Wyndham has one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the West of Melbourne, with a rich and diverse history. Reconciliation is an important journey that seeks to strengthen relationships between First Nations peoples and the wider community through respect, understanding and meaningful action and honours the knowledge, resilience and leadership of First Nations peoples.
Our journey towards Reconciliation requires a willingness to listen, acknowledge, lead positive change and demonstrate strong leadership. As an organisation, Wyndham City is committed to celebrating the histories, cultures and positive achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our vision for Reconciliation is a Wyndham where we embrace our diverse community, where local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people thrive and where we are a more respectful, inclusive and connected community.
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-2025
Wyndham City’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25 was developed in consultation with the Wyndham Reconciliation Advisory Committee (WRAC). The plan aimed to strengthen and continue Council’s role in facilitating a whole of community approach to Reconciliation and build on learnings and experiences from the 2017-2019 Reconciliation Action Plan.
The WRAC, predominantly made up of First Nations representatives, continued to guide the implementation of the RAP deliverables throughout the duration of the Plan, and provided a platform for engagement between First Nations community and Council across a broad range of issues.
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25
RAP Key Highlights
Mooroop Yarken Mural
‘Mooroop Yarkeen’ is an award-winning First Nations large scale mural by Tommy Day on the façade of the Hunter Building, 22 Synnot St, Werribee.
Treaty in the Park
On the 24th of November 2024, over 2000 mob and allies joined together on Wadawurrung Country for the Treaty in the Park event. It was a celebration of First Nations culture, art, food, and music, and a demonstration of support for Treaty. Delivered in partnership between the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Wyndham City Council, the day included a deadly music line up featuring Dan Sultan, Mo’ju, Kutcha Edwards, Brolga and Madi Colville-Walker.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Businesses
Wyndham City Council has strengthened its commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses through a Platinum Partner Membership with Kinaway – the Victorian Aboriginal Chamber of Commerce.
This partnership aims to create more inclusive and equitable opportunities across our local economy by connecting Council with certified First Nations businesses, sharing knowledge, and promoting sustainable procurement practices that deliver social value for the Wyndham community.
Truth-telling
Wyndham City Council has delivered First Nations Cultural Awareness workshops for both community and staff, including Senior Management, to strengthen understanding and relationships through a process of truth-telling. Delivered by Jillian West, Cultural Educator (Nomuckerlener) alongside Alexandra Prouse, the workshops provided an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Reconciliation Action Plan 2017-2019
On Tuesday 5 December 2017, Wyndham City took a significant step forward on the journey to reconciliation by adopting its first Reconciliation Action Plan.
The two year plan (2017-2019) provided a framework for Council to realise its vision for Reconciliation and set the foundations for a broad range of actions across three key areas: building relationships, showing respect and improving opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
2017-2019 Reconciliation Action Plan
2017 - 2019 Reconciliation Action Plan: Reflections
Highlights
Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Community Centre
Completion of the Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Community Centre in Wyndham Vale was a key achievement. “Wunggurrwil Dhurrung” meaning “strong heart” in Wadawurrung language, provides dedicated space for to strengthen community and cultural development, host community events and provide pathways to education, training and employment.
Possum Skin Cloak
The RAP 2017-2019 included a Cultural Document in the form of a community Possum Skin Cloak created with the community, led by Maree Clarke (Mutti Mutti, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung artist) and the late Les Tregonning. This work is part of Wyndham City’s Art Collection and is on permanent display at the Civic Centre.
Statement of Commitment
On 27 April 2015, Council endorsed the Statement of Commitment. This Statement was was developed through targeted consultation with a broad range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders, including Traditional Owners. It also involved an extensive consultation with Council staff across all Directorates.
The purpose of the Statement of Commitment is to formalise Wyndham City’s commitment to encourage greater understanding, acknowledgment, respect, inclusion and opportunities for Aboriginal people in this municipality. It commits Council to a range of principles and high-level actions.
Areas covered in the Statement of Commitment include:
- The management of cultural heritage;
- Building greater awareness, recognition and respect for Aboriginal culture in our community;
- Increasing civic participation of Aboriginal people at all levels;
- Combatting racism and discrimination experienced by Aboriginal people;
- Advocating to improve justice, health, education and housing outcomes for Aboriginal people;
- And creating culturally safe and accessible places.
This Statement of Commitment lays the foundation for the development of a four year Reconciliation Action Plan which will detail practical actions to deliver on these high-level commitments.
Wyndham City will work inclusively and in partnership with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people across this City to achieve the whole range of commitments made in this Statement of Commitment.