📷Original Artwork design and created by KINYA LERRK

Hepburn Shire Council acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which we live and work. On these lands, Djaara have performed age-old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal.

We recognise their resilience through dispossession and it is a testament to their continuing culture and tradition, which is strong and thriving.

We also acknowledge the neighbouring Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri to our South East and the Wadawurrung to our South West and pay our respect to all Aboriginal peoples, their culture, and lore.

We acknowledge their living culture and the unique role they play in the life of this region.

Council is calling for expressions of interest from community representatives to serve on our Reconciliation Advisory Committee (RAC). The RAC provides a forum for Hepburn Shire to consult key stakeholders and seek advice regarding the process, development, and implementation of the next Reconciliation Action Plan.

The RAC will work closely with Council to take our Reconciliation Action Plan to the next level. The Reconciliation Action Plan will set practical actions for Council and the community to build strong relationships and enhance respect between Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples, other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and other Australians.

We are calling for expressions of interest from individuals in the community who reflect the diversity of Hepburn Shire and the First Nations Community in terms of age, gender, Aboriginal Status (Youth, Elders), education and employment status and role within community.

RAC members will be able to demonstrate some of the following:

• Applied knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
• An understanding of the barriers and issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities in the Hepburn Shire Council region and in the broader context.
• Relevance of background and expertise to assist in the implementation and future development of Hepburn Shire Council’s Reconciliation Action Plans.
• Ability to influence with the purpose of promoting reconciliation in the Hepburn Shire (e.g., affiliations with community organisations, local businesses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, organisations and businesses).
• Ability to work collaboratively and constructively with key stakeholders and the community.
• People who identify as Djaara (Traditional Owner), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• An understanding or willingness to learn the historical policies and social context that have detrimentally affected First Nation Peoples.

Please feel free to contact Carolyn Sanders at csanders@hepburn.vic.gov.au or on 0457348689 if you would like to discuss your application or have any questions.

Please read the Terms of Reference before applying. Apply via the button below.

Applications close on Thursday 15 February 2023.