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Maribyrnong City Council Indigenous Policy 2013-2018

Wominjeka and Yurrongi

In the Woi wurrung language of the traditional owners of the City of Maribyrnong, ‘wominjeka’ means welcome and ‘yurrongi’ means to proceed. The City of Maribyrnong is welcoming of Indigenous Australians and intends to proceed its support and celebration of their people and culture.

CONTENTS

Mayor’s Message

CEO’s Message

Purpose and Background

Consultations

Values

Legislative Framework

Accountability

Indigenous Maribyrnong Past Present

Commitments & Priorities Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Relationships Respect Opportunities

Glossary

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Mayor’s Message It is with great sincerity that I present Maribyrnong City Council’s 2013-2018 Indigenous Policy. Council is proud to represent a municipality with such an important Indigenous history and active community where the contributions of local Indigenous Australians are clear.

Council acknowledges that the land we are on was traditionally owned by Aboriginal elders and appreciates the rich culture and contributions Indigenous Australians have made and continue to make to this City. It also acknowledges that Indigenous Australians often face unique challenges that Council has a role in addressing.

For these reasons, I am pleased to deliver a Policy that not only celebrates the City’s Indigenous history and communities, but supports their wellbeing. Council is committed to help meet the worrying health, education and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We look to the future with optimism and through this Policy, will actively respond to the needs of local Indigenous communities.

We want to help ensure that all Australians feel welcome in the City; especially the first Australians. I am committed to creating a just, fair and harmonious City and recognise that true reconciliation and healing must be driven by non-Indigenous Australians and government leadership.

I’d like to thank the many individuals, groups and service providers who contributed to the development of this Policy by openly talking to Council staff and attending workshops. Together, we look forward to meeting the vision and commitments outlined in this Policy and enjoying the improvements they will make for our whole community.

Cr Catherine Cumming, Mayor

CEO’s Message This 2013-2018 Indigenous Policy was developed in consultation with community members and service providers, as well as our own staff. I extend my sincere thanks to all those who took the time to tell us what Council’s priorities should be for local Indigenous Australians.

This Policy will guide annual Reconciliation Action Plans; a first for Council that I am immensely proud of. The Plans will outline how Council will build its relationships with local Indigenous communities, respect Indigenous culture and heritage and provide opportunities for local Indigenous Australians, within Council and in the broader community.

The City’s Indigenous population has been steadily increasing over the last ten years, a time when the City as a whole has entered a time of rapid expansion and development. We recognise that during this time of change it is vital that we continue to ensure the City of Maribyrnong is respectful and welcoming of all who live, work and visit the municipality.

We look forward to working in partnership with Indigenous communities and ensuring our capacity to do so appropriately and genuinely. Council will use this Policy to guide our service delivery for Indigenous Australians and how we can best represent them.

Vince Haining, Chief Executive Officer

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PurposeThe purpose of Maribyrnong City Council’s 2013-2018 Indigenous Policy is to establish our commitments to supporting local Indigenous Australians, honouring local Indigenous history and celebrating both. It will guide annual Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) outlining the work we will do each year in partnership with the community, as well as with staff, to build our capacity to best represent Council’s Indigenous residents.

This is a whole of Council Policy that applies across all departments and involves all community members; Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Council acknowledges that supporting Indigenous Australians includes addressing racism and reconciliation. We also acknowledge that Indigenous communities are diverse within themselves. We support all Indigenous Australians, regardless of their faith, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability or income.

The Policy will inform the quality of and access to Council services for Indigenous Australians. It commits Council to working internally with its own staff and systems, and externally by engaging meaningfully with the community to ensure all Indigenous Australians feel a sense of belonging in our municipality.

Our intention is for the Policy to help the City of Maribyrnong be a truly multicultural community, where first Australians are just as valued as the many migrant cultures who now call the City their home, and where Indigenous history and stories are not forgotten, but are a source of pride.

Background The Maribyrnong City Council’s previous policy supporting Indigenous communities was the 2009-2013 Indigenous Policy and Action Plan. In 2013, Council decided to develop annual rather than multiple-year action plans, in order to cater for changes in the community and potential legislative or Council structure changes.

From 2009-2013 a number of initiatives were implemented across Council that changed the way local Indigenous people participated in community life and were supported and celebrated by Council. Many of these achievements will continue in the coming five years and are outlined in the ‘Commitments’ section.

ConsultationsThis Policy and its first-year RAP were developed with input from the community and could not have been completed without them. The consultations highlighted areas for improvement and focus, and reiterated Council’s leadership role in supporting and celebrating local Indigenous communities and history. The consultation process included three elements:

ResearchCouncil’s previous Indigenous policy and action plan were reviewed along with relevant International, National, State and other Council policies and legislation. Research was conducted into local Indigenous history before and after colonisation, Indigenous language, traditional groups, service providers and demographics.

