Aboriginal Community Plan - Bayikulinan

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Lake Macquarie will gain better access to services and facilities across the City under a draft five year Council plan.

The draft Aboriginal Community Plan 2019-2023 Bayikulinan (to act in the future), outlines six key focus areas and more than 50 actions highlighting the successes and challenges of Aboriginal people living and working in Lake Macquarie.

Council Aboriginal Community Development Officer Maree Edwards said the plan was developed following extensive consultation with the community.

“The draft Plan highlights some of the positive outcomes that have already taken place in our community, and provides actions to be carried out across Council to address some of the community’s ongoing needs,” Ms Edwards said.

The six key focus areas outlined in the draft plan are:

• Cultural awareness and understanding;
• Cultural celebrations;
• Elders and people with disability;
• Culture, country, heritage, language;
• Children and young people; and
• Partnerships, funding and support

Ms Edwards said the draft plan aimed to improve Aboriginal people’s livelihood and cultural values, as well as enhance relationships between Council, community and service providers.

“We want to build knowledge and understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal culture and heritage, and improve issues still facing Aboriginal people today,” Ms Edwards said.

“This plan will also help us recognise the achievements of Aboriginal people in our community and the organisations that support them.”

Census data shows Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders account for 4.1 per cent of Lake Mac’s population – significantly higher than the national average of 2.8 per cent.

The draft Plan is on public exhibition at all Lake Mac Libraries and at Council’s Administration Building at Speers Point until 30 April.

Have your say at shape.lakemac.com.au/aboriginal-community-plan.

In a decision at Council's ordinary meeting on Monday 25 March 2019, the draft Aboriginal Community Plan 2019-2023 was put on public exhibition for 28 days.

Lake Macquarie Mayor, Councillor Kay Fraser said, “In developing this draft plan, we undertook extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders. Council is committed to assisting in closing the gap and I believe this strategy provides a positive framework going forward. I urge everyone interested to have their say on the draft document when it is made available soon.”

Lake Macquarie City Council is currently reviewing and updating the Aboriginal Community Plan and Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“We want to learn more about the key challenges facing local communities, success stories and ways you think Council can contribute.”

To be involved in the review, complete our short survey online. Submit your feedback before Friday 10 February and you will go in the draw to win a $200 voucher to Saretta Fielding's Art and Design.

Council’s Acting Manager Community Planning, Stephen McAlister, said these two significant strategic documents will support Council to facilitate the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community across the City.

“The Aboriginal Community Plan highlights the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents in our City, and aims to identify priority areas and strategies to meet these needs,” Mr McAlister said.

“To determine the needs of the Lake Macquarie community and develop actions for the next three years, we are seeking input from the wider-community, as well as Elders, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Traditional Owner organisations, Aboriginal organisations, those who work with or in the Aboriginal community and various government agencies.

The 2012-2015 Aboriginal Community Plan identified 35 priority actions, out of which 32 were completed. Some of the achieved actions include:

·deliver Aboriginal culture sessions, free to Council staff and external organisations, in particular those working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;

·compile and distribute the quarterly newsletter, Koori Grapevine

·host community events to recognise significant cultural dates like NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week

·attend and contribute to community meetings and gatherings, in particular the Eastlakes and Westlakes NAIDOC committees;

·offer an allocation of funding for NAIDOC Week events and cultural identity programs; and

·support and partner with internal and external departments to offer community programs.

Lake Macquarie City Council has won Council of the Year at the 2016 NSW Local Government Aboriginal Network Awards.

The award recognises Council’s dedicated programs that celebrate our Indigenous heritage and bring the Aboriginal and broader community together.

Council’s Acting Manager Community Planning, Andrew Bryant, said more than 6,500 residents in Lake Macquarie identify themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and this award is a testament to Council’s commitment to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, as well as their history, culture and achievements.

“This year Council had great success in maintaining partnerships with the community and our local Aboriginal Land Councils to deliver a range of exciting programs aimed at encouraging healthy living, community leadership, participation in community events and raising public awareness,” Mr Bryant said.

Doug Archibald, a Works Assistant who has been with Council for more than 30 years and a renowned Aboriginal artist, was named 2016 NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Council Outdoor Employee of the Year. Doug is a proud descendent of the Gumbangurri clan and has made a significant impact in and around Lake Macquarie through his artistic talent in various mediums.

Adam Lee, a Bush Regenerator for Lake Macquarie Landcare, was named Young Achiever of the Year for his work in mentoring and mediation, and providing leadership to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. A proud descendant of the Gomeroi and Wiradjuri peoples, Adam has forged close relationships with young people, Aboriginal Elders and community leaders.

Over the past year, Council has supported and worked closely with the community to:

• Provide financial assistance to 24 organisations participating in NAIDOC Week;
• Install interpretative signage explaining elements of European and Aboriginal culture along the Fernleigh Track;
• Host Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness workshops;
• Promote local Aboriginal history and culture through the library’s Cultural Knowledge Centre;
• Celebrate NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week;
• Promote awareness and understanding through permanent displays of Aboriginal cultural items and artworks in Council’s Administration Building foyer;
• Provide opportunities for mentoring and engaging young Aboriginal people in community activities; and
• Highlight the achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the quarterly Koori Grapevine newsletter.