Build mutually beneficial relationships

Council will continue to identify and meaningfully engage with First Nations stakeholders across the local area to strengthen relationships and ensure that First Nations peoples are active partners in shaping Council’s work. This includes ongoing dialogue with community members, organisations, and cultural knowledge holders to support informed and culturally respectful decision making.

As part of its commitment to Reconciliation, Council will also promote and explore how to participate in National Reconciliation Week. Staff, senior leaders and members of the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group will be encouraged to take part in a range of internal and external activities that build awareness, strengthen cultural capability, and deepen understanding of local First Nations histories and contemporary experiences.

Council will strengthen positive race relations by reviewing Human Resources policies and by researching best-practice approaches to race relations and anti-discrimination. This will help ensure that Council’s systems and organisational culture promote equity, respect, and inclusion.

Council will explore opportunities to collaborate with and support the Aboriginal community-controlled sector. Strengthening relationships with local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will help enhance Reconciliation efforts across the City and contribute to more culturally informed, community-led outcomes.

Develop Council’s cultural competence, understanding and value of First Nations culture, history and heritage.

Council will develop a business case that articulates the importance of recognising and valuing First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge, and rights across the organisation. This work will be supported by a review of staff cultural learning needs to ensure that training and capability-building initiatives are appropriately targeted and effective. To further strengthen culturally respectful practice, Council will produce a First Nations Engagement Staff Guide, accompanied by supporting resources. These materials will provide practical guidance to staff on engaging with First Nations peoples, observing cultural protocols, and embedding culturally informed approaches into everyday work. Council will also continue to raise awareness of NAIDOC Week and promote participation in local events that celebrate First Nations cultures. Staff will be encouraged to engage with these celebrations to enhance cultural understanding, demonstrate respect, and strengthen relationships with the local First Nations community.

Improve First Nations outcomes through workforce and procurement development

Council will develop a business case aimed at strengthening First Nations recruitment, retention, and professional development across the organisation. This work will include building a clear understanding of the current First Nations workforce profile to inform future employment pathways, targeted development opportunities, and long-term strategies for growing a culturally diverse and capable workforce. In addition, Council will seek to increase First Nations supplier diversity by preparing a business case that outlines opportunities to strengthen procurement practices. This will support better access for First Nations business and overall, better contribute to broader economic participation. Council will also examine the potential benefits of joining Supply Nation or similar platforms that promote the growth and sustainability of First Nations enterprises. Exploring these options will help identify mechanisms to enhance procurement opportunities and ensure Council’s supply chain reflects its commitment to reconciliation and economic inclusion.

Include First Nations Voices in Decision Making

Council will strengthen its governance processes by integrating First Nations perspectives into key decision-making frameworks. This work will support meaningful engagement with First Nations and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders, ensuring that culturally informed perspectives are embedded across organisational practices. To promote effective governance and accountability, Council will implement systems for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on reconciliation progress. These mechanisms will provide transparency in Council’s actions and support continuous improvement in meeting reconciliation commitments. Council will also establish ongoing mechanisms for regular consultation and collaboration with First Nations stakeholders. These structured engagement processes will help maintain strong relationships, support shared decision making, and ensure that Council’s work remains responsive to community priorities.