Meeting with community members and groupsDiverse local Indigenous Australians provided input into the Policy and RAP through one-on-one and small group meetings held at familiar venues. People most preferred the term

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‘Indigenous Australians’ and were generally satisfied with how Council runs services and engages with different groups.

The top five challenges were: racism employment healthy and affordable food fun and affordable things to do secondary school attendance and completion

With reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians being one of our commitments, staff also received input from non-Indigenous Australians.

Service Provider consultationRepresentatives from Government, education, housing, health, representative bodies, traditional owners and art, disability, women’s, senior’s, children’s and youth services were consulted. People were individually consulted and six people attended a workshop with 16 key staff. Recurring themes were:

lack of awareness of Council’s role and services a need for better relationships with staff, particularly in home- services people being challenged on or not asked their Indigenous identity the importance of feeling safe and welcome in Council venues and services a need to improve partnerships with Indigenous organisations, groups and

programs more initiatives promoting pride in Indigenous identity and culture, particularly for

young Indigenous people initiatives addressing mental health (including grief and loss) and lateral and

domestic violence

Consultation16 Council Officers from Maribyrnong City Council Departments attended two workshops with service providers.

Values

Active Engagement and InclusionCouncil will actively engage and encourage Indigenous communities and individuals to participate in the life, activities and decision making in the City.

AdvocacyCouncil will bring the needs and achievements of its Indigenous communities to the attention of government, business and other organisations, in order for them to be responded to or celebrated.

EqualityCouncil will treat everyone equally and award them every human right and responsibility, regardless of their culture, ancestry, faith, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability or income.

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Equity and AccessibilityCouncil will work to make the City a fair place by addressing restrictions or barriers to Indigenous people accessing services, opportunities and resources.

PartnershipCouncil will seek to strengthen the trust and confidence of its Indigenous community. We will work closely with groups, organisations, businesses and communities to achieve a shared vision.

RepresentationCouncil takes its obligations to the community seriously. Council will strive to ensure that all activities are planned, designed and implemented in the public interest by balancing and responding to changing needs, strengths and opportunities in a sustainable manner.

RespectCouncil will respect all people, ideas, beliefs and lifestyles and treat all people with dignity. Council will encourage all staff and community members to do likewise.

Transparency and AccountabilityCouncil will ensure all its processes, decisions and actions are carried out in an honest and transparent way, and open them to regular public monitoring and scrutiny.

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Legislative FrameworkThis Policy was developed in accordance with International, National, State and Local policies and legislation. Only those International documents to which Australia is a

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signatory have been included.

Accountability

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Maribyrnong City Council Plan 2013-2017One of the first actions of the Council Plan is to implement this Indigenous Policy and Annual Reconciliation Action Plan in 2013-14 and for them to contribute to three wellbeing outcomes: liveability, a well-planned city and equity.

The Council Plan puts community health and wellbeing at the top of our priorities by incorporating the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. It includes a Wellbeing Commitment that Council will engage the most vulnerable community groups.

All nine wellbeing outcomes apply to Indigenous Australians, particularly creating: Cultural Vibrancy; a city that respects, celebrates and protects the history and

diversity of our heritage, cultural precincts, the arts and community spaces Community Harmony; a strong sense of community built on diversity of gender,

age, culture, ability, lifestyle and faith and that supports social inclusion and community decision making

One of the Plan’s six strategic objectives is ‘Liveability’. It commits Council to fostering a connected and welcoming city for all by providing well designed places and quality services.

The Plan reflects feedback from community consultations that ‘embracing and celebrating diversity, recognising our cultural strength and Indigenous heritage’ is important. In response, Council will: 1. Improve the city’s amenity to create safe, high quality and inviting public places, services and facilities for all.2. Increase opportunities for community participation in Council’s decision making.3. Celebrate and promote our history, creativity and diversity.4. Advocate on issues of importance to our community.5. Develop strong partnerships with a range of organisations and stakeholders to provide social, economic, built and cultural environments that support community wellbeing.

Reconciliation Action PlansOur annual Reconciliation Action Plans will be developed through consultations with the community to ensure they are up to date and appropriate. They will be publically available and each year and staff will report to Council and Reconciliation Australia on the progress of this Policy and the plan.

Local Government Act 1989The Councillors and administration of Maribyrnong City Council operate under this Act to deliver services to residents, business and visitors to the municipality. Section 3D(2) of the Act states that the role of a council includes “acting as a representative government by taking into account the diverse needs of the local community in decision making.”

We have a responsibility to respond to the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who reside, study, work in and visit our City. As a council, we work to respond to community needs and aspirations as identified under the Act. This can include advocacy and facilitation regarding cultural, heritage, social, health and wellbeing and economic issues.

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Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Regulations 2007Council is required to protect all sites, objects and human remains that are sacred and or significant to Indigenous Australians, whether they are on public or private land. This legislation requires Council to prepare Cultural Heritage Management Plans before making a decision on planning permit applications where all or part of the area is of cultural heritage sensitivity and all or part of the activity is of high impact.

The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006As a public authority, Council is obligated to consider 20 human rights when making laws, developing policies and delivering programs and services. This Policy has been developed in consideration of those rights. The implementation of this Policy through its Action Plans will avoid limiting these human rights and promote many of them, including the rights to:

recognition and equality before the law; freedom of thought conscience, religion and belief; freedom of expression; peaceful assembly and freedom of association; protection of families and children; take part in public life; and cultural rights (noting that Aboriginal persons hold distinct cultural rights).

Close the Gap TargetsCouncil is represented by the Australian Local Government Association; a member of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). In 2008, COAG members committed to six ‘Close the Gap Targets’ that councils are obligated to respond to. The targets focus on improving the health, education and employment of Indigenous Australians and will been addressed through Council’s Reconciliation Action Plans.

Indigenous MaribyrnongAboriginal people have lived in the Maribyrnong River valley for at least 40,000 years, probably far longer. They witnessed vast changes to the landscape, including monumental events such as the flooding of Port Phillip Bay around 10,000 years ago at the end of the last Ice Age.

The City of Maribyrnong’s significant Indigenous history, vibrant community, legendary stories and sacred sites are important and helped guide this Policy. The word ‘Maribyrnong’ itself is an anglicised version of ‘Mirring-gnay-bir-nong’, which means 'I can hear a ringtail possum' in the Woi wurrung language.

PastThe area now known as the City of Maribyrnong was a significant meeting place for the tribes and clans of the Kulin Nation, particularly the Boonwurrung language group and the Wurundjeri and Marin-balluk clans of the Woi wurrung language group.

Where the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers join was an especially important place as it symbolised the joining of groups who would travel along the river. Many sacred sites have been identified and some are outlined under the ‘Sites’ section.

The first recorded European visitor to the area was Charles Grimes, Deputy Surveyor-General of New South Wales, in February 1803. By the 1830s, European settlement had a massive impact on local Aboriginal people, decimating communities, displacing families,

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disrupting lives. Traditional lands were taken over by settlers and graziers and the local “Aboriginal community was subjected to introduced diseases, massacres and discriminatory government policies" that still have an effect today. (Aboriginal Heritage Study (AHS), 2001)

In the 1920's and 1930's Aboriginal people began moving back from missions and government reserves to the Maribyrnong area. Many people worked in large established industries - Angliss and Pridhams Meatworks, the munitions factories, Kinnears ropes and the railways.

During the 1930's and 1940's, Indigenous Australians in the City of Maribyrnong were at the forefront of the Aboriginal rights movement led by William Cooper whose Footscray homes were the early headquarters of the Australian Aborigines League.

PresentThe City of Maribyrnong has a friendly and strong Indigenous community. It is home to dedicated Indigenous art programs and performances, supportive health services, an active church fellowship and grass roots sports initiatives.

The majority of the local Indigenous community live in West Footscray, followed by Braybrook, Kingsville and Maidstone. Many more come the to City to work and study, for worship and leisure, and to access a range of services and resources.

Indigenous populations tend to be underrepresented in government data. Research indicates that reluctance to participate in data collection is generally due to negative experiences with the use of data, such as the removal of children from their families. Due to the Stolen Generation and poor government records, many Australians are unable to identify as Indigenous until they discover or verify their ancestry late in life and many others are never able to verify their Indigenous ancestry. Despite this, statistics offer insight and help guide Council’s work with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

326 residents identified as Indigenous Australians in the 2011 ABS Census, or 0.5% of the local population. 295 people identified themselves as Aboriginal, 17 as Torres Strait Islander and 10 as both. 13 people said they speak an Indigenous language at home.

The majority of the Indigenous community are aged between 35-39 and 10-24 years. Between ages 15-19 years, there are twice as many females than males, but the reverse occurs for people aged 35-39 years. There is almost half as many males than females aged over 65 years.

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Compared to non-Indigenous residents, there are half as many Indigenous residents aged over 65 years and a larger percentage of those aged 5-24 years.

Commitments

Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

The Maribyrnong City Council:

Acknowledge and respect Traditional Culture, its values and the importance of Elders in the Indigenous community

Recognises the rich and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and elders who have settled in the City from across Australia

Acknowledges that Indigenous Australians have a special and unique relationship to the land and waters in the City