LOGAN CITY COUNCIL
INNOVATE
RECONCILIATION
ACTION PLAN
2015–2017
Logan City Council’s
vision for reconciliation with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples is grounded in
respect and strong relationships.
We recognise the past and
are working together to
be one community.
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES,
BUSINESSES AND PRIDE
CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
I am pleased to present Logan City Council’s Reconciliation
I am excited about the development of Logan City Council’s
Action Plan 2015-2017. This plan outlines how Logan City
Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-2017, which is well aligned to
Council will work within its sphere of influence to contribute to
our core values of our people, excellence, leadership
reconciliation within our great City.
and integrity.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER POPULATION
WITHIN LOGAN CITY COUNCIL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
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The City of Logan is vibrant, culturally diverse and
Through this plan, we aim to build stronger relationships and
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS
AND COMMUNITY ELDERS
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experiencing unprecedented expansion. As our City continues
trust between Logan City Council and Aboriginal and Torres
to grow and change, Logan City Council has a role in taking
Strait Islander communities in the City of Logan, increase
action towards reconciliation to help us build an even better
community pride, decrease prejudice and support an
City for everyone.
equitable workforce.
Through this Reconciliation Action Plan we join a growing
Logan City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-2017 is
number of Local Governments who are creating positive
a strategic document involving all areas of the organisation.
change throughout their organisations, communities
It includes a range of achievable and practical measures that
and Australia.
will influence positive reconciliation outcomes within the
City of Logan.
This is an exciting time for our City and we hope that, through
our actions, we can encourage other local organisations
I look forward to being a part of the implementation of
and businesses to commence their
Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-2017.
own journey of reconciliation for the
betterment of our whole City.
Chris Rose PSM
Chief Executive Officer
Logan City Council
Cr Pam Parker
Mayor City of Logan
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS3
Local Artwork Acknowledgements
OUR BUSINESS
Location of Logan City
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OUR RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
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OUR VISION FOR RECONCILIATION
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WHAT WE ARE ALREADY DOING
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ACTION PLAN
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1. Relationships
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2. Respect
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3. Opportunities
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4. Tracking Progress and Monitoring
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RAP WORKING GROUP
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CONTACT DETAILS
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ACRONYMS29
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CALENDAR
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
‘Logan City Council respectfully acknowledges the
Traditional Custodians of the lands across the City of Logan,
and extends that respect to the Elders, past, present and
emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the
cultures and hopes of Australia’s First Peoples’.
Logan City Council would like to thank the Elders, members
of the community, and staff from across the organisation who
provided valuable input to the development of Council’s first
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Logan City Council would like to acknowledge artists Colleen
Sam and Ronald Vieritz for providing the artwork presented in
this plan.
Logan City Council appreciates the support provided by
Reconciliation Australia in developing this RAP. The goal of
Reconciliation Australia is building relationships for change
between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and
other Australians. Logan City Council would like to advance
this goal within the City of Logan.
Nunukul Yuggera
Aboriginal Dancers
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
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LOCAL ARTWORK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ARTIST NAME:
ARTIST NAME:
Kalkadoon artist Colleen Sam (Ngungernnumma)
Ronald Vieritz
ARTWORK NAME:
ARTWORK NAME:
“Logan City: All cultures coming together”
“Hand on Land”
Colleen Sam is a local artist who has lived in Logan for 25
Ronald Vieritz is a Jagara man, which is a Traditional
years. Colleen was born in Mount Isa in Kalkadoon Country,
Custodian group of the Logan area. Through this artwork,
where her mother’s people are from, and her father’s people
the artist represents the importance of conservation of land
are from Warrumunga Country in Tennant Creek in the
and water, and how we have learned to live with and on the
Northern Territory. Colleen’s style is traditional Aboriginal art
land. This painting was created while the artist was working
which shares stories of dreamtime and Aboriginal people.
in landscaping during a dry period. The use of cracked clay
This artwork is the artist’s depiction of the coming together of
represents the dryness of the land, as well as the hands of the
all cultures who now live in the City of Logan. The coloured
workers at the end of the day. The two shades of brown of the
footprints represent people from many cultures coming
hand represent both European and Aboriginal people working
together and meeting in Logan. The central, colourful, circle
together to look after the land. The blue outline around the
represents the people in Logan, while the nine surrounding
hand symbolises the need to keep water conservation close
circles represent the many different homelands of those
to us, and the large white swirls represent walkways and
people. The Logan River, as well as clouds, rainbows and rain
discovery tracks which the artist worked on as part of the
are represented. The artist pays respects to the Traditional
redevelopment of farmlands into a wildlife corridor.
Ancestors of Logan through the depiction of spirit women,
men and children.
All images are copyrighted © by the artists. The use of any image from this publication is prohibited unless prior written
permission from the artist is obtained.
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
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ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER POPULATION
WITHIN LOGAN CITY COUNCIL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
The City of Logan is home to a diversity of Aboriginal and
Logan’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is
While we celebrate these successes, it is also acknowledged
A set of ambitious targets have been set by the Coalition of
Torres Strait Islander peoples, including descendants from
young. Almost half (49%) are under 17 years of age, and the
that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience
Australian Governments (COAG) to ‘close the gap’ nationally6.
the Aboriginal people of Logan (Traditional Custodians) as
percentage of people under the age of 24 is higher than the
ongoing disadvantage associated with the loss of lands,
Locally, Logan City Council has committed, through this
well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from
Queensland average.
identity, language and culture which continues to impact
Reconciliation Action Plan, to working within its sphere of
upon individuals and the community. This is reflected in a
influence to contribute to closing the gap locally.
across Australia.
There is a wealth of talent, success and creativity in Logan’s
significant gap between outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres
According to the 2011 census the City of Logan is home
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, which
Strait Islander and other Australians in terms of life expectancy,
to 7,795 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ,
includes artists, musicians, teachers, health workers,
health, educational attainment and employment.
representing 2.8% of the population2. This is almost double
leaders, entrepreneurs and many passionate, dedicated and
the number recorded in the 2006 census3.
successful people.
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For Logan’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population,
the following gaps in outcomes can be quantified from
The 2011 census included:
census data:
• 6,654 who identified as being Aboriginal
• 32% have completed year 12 (compared to 43% the overall
community)
• 655 who identified as being Torres Strait Islander
• 461 who identified as being both Aboriginal and Torres
• 8.8% have a tertiary education (compared to 16.1% of the
overall community)
Strait Islander4.
• 17.8% are looking for work (compared to 7.2% of the
overall community)
• 58.3% households are rented (compared to 30.4% of the
overall community)5
The community have advised that the actual figure is likely to be higher,
however Logan City Council must rely on formally recorded data such as
census data.
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(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011)
3
(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011)
4
(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011)
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
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(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011)
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(www.coag.gov.au/closing_the_gap_in_indigenous_disadvantage)
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Aunty Betty McGrady and Aunty
Peggy Tidyman from the Logan
District Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Corporation for
Elders — winners of the 2014
Davida Steele Memorial Award
for Outstanding Community
Organisation.
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS
AND COMMUNITY ELDERS
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS (TRADITIONAL OWNERS)
seek to pass judgement on the validity of any claim. It is
The City of Logan is at the intersection of several groups who
acknowledged that the areas claimed by the different groups
each have a claim as Traditional Custodians of lands within the
may significantly overlap, and that each group holds strong
Logan area. These groups are at various stages of researching
convictions about their unique spiritual, historical and ancestral
and documenting their ancestry, history, language and cultural
connections to lands within the City of Logan.
information. A number of groups have engaged in native title
processes under the Native Title Act 1993, however no native
Examples of Traditional Custodian responsibilities and matters,
title determinations have been made affecting the City of
relevant to Logan City Council, include:
Logan at the time of writing this RAP.
Logan City Council is aware of the following active groups who
• Welcome to Country services
• cultural heritage and matters relating to land and place
claim Traditional Custodianship over lands within the Logan
City Local Government Area (in alphabetical order):
• Turrbal (pronounced: Tur-ra-bul) people
• Yagara (pronounced: Yag-gar-rah) language speaking
people
• culture and language revival, preservation and education.
COMMUNITY ELDERS (HISTORICAL ELDERS)
There are many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders
who undertake important work within and for the Logan
community who are not the Traditional Custodians of
• Yugambeh (pronounced: You-gam-bear) language
speaking people
• Yugara / YUgarapul (pronounced: Yug-gar-rah /
You-gar-ra-pool) people.
Logan City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises
all Traditional Custodian claimant groups and does not
the Logan area. These Elders are generally referred to as
Community Elders or Historical Elders.
Many of these Elders have lived in the City of Logan for all
or most of their lives, and are passionate about the Logan
Examples of Community Elder responsibilities and matters,
community, however their ancestral lands are elsewhere
relevant to Logan City Council, include:
in Australia.
• providing advice about issues affecting the community
• working to improve social outcomes (e.g. health, education,
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
• leading and participating in community events
• education and advocacy regarding Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander histories, cultures, rights and reconciliation
• providing an Acknowledgement of Country when it is not
employment) for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
possible for a Traditional Custodian to provide a Welcome
community
to Country.
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Kilcoy
Caboolture
OUR BUSINESS
The City of Logan is a local government area in South East
LOCATION OF LOGAN CITY
Esk
Our City Vision is:
Queensland with an estimated resident population of 300,667
(in 2013) covering an area of 95, 960 hectares, making it
Logan City: Building our Communities, Our Businesses
one of the largest local governments in Australia. The City is
and Our Pride
situated between Brisbane to the north and the Gold Coast to
the south and also borders Scenic Rim, Ipswich and Redland
Logan City Council’s Corporate Plan outlines the following
Council areas. The City of Logan is divided into 64 suburbs
Priority Areas for 2013-2018:
and 12 Council divisions.
The City of Logan is one of the most culturally diverse cities in
• Building our major infrastructure
• Building our City’s image
Queensland with at least 215 different nationalities, ethnicities
and cultural groups. At the 2011 census, 2.8% of the City’s
residents identified as being Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island
peoples and 26.1% were born overseas.
Strathpine
Gatton
Brisbane
• Building our economic base
• Building our environment
• Building our service excellence
As a City we continue to become more diverse. Of the 72,618
people living in the City of Logan who were born overseas (in
2011), 21% arrived in Australia within the last 5 years7. As our
City continues to grow and change, Logan City Council has a
Ipswich
• Building the wellbeing of our communities
• Managing growth in our City
Beenleigh
leadership role in taking action towards reconciliation.
Logan City Council employs approximately 1,700 staff who
work together to deliver a range of services to residents and
City of Logan
Warrill View
businesses. Due to the absence of statistical information,
Logan City Council is currently in the process of gaining an
understanding of the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples employed by Council.
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(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011)
Gold Coast
Boonah
Beaudesert
Nerang
Surfers Paradise
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
Tweed Heads
OUR RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
OUR VISION FOR
RECONCILIATION
Logan City Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan 2015-2017 is
Logan City Council has developed this RAP now as it is a
a strategic document involving all areas of the organisation.
key action in the Logan: City of Choice Two Year Action Plan.
It includes a range of achievable and practical measures that
The City of Choice Two Year Action Plan was the result of
“Logan City Council’s vision for
will influence positive reconciliation outcomes within the
the Logan: City of Choice Summit in February 2013, which
reconciliation with Aboriginal and
City of Logan.
attracted more than 1,000 people from community, business
Torres Strait Islander peoples is
and non-government sectors, as well as Council, state and
grounded in respect and strong
While some areas of the organisation have been actively
federal government representatives. Further information about
relationships.
initiating, engaging and supporting reconciliation activities
the City of Choice Action Plan can be found on Logan City
for many years, this RAP marks the beginning of a whole-of-
Council’s website.
We recognise the past and are
working together to be one
Council reconciliation journey.
The development of a RAP also responds to Council’s Cultural
Logan City Council’s RAP has been prepared by a working
Diversity Strategy 2013 - 2016 and aligns with the Arts,
group of Elected Members, senior staff, Aboriginal and
Culture and Heritage Strategy 2014 - 2017 and Libraries
Torres Strait Islander staff and interested staff from across
and Cultural Services’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
the organisation. A list of Council’s RAP Working Group
Strategy 2013 - 2018.
community.”
members at the time of writing is included after the action
tables. Conversations and input from Aboriginal and Torres
READING OUR RAP
Strait Islander network groups and Elders has also informed
The following table provides an indication of how to read the
the development of Council’s RAP. In addition to the Working
actions table in our RAP:
Group, Council’s CEO and Mayor are also champions of
the RAP.
Action Items:
describes the overall purpose and objective of
the action.
This RAP outlines how Logan City Council will work within its
Responsibility:
outlines which Council branch or branches will take the
lead as well as key stakeholders in delivering the action.
In all cases, the branch Manager will be responsible for
ensuring the action is delivered.
Timing:
outlines when an action/deliverable will be completed,
unless otherwise stated. ‘Annually’ refers to the
duration of the Plan.
Deliverables:
details the activities and deliverables associated with
each action item.
sphere of influence to contribute to reconciliation within the
City of Logan.
By implementing our RAP, Logan City Council also aims to
demonstrate leadership in our community, and challenge other
local organisations and businesses to commence their own
journey of reconciliation for the betterment of our whole City.
Chris Tamwoy at Neville Lawrie Quarry
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
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WHAT WE ARE ALREADY DOING
Logan City Council is already engaged in a range of programs and initiatives that have contributed to establishing relationships
with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
PAST AND ONGOING INITIATIVES
• Cultural Diversity Strategy 2013-2016
• Libraries and Cultural Services’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Strategy 2013-2018
• Nyeumba Meta collection and Advisory Group
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Group
• Our Aunties and Uncles Digital Stories
• Yarning with Our Mob and numerous public programs in
libraries
• Grant applications in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples and groups
• Support and partnership in developing the Yugambeh
language app
• Write into Art: Yugambeh Language project for local
students, delivered through a partnership between Logan
Art Gallery and Yugambeh Museum
• Elders liaising with Parks branch for Culture in the Park
• Logan Art Collection and exhibitions at Logan Art Gallery
• Reading for Reconciliation book club
• Two day Cultural Heritage training session held with
Council staff
• Cultural Mix weekly new staff induction (including a brief
introduction regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities and Acknowledgement of Country)
• Events (including an annual NAIDOC flag raising ceremony
and Council participation at community NAIDOC events)
• Public art with Aboriginal and Torres Strait community
participation
• Engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities in conservation projects
INITIATIVES THAT ARE UNDERWAY
• Logan City Council guideline for Acknowledgement of
Country, Welcome to Country and engaging with Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Black Diggers of Logan digital stories project
• Encouraging grant applications for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander-led initiatives
• Elders liaising with Parks – expanding Culture in the Park
across Logan
• Uncle Reginald Knox retrospective exhibition at
Logan Art Gallery
Toni Pollard, Aunty Celia Watego, Aunty Iris Glenbar and Harrison Pollard, descendants of
Black Diggers Jack Pollard, George and Murray Watego and Valentine Hare.
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
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ACTION PLAN
Action Item
Responsibility
Timeline
Deliverables
1. RELATIONSHIPS
Organise and host at least one internal event each
year to celebrate and participate in NRW. Examples
of opportunities identified include:
Getting to know each other better assists us to communicate more effectively and develop empathy and
• tap into existing staff leadership and
development activities (e.g. Leadership Live)
understanding. Respectful relationships enable us to learn from each other and develop an inclusive and
strong community.
1.2.3
Ensure that all Council staff are provided
with an opportunity to participate in National
Reconciliation Week (NRW) to build relationships and
understanding.
Focus areas: Council staff and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to develop and strengthen
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: Libraries and
Cultural Services, Marketing,
Office of the CEO, RWG
27 May – 3 June
annually
• communicate to staff about the meaning NRW
and the significance of the dates
relationships through shared activities and increased learning.
Action Item
1.1
Timeline
Deliverables
Lead: Community Services
December 2015
RWG Terms of Reference finalised.
Stakeholders: RAP Working
Group, Libraries and Cultural
Services
Each quarter,
annually from June
2015
RAP Working Group to meet quarterly per year.
Community partnerships
1.2.1
Continue the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Partnership Group which provides a
framework for constructive dialogue between Council
and Logan’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities.
1.2.2
Continue to support the work of the
Nyeumba Meta Advisory Group, which is a forum
for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to
collaborate with Council and provide advice and direction
on appropriate and relevant programs, collections and
exhibitions at Council’s libraries and art gallery.
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• internal staff networking events
• provide opportunities for all staff to participate in
community events.
RAP working group
1.1.1
Continue the RAP Working Group (RWG)
to actively monitor the RAP development, including
implementation of actions, tracking of progress and
reporting.
1.2 Responsibility
Lead: Community Services,
Libraries and Cultural Services
bi-monthly, 2015
from June 2015
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership
Group to meet every two months in 2015.
Stakeholders: Marketing
(Community Engagement
program)
December 2015
Partnership group to agree on a framework for
continuing the group beyond the City of Choice Two
Year Action Plan timeframe.
Lead: Libraries and Cultural
Services
Bi-monthly, annually
from June 2015
The Nyeumba Meta Advisory Group continues to
meet every two months.
INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
• invite Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
Elders to talk with staff
1.2.4
Continue to engage with network groups
that are run by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community members to share information about Council
programs and connect with the issues and opportunities
discussed in these meetings.
1.2.5
Establish a relationship with Reconciliation
Queensland Incorporated and identify potential
partnerships in supporting grass-roots reconciliation
initiatives.
1.2.6
Continue to work with and strengthen
ongoing relationships with Traditional Custodian
claimant groups, including understanding the hopes
and aspirations of Traditional Custodians, and identifying
how Council can appropriately support them in achieving
these within its sphere of influence.
1.2.7
Investigate opportunities for Council to build
relationships between local Elders and Council’s
senior leadership and Elected Members.
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: Libraries
and Cultural Services, other
branches where appropriate.
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: RWG
members, Libraries and
Cultural Services
Report in December
annually
Council staff members to attend community
meetings where possible and appropriate.
Report in December
annually
Regularly share information about Council programs
and initiatives through email networks.
Initial meeting by
December 2015,
report progress in
December annually
Identify and progress partnership opportunities
with Reconciliation Queensland Incorporated, such
as participating in the Queensland Reconciliation
Awards, hosting events and activities, etc.
Report in December
annually
Hold regular discussions between Traditional
Custodian groups and Council.
Report in December
annually
Invite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in the
community to face to face networking opportunities
and/or events with the Logan City Council’s Mayor,
Councillors, CEO, DCEOs and Managers (e.g. an
Aunties and Uncles breakfast event).
Lead: Administration
Stakeholders: Marketing
(Community Engagement
program), Community Services,
other relevant branches
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: SLPT,
Governance, Branch Managers
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Action Item
Responsibility
Timeline
Deliverables
1.2.8
Ensure that Council maintains a contacts
list of local key Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander representatives and stakeholders,
including Elders, Traditional Custodians and other key
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and
representatives.
2. RESPECT
Lead: Community Services
Report in December
annually
Update and maintain Council’s contacts list of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
communities and organisations.
Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritages in our area helps build respect and
1.2.9
Identify local Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander artists to support Logan’s Sister City
relationships.
1.3
respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples.
Lead: Libraries and Cultural
Services
Stakeholders: Logan Office of
Economic Development
December 2015
Identify and create a list of local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander artists for potential Sister City
arts exchanges.
Report in December
annually
Engage with local artists to source appropriate
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander products for
Sister City gifts.
Focus areas: Engagement of Council staff, cultural awareness raising, implementation of cultural protocols community programs
and promotion and communications.
Action Item
2.1
Responsibility
Timeline
Deliverables
March 2016
Ensure cultural awareness is incorporated into the
induction program from newly Elected Members
following the March 2016 election.
Report in December
annually
Deliver cultural information and/or briefings at
management forums and events.
Report in December
annually
Develop and implement other appropriate cultural
engagement strategies with Council leadership.
December 2015
Invitation to Council staff to be involved in the RAP
through becoming a RAP Ambassador.
December 2015
Establish, collate and communicate resources (i.e. a
RAP Toolkit) to support RAP Ambassadors.
Staff engagement
Venues and Spaces
December 2015
1.3.1
Continue to encourage and promote the
use of Council’s spaces and places by Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples, as reflected in the Logan:
City of Choice Action Plan.
1.3.2
Continue to work with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander communities to identify opportunities for
public art.
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understanding. Sharing this learning, acknowledging special sites and respecting cultural protocols demonstrates
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: Libraries
and Cultural Services, Parks,
Sport, Leisure and Facilities,
Environment and Sustainability
Lead: Libraries and Cultural
Services
INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
Report in December
annually
Continue to work with the community, through the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership
Group, to identify and progress opportunities
to achieve their vision and plan for a dedicated
community space.
Develop targeted communications when EOIs
for leases for Council facilities become available,
including ensuring that contact details for interested
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups are up
to date on Council’s community facilities leasing
waiting list.
Report in December
annually
Encourage and support the use of existing spaces
and places, such as parks, open spaces, public
meeting spaces and venues, by Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities and peoples.
Report in December
annually
Develop public artworks with Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander community as opportunities arise, in
accordance with existing procurement policies.
2.1.1
Engage Elected Members, senior
leadership and management in opportunities to
develop a greater understanding of RAP commitments
and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,
histories, aspirations and achievements.
2.1.2
Establish a RAP Ambassadors program
which would engage interested Council staff in promoting
the RAP and delivering reconciliation messages and
activities with the aim of developing a foundation and
culture of respect and understanding throughout the
organisation.
Lead: RWG members
Stakeholders: SLPT,
Governance, Community
Services, Branch managers
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: RWG
members, RAP Ambassadors
Ongoing from
January 2016
Report in December
annually
Report in December
annually
RAP Ambassadors to communicate, promote and
act as a driver of Council’s RAP, including playing a
key role in implementing action 2.1.3 of this RAP.
Report on progress to the RWG annually.
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Action Item
2.1.3
Provide opportunities for Council staff to
engage in cultural learning experiences to increase
understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander histories, cultures, achievements and
aspirations and ensure that these opportunities are
available to all staff.
2.1.4
Continue to support NAIDOC Week and
encourage Council staff to engage in this important
national celebration.
Responsibility
Lead: Community Services,
RAP Ambassadors, RWG
members
Stakeholders: Libraries and
Cultural Services,
Marketing
Lead: Marketing (flag raising
ceremony), Community
Services
Stakeholders: Libraries
and Cultural Services, RWG
members
Timeline
Deliverables
December 2015
Share the RAP and key messaging with all Council
staff (i.e. hard copies of the RAP in shared spaces,
etc).
December 2015
Establish a staff intranet page that includes the
RAP, information about events and links to relevant
information and resources.
At least bi-monthly
from January 2016
Hold regular lunch box learning sessions, including
videos, media, internal and external speakers,
discussions, etc. RAP Ambassadors would play a
key role in delivering these sessions.
Report in December
annually
Upload regular information on Council’s daily
bulletin and/or intranet page.
Report in December
annually
Develop engagement activities that target and
involve outside staff without internet access.
Report in December
annually
Promote existing programs, initiatives and
achievements to all staff.
Report in December
annually
Participate in and promote campaign initiatives such
as ‘Racism Stops with Me’ and ‘Recognise’.
First full week of July
annually
Continue to coordinate a NAIDOC flag raising
ceremony in partnership with Community Elders.
First full week of July
annually
Continue to promote and where possible support
NAIDOC events in the community.
First full week of July
annually
Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander staff to participate in local NAIDOC Week
events.
First full week of July
annually
Encourage all Council staff to participate in NAIDOC
Week celebrations, including reviewing policies to
enable staff participation.
First full week of July
annually
Investigate hosting an internal NAIDOC week event for
Council staff. This may include a lunch box session.
Action Item
2.1.6
Strengthen partnerships with the community
through identifying volunteering opportunities for
Council staff at community events and organisations.
2.2
21
Stakeholders: RWG
members, Strategy,
Leadership and Performance
Team (SLPT), People and
Culture
INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
Lead: Community Services,
Libraries and Cultural
Services
Stakeholders: People and
Culture, RWG members
2.2.1
Continue to provide information about
Logan’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
in Council’s “Cultural Mix” staff induction session for
new staff.
June 2016
Deliverables
Report in December
annually
Identify and promote opportunities for staff to
volunteer at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community events and organisations to expand staff
knowledge and experience.
2.2.2
Provide opportunities for all Council staff
to engage in comprehensive cultural competence
training.
Delivered weekly
Lead: Community Services
Lead: Community Services,
People and Culture
Report in December
annually
New staff are provided with broad information about
Logan’s diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community, and made aware of Council’s RAP and
related policies.
December 2016
Develop and pilot a cultural awareness training
strategy for Council staff which defines cultural
learning needs of employees in all areas of Council
and considers various ways of which cultural
learning can be provided (online, face to face
workshops, cultural immersion). All staff should be
encouraged to participate in this training.
December 2015
In consultation with key Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander representatives, finalise and seek
Council endorsement for a Council guideline for
acknowledging and engaging Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Report in December
annually
Communicate with and engage Council staff,
including incorporating the Guideline into material
developed to support RAP Ambassador’s.
Report in December
annually
Welcome to Country provided at identified Council
events in accordance with Council’s Guideline.
Each full Council
meeting from July
2015
Acknowledgement of Country is provided at the
commencement of full Council meetings.
2.3Protocols
2.3.1
Engage Council employees and Elected
Members in understanding cultural protocols around
Acknowledgement of Country, Welcome to Country
and engaging with representatives of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
2.3.2
Continue to encourage Welcome to
Country to be provided by a local Traditional Custodian
for significant events managed by Council, including:
• NAIDOC flag ceremony
Lead: Community Services,
Marketing (Community
Engagement program)
Lead: Marketing, Community
Services
Stakeholders: Libraries and
Cultural Services
• Citizenship ceremonies
Lead: Community Services
Scope and develop a proposal to Council’s Strategy,
Leadership and Performance Team to create and
promote a Year of Reconciliation for 2017.
Timeline
Cultural competency
Lead: Community Services
2.1.5
Identify opportunities for an organisationwide approach to promoting reconciliation messages and
imbedding reconciliation into organisational culture, such
as a Year of Reconciliation.
Responsibility
2.3.3
Incorporate an Acknowledgement of Country
in public meetings, such as full Council meetings.
Stakeholders: Governance,
Elected Members
22
Action Item
2.4
Timeline
Deliverables
April 2015
Complete and promote the Black Diggers of Logan
digital stories project.
Encouraging participation in employment, economic development and wellbeing initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres
Report in December
annually
Ensure that Council’s Art Collection includes works
by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
contributes towards closing the gap in outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other
Report in December
annually
Appropriate initiatives, exhibitions, shows and
programs are sourced/developed and delivered and/
or presented at Logan City Council venues.
December 2015
Organise and purchase Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander flags for permanent display outside Logan
City Council’s Administration Building.
Arts and culture
2.4.1
Continue to support Logan City Council
libraries, art gallery and entertainment centre
in developing projects, workshops, initiatives and
exhibitions that assist in increasing public understanding,
acknowledgment and respect for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, histories and
contributions.
2.5
Responsibility
Lead: Sport, Leisure and
Facilities, Libraries and
Cultural Services
3. OPPORTUNITIES
Strait Islander peoples and businesses helps to enhance life opportunities within an inclusive community, and
Australians.
Focus areas: employment attraction and retention, supplier diversity, funding opportunities and community programs.
Displays and signage
2.5.1
Display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander flags outside Council’s City Administration
Centre.
Lead: Administration
Stakeholders: Community
Services
Lead: Community Services
2.5.2Publicly display an Acknowledgement of
Country in prominent Council venues to show respect
and recognition of the Aboriginal Traditional Custodians of
the Logan area.
Stakeholders: RWG
members, Administration,
Parks, Environment and
Sustainability, Customer
Service, Libraries and Cultural
Services, Sport, Leisure and
Facilities
June 2016
Organise for the display of an Acknowledgement of
Country statement, as well as Council’s vision for
reconciliation, in Council’s customer service centres
and other identified sites (e.g. depots, libraries,
parks, open spaces, key meeting spaces, etc) for
public viewing.
Action Item
3.1
Responsibility
Timeline
Deliverables
Lead: People and Culture
October-November
annually
Maintain a proportion of Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander traineeships that is reflective of
Logan’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
population.
Commence in March
2015, and report in
December annually
Identify and implement an appropriate approach
(or approaches) to determine how many Council
staff identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,
including who they are, where they are located, and
whether and how they would like to be involved in
Council’s RAP.
Employment attraction and retention
3.1.1
Continue to provide traineeship
opportunities to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
peoples within Logan City Council.
3.1.2
Ensure Council has an understanding of
how many staff identify as Aboriginal and/or
Torres Strait Islander and how they would like to be
engaged.
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholder: People and
Culture
Develop and communicate an Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander employment and retention strategy.
This may include investigating and developing
opportunities to:
Lead: Community Services
2.5.3
Investigate opportunities to incorporate
Aboriginal language/s and/or words or meanings in the
naming or co-naming of Council spaces and places.
2.6
Stakeholders: Parks,
Environment and
Sustainability, Libraries and
Cultural Services, Road
Infrastructure Planning,
Development Assessment
June 2017
Conduct a formal review of naming/co-naming
policies for Council spaces and places (i.e. parks,
community facilities, streets, open spaces, etc).
Promotion and Communication
2.6.1
Share information with the public about
Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, including progress,
achievements and related information.
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: Marketing,
Libraries and Cultural
Services
December 2015
Develop a dedicated page on Council’s website
providing information about Council’s Reconciliation
Action Plan, links to existing programs and
initiatives, a calendar of significant dates and events
and if appropriate, information about local Aboriginal
history to the City of Logan.
• increase employment of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people within Logan City Council
3.1.3
Investigate opportunities to increase
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment within
Council through the development of an Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employment and retention
strategy.
Lead: People and Culture
Stakeholders: Marketing,
Community Services, RWG
members
June 2017
• identify and address any barriers to employment
attraction and retention
• improve internal support channels and
communications (including peer mentoring)
• inform people of their rights under Council’s
discrimination policy, including reporting racism
• strengthen and support internal relationships
• advertise vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander media (e.g. Generation One).
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
24
Action Item
3.1.4
Increase the profile of Logan City as an
employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people through engagement with Registered
Training Organisations.
3.2
3.2.2
Identify and address any barriers that might
exist that impact upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
participation in Council procurement processes.
Deliverables
June 2016
Develop and implement a plan to engage with
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) who
specifically support Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people.
June 2016
Develop and pilot a work experience program for
local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high
school students.
Lead: People and Culture
4. TRACKING PROGRESS AND MONITORING
Action Item
Responsibility
Lead: Administration
Stakeholders: Community
Services, all branches of
Council that procure services
Lead: Administration
December 2015
Investigate opportunities to encourage supplier
diversity within Council.
December 2015
Identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned/
run businesses.
December 2015
Identify and implement strategies to encourage
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement in
procurement processes.
3.3.2
Work with the community to identify and
share external funding opportunities and, where
possible and appropriate, apply for funding to deliver
projects in partnership with the community.
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: Marketing,
Libraries and Cultural Services
Lead: Community Services
Stakeholders: Libraries and
Cultural Services, Marketing
Report in December
annually
Ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people are aware of Council funding opportunities
via network groups and email lists.
Report in December
annually
Provide support and encouragement in the
preparation of funding applications where possible
and appropriate.
Report in December
annually
Where state, federal and other funding opportunities
are identified, share this information with the
community via networks and email lists.
Report in December
annually
Where possible and appropriate, pursue opportunities
for funding to develop and deliver community driven
initiatives in partnership with the community.
Report in December
annually
Work with the community to identify and address
barriers to participating in programs.
Report in December
annually
Capture data on participation by people who identify
as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Timeline
Deliverables
December 2015
Develop and implement a data collection process to
measure the RAP progress and successes.
November annually
Complete and present an annual progress
report, including the RAP Impact Measurement
Questionnaire, for consideration and endorsement
by Council.
December annually
Submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire
to Reconciliation Australia.
July to December
2017
Review key achievements and learnings of Council’s
Innovate RAP and develop priorities for a future
plan.
4.1Reporting
Lead: Community Services
4.1.1
Ensure that Reconciliation Australia’s
annual reporting requirements are met, including
reporting internally via Council.
4.2
Stakeholders: Office of the
CEO, RWG, Libraries and
Cultural Services
Planning ahead
Funding opportunities
3.3.1
Encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples to apply for available Council
funding to deliver programs for their communities.
3.4
Timeline
Supplier diversity
3.2.1Investigate opportunities to encourage
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier
diversity within existing procurement policies and
strategies.
3.3
Responsibility
4.2.1
Refresh and update the RAP based on key
learnings and achievements.
Lead: RWG
Stakeholder: Community
Services
Community programs
3.4.1
Work with the community to encourage
greater awareness and participation in Council
managed programs aimed at improving the health
and wellbeing of the community, including:
• Council’s Immunisation Clinics
Lead: Community Services,
Animal and Pest Services
(Immunisation program)
• Live Well Logan program
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
26
RAP WORKING GROUP
CONTACT DETAILS
The following Elected Members and staff make up Logan City Council’s RAP Working Group at the time of writing, and developed
For further information about Logan City Council’s RAP
this Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. This list includes staff who identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
• Oliver Simon, Deputy CEO, Community and Customer
Services
• Cr Russell Lutton, Deputy Mayor, Councillor, Division 2
• Cr Steve Swenson, Councillor, Division 3, and Cultures
Portfolio Champion
• Annette Turner, Manager, Libraries and Cultural Services
• Carolyn Johnson, Manager, Animal and Pest Services
• Di Ezzy, Manager, Administration
• Simon Benham, Manager, Governance
• Chris Boulton, Manager, Parks
• Shane Mansfield, Manager, City Standards
• Michelle Griffin, Community Development and Safety
Program Leader (Acting), Community Services
• Donald MacKenzie, Sustainable City Program Leader
(Acting), Environment and Sustainability
• David Hansen, Workforce Planning & Recruitment
Coordinator, People and Culture
POSTAL ADDRESS:
Community Services Branch
Logan City Council
PO Box 3226
Logan City DC 4114
PHONE:
07 3412 3412
• Bronwyn Mapusua, Branch Support Officer, Marsden
Depot, Road Construction and Maintenance
• Derek Binstead, Cemetery Team Leader, Parks
• Alice Sherring, Community Engagement Program Leader
(Acting), Marketing
• Peter Murphy, Customer Service Training Officer, Customer
Service
• Mathew Johns, Manager, Customer Service
• Jess Mudge, Projects Officer, Libraries and Cultural
• Mark Goldsworthy (from January 2015), Manager, People
Services
and Culture
• Cara Powdrell, Community Development Officer,
• Rob Howes (until December 2014), Workforce Planning
Community Services
Program Leader, People & Culture
• Toni Pollard, Processing Assistant, Libraries and Cultural
• Stewart Wall, Manager, Disaster Management & Specialist
Services
Engineering
• Justine Rudd, Principal Policy Officer, Growth Management
• John Webb, LEC & Community Venues Program Leader,
and Urban Design
Sports, Leisure and Facilities
• Ron Greenwood, Labourer, Water Operations
Sorry Day 2013, left to right: Aunty Heather Castledine, Cassandra Tratt (Medicare Local), Robert
Frescon (Medicare Local), David Wragge (guest presenter), and Aunty Betty McGrady.
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INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
28
ACRONYMS
ABS
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CALENDAR
Australian Bureau of
26 JANUARY
Australia Day / Day of Mourning*
13 FEBRUARY
National Apology Day
21 MARCH
Harmony Day
MID-LATE MARCH
National Close the Gap Day
26 MAY
National Sorry Day / National Day of Healing
27 MAY - 3 JUNE
National Reconciliation Week
3 JUNE
Mabo Day
1 JULY
Coming of the Light Festival (Torres Strait Islander celebration)
FIRST WEEK OF JULY
NAIDOC Week
4 AUGUST
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
9 AUGUST
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
Statistics
CEO / DCEO
Chief Executive Officer /
Deputy Chief Executive
Officer
LCC
Logan City Council
NAIDOC
National Aborigines and
Islanders Day Observance
Committee
NRW
National Reconciliation
Week
RAP
Reconciliation Action Plan
RWG
Reconciliation Action Plan
(RAP) Working Group
SLPT
Strategy, Leadership and
Performance Team
*Australia Day is seen by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as
a day of mourning, as for many it represents a time of loss rather than a time of
celebration. Many people see Australia Day as an opportunity to build awareness
and have a conversation about what the day actually means to both Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader population.
Uncle Barry Watson and his grandson
29
INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2015–2017
30
LOGAN CITY COUNCIL
INNOVATE
RECONCILIATION
ACTION PLAN
2015–2017
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES,
BUSINESSES AND PRIDE