cultural heritage across the local government area.
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. The
OEH has received a nomination for Salt Pan Creek, previously known as Salt Pan
Creek Aboriginal Camp, to be declared as an Aboriginal Place. The nominated
place falls within the Georges River Council Local Government Area and is
located at Peakhurst.
Background
2. Staff
from the Heritage Division of OEH will discuss with the Committee the
nomination received for Salt Pan Creek, previously known as Salt Pan Creek
Aboriginal Camp, and the significance of the declaration on the land. The
nominated site is near Council's 2015 Historical Marker in Charm Place which
recognises aspects of the former camp’s history.
3. Council,
alongside OEH, acknowledges and respects the rights of Aboriginal people
to determine the cultural significance of their heritage and values the views
of the community on places of special significance to them.
Financial
Implications
4. No
budget impact for this report.
File Reference
16/2124
Georges River Council – Aboriginal Advisory
Committee Meeting - Monday, 1 May 2017 Page 3
Item: AAC007-17 Smoking
Ceremony protocols
Author: Multicultural
and Indigenous Development Officer
|
Recommendation
(a) That
the Committee reviews and endorses Smoking Ceremony protocols for inclusion
in the Aboriginal Protocols and Practices document.
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. Georges
River Council is committed to observing Aboriginal cultural protocols including
‘smoking ceremony’ protocols that demonstrate respect for the
cultural traditions and the history of the Aboriginal people living within the
Council Local Government Area.
Background
2. Council
over the years has demonstrated a real and genuine commitment to recognise and
acknowledge Aboriginal people, their culture and heritage. Council works
closely with members of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to communicate Aboriginal
cultural protocols to the organisation and to the broader community.
3. Council
recently has developed protocols about 'welcome and acknowledgments to country'
and it is planned to extend the protocols to include 'smoking ceremony' and
other protocols. These protocols can assist Council staff and partners with
ways we can work, communicate, consult and recognise our local Aboriginal
community. It is hoped that these protocols will provide a better understanding
of Aboriginal culture and traditions.
4. A draft
of 'smoking ceremony' practices will be discussed at the meeting. If agreed the
‘smoking ceremony’ practices will be added to Council's draft
document on Aboriginal Protocols and Practices.
Financial
Implications
5. No
budget impact for this report.
File Reference
16/2124
ATTACHMENTS
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Attachment View1
|
Draft Aboriginal Protocols and Practices document.
|
|
Georges River Council - Aboriginal Advisory Committee Meeting -
Monday, 1 May 2017
AAC007-17 Smoking Ceremony protocols
[Appendix 1] Draft
Aboriginal Protocols and Practices document.
|
Page 4
|
Aboriginal Cultural Protocols
Welcome to Country and
Acknowledgment of Country
Purpose
The difference between a 'Welcome to
Country' and an 'Acknowledgment of Country' are often not understood. It is
important for those organising a Welcome or Acknowledgement to understand the
differences between them and know who to contact for an elders to conduct a
welcome ceremony.
Statement
Georges River Council is committed to
show respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Council in
collaboration with the Aboriginal Advisory Committee is committed to working in
genuine partnership promoting greater understanding of Aboriginal culture and
protocols.
Council is adopting the practice of
acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land at events, ceremonies,
meetings and functions.
Acknowledgement of Country
An Acknowledgement of Country is a
statement of recognition of the Traditional Custodian of the land. An
Acknowledgement of Country can be given by both Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal
people.
Example 1
"I would like to acknowledge
the Biddegal/Bidjigal/Bedegal people of the Eora nation who are the Traditional
Custodians of the Land on which this (meeting/event) is taking place and pay my
respects to the Elders past and present".
Example2
“I would like to acknowledge
the Biddegal/Bidjigal/Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of this
land and also pay my respect to the Elders both past and present and extend
that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are
present here today".
Welcome to Country
A 'Welcome to Country' is a formal
welcome onto Aboriginal Land given by:
·
An Elder/Aboriginal person who traditionally comes from that
land, or
·
Performed by an Aboriginal person who has been granted permission
from the Local Aboriginal Land Council.
A 'Welcome to Country' can only be
performed by a Traditional Custodian from that particular Country where the
event is being held. This is usually a recognised Elder from the local
community. The Elder welcomes people to their land.
Smoking Ceremony
A smoking ceremony is undertaken in
Aboriginal communities in order to cleanse a space which the ceremony takes
place, so as to allow peace and recognise the importance of the occasion. The
smoking ceremony is a purification ritual and is always undertaken by an
Aboriginal Elder or an Aboriginal person with specialised spiritual and
cultural knowledge.
However, a smoking ceremony should
only be performed with permission from the Traditional Owners as the Darug/Eora
people did not perform smoking ceremonies.
Given the significant nature of the
ceremony, a smoking ceremony is usually only performed on special occasions or
at major events and places of spiritual significance.
It should be noted that a smoking
ceremony is more appropriate for outdoor occasions due to ventilation requirements.
Aboriginal people may request a
smoking ceremony in a workplace where a death or other traumatic event has
occurred. This request is of tremendous significance to them and should be
respected. Failure to do so may cause significant distress.
Council Community Development Team
can provide contact details for suitable Aboriginal persons who can perform any
of the above protocols.
Georges River Council – Aboriginal Advisory
Committee Meeting - Monday, 1 May 2017 Page 6
Item: AAC008-17 Projects
update
Author: Multicultural
and Indigenous Development Officer
|
Recommendation
(a) That
Committee members endorse the projects and provide feedback on projects in
development for further consideration by Council officers.
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. Council
staff will update Committee members on Community Development projects that are
in development. These projects aim to foster a culture of identity to
Aboriginal people and strengthen their relationship with the wider community.
Background
2. Council staff
have been working throughout 2017 on projects and events that have significant
relevance to Aboriginal people and culture, including: Our Story-Our
Dreaming, Reconciliation Week celebration, NAIDOC Week Program, a public
art project at Carss Park, and the Discovery Festival of Community Arts.
3. Council
staff will update the Committee on the above activities. These projects aim to
protect, develop and promote Aboriginal culture and heritage in the local
community. Committee members are encouraged to engage in the planning and
implementation of Council's programs.
Financial
Implications
4. Within
budget allocation.
File Reference
16/2124
Georges River Council – Aboriginal Advisory
Committee Meeting - Monday, 1 May 2017 Page 7
Item: AAC009-17 Review
of Aboriginal Strategy
Author: Multicultural
and Indigenous Development Officer
|
Recommendation
(a) That
Committee members endorse the review and preparation of the Georges River
Council Aboriginal Strategy.
(b) That
Committee members provide feedback on the Hurstville City Council Aboriginal
Strategy, which has been tabled, as it is proposed that this document will
serve as basis of the new Strategy.
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. In
the past, Council has worked with the community to realise the aspirations
outlined in the former Councils’ Aboriginal Strategy and related
documents. As a newly amalgamated Council, it is important that Georges River
Council develops a new Georges River Council Aboriginal Strategy to ensure it addresses
the needs of our changing community.
Background
2. The
former Hurstville City Council Aboriginal Strategy was developed in the context
of Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2021 to enhance engagement with
local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
3. Council
launched its Aboriginal Strategy during Reconciliation Week Celebration in May
2015. The Strategy has objectives and strategies to improve outcomes for local
Aboriginal people. A Plan was developed in consultation with Committee members
which outlines the individual projects and activities that Council will
undertake to achieve the commitments made in the Aboriginal Strategy.
4. Council
is currently developing its Community Strategic Plan in consultation with the
community. Council's Community Strategic Plan requires Council to work towards an
integrated planning process wherein all strategies are linked. It is relevant
that the Aboriginal Strategy links to the new Council plans, processes and
documents.
5. Council
staff will provide further information about the Aboriginal Strategy review and
facilitate input from Committee members into the development of the new
strategy.
6. Committee
members are also encouraged to provide feedback on a number of draft documents
that are currently on public exhibition, including Council’s draft
Disability Inclusion Action Plan and draft Community Engagement Policy, with
particular reference to their impact on representation from local Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people.
Financial
Implications
7. Within budget
allocation.
File Reference
16/2124
ATTACHMENTS
|
Attachment View1
|
Hurstville City Council Aboriginal Strategy
|
|
Georges River Council - Aboriginal Advisory Committee Meeting -
Monday, 1 May 2017
AAC009-17 Review of Aboriginal Strategy
[Appendix 1] Hurstville
City Council Aboriginal Strategy
|
Page 9
|
Georges
River Council – Aboriginal Advisory Committee Meeting - Monday, 1
May 2017 Page 25
Item: AAC010-17 Submission
to the Referendum Council
Author: Multicultural
and Indigenous Development Officer
|
Recommendation
(a) That
Committee members’ input is reflected in the submission to the Referendum
Council on recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in
the Australian Constitution.
(b) That
Committee members’ endorse the submission.
|
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. Council
is planning to submit a submission to the Referendum Council on recognition of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution.
Background
2. The
Referendum Council invites individuals and organisations to have their say on
constitutional recognition by 8 May 2017. The views collected will be included
in a report that will be written by the Referendum Council and delivered to the
Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition. This will be an important step
toward a possible referendum on recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples in the Constitution.
3. Georges
River Council is willing to join the conversation about the topic with
Committee members and upload a submission.
4. Council
staff will table a draft submission at the Committee meeting and will
facilitate discussion about this important issue and ensure Committee members
views are captured in the paper.
Financial
Implications
5. No
budget impact for this report.
File Reference
16/2124
