Reconciliation Action Plan

Aboriginal Visitors and Cultural Centre

The Aboriginal Visitors and Cultural Centre is proposed to be a place of recognition and learning about Nyungar culture, language, music, art and dance. It will be located near the corner of Gwilliam Drive and Progress Drive, Bibra Lake. Construction is anticipated to commence in September. 
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The City of Cockburn’s Reconciliation Action Plan provides the City with measurable actions that support the goal of closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Cockburn vision for reconciliation – English language

The City of Cockburn’s vision for reconciliation is to create an inclusive community with strong relationships across cultures. This vision is based on mutual respect and understanding. Our actions will contribute to the goal of closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. This is so all people can be valued and participate in the Cockburn community.

Cockburn vision for reconciliation – Nyungar language

Nidja City Cockburn baal djinang dandjoo-koorl moort-al warn moorditj kenyak yambo boola-boola dudjarak koordoodjinyal wer kaadadjiny. Ngaalang warn boorder-be dandidin djit kardakor Nyungar wer Torres Strait Islander wer warma noonakutt wagbella ali bandang moort baalap booder-be yokiny wer banga Cockburn moort.

(Nyungar language translation by the Late Reverend Sealin Garlett and Charmaine Bennell)

Why Reconciliation is important?

We are proud of the culture, history and First Nations people of Beeliar Boodjar.
Reconciliation is about building and strengthening respectful and genuine relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians experience significant differences in health, education, employment and life opportunities compared to non-Aboriginal people. We will work together to overcome inequalities and make our community inclusive and equitable for everyone.

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Reconciliation Action Plans provide a Framework with actions, timeframes and requirements to report as a means of turning good intentions into measurable actions. They enable organisations to take meaningful action to progress reconciliation, increase equity, and listen to First Nations voices.
The City of Cockburn has had three RAP’s - 2011-2013; 2013- 2016 and 2018- 2021. The most recent was a ‘Stretch’ RAP which sets targets for employment, engaging with Aboriginal businesses and other actions.

Developing the City's next Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2023 - 2025
The City is currently reviewing the 2018 - 2021 RAP, noting achievements as well as actions not yet achieved, and developing the next RAP through consultation and community engagement. 
RAP's need to be approved by Reconciliation Australia and adopted by Council. It is expected that the new RAP 2023 - 2025 will be in place by July 2023. It will be an Innovate RAP which allows the City time to reflect on the state of reconciliation work across Cockburn and within our local government organisation and set new goals as required.
Consultation is currently underway and a Comment on Cockburn Survey should be available by late January for the public. Any queries please contact the City on 94113444 and speak with a staff member about reconciliation and the City's RAP.

Some key achievements are:

  • The development of an Aboriginal Cultural and Visitors Centre at Bibra Lake (Walliabup), with detailed designs developed in 2021/2022 and building to start early 2023
  • Increase in First Nations employment at the City
  • Increased engagement with and procurement of First Nations businesses
  • The development and delivery of cultural competency training targeting racism for staff and other local governments. Participation in national Anti-Racism projects.
  • The long-term and on-going relationship with the City’s Aboriginal Reference Group
  • A number of projects incorporating Nyungar naming and signage 
  • The on-going provision of the weekly ‘My Time’ Aboriginal parents and grandparents group, and the Kwobarup Aboriginal Social Club for Elders and people with disability.

Reconciliation Community Group

The City wants to encourage and support reconciliation efforts across the broader Cockburn region, whether with individual residents, schools, day care centres, community groups or organisations. If you are interested in meeting up with others with a focus on reconciliation, or linking in to the City’s Reconciliation Week events, NAIDOC Week or other activities, please contact us.  

Reconciliation activities

  • The City acknowledges Sorry Day on May 26 and supports or delivers an event on this day
  • Reconciliation Week, May 27 - June 3, is celebrated each year with a range of activities
  • NAIDOC Week is celebrated in the first week of July each year with an official Flag Raising ceremony and activities that are relevant to the theme
  • The City also hosts other events, activities and projects throughout the year that contribute to Reconciliation.

More information and contact

Please contact the Aboriginal Community Development Officer for more information on the Reconciliation Action Plan or Reconciliation activities and events on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].

Contact

Address

Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Language Support

Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaadatj dayin boodja, kep wer malayin. Ngalak kaadatj koora koora wer yeyi ngalang birdiya.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging.