MEDIA RELEASE - West Arnhem Regional Council walking together in both worlds

West Arnhem Regional Council (WARC) is celebrating a significant milestone in the journey towards reconciliation following the launch of its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

In what was a momentous beginning to NAIDOC Week 2021, staff across the six West Arnhem office locations joined together to celebrate the ‘Innovate’ RAP launch on Monday, 5 July 2021.

The plan shares a strong vision to champion meaningful consultation and improve relationships with First Nations Peoples based on integrity, respect, relationships and opportunities; to deliver beneficial outcomes for the West Arnhem region.

With more than 55 per cent of Council’s team identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, developing the RAP is a fundamental step towards achieving the goals of the organisation together, by walking in both worlds.

WARC Mayor Matthew Ryan said the document is significant from cover to cover, and reflects 12 months of sharing stories of reconciliation with staff and the people living in the Aboriginal Lands of Kakadu and West Arnhem.

“It has been a long time coming, and now we are here with a RAP we are extremely proud of,” he said.

“This is a strong beginning for our ongoing journey and commitment to reconciliation.” 

The remarkable artwork embedded in the RAP document are images developed by artist Shaun Lee which were inspired by each West Arnhem community. ‘Ngalyod’ (rainbow serpent), which is regarded as an important ancestor spirit in West Arnhem Land, is also featured prominently in the artwork.

Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine said the RAP, “signals West Arnhem Regional Council’s readiness to develop and strengthen relationships, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and pilot innovate strategies to ensure effective outcomes”.

 

ENDS

See Reconciliation Action Plan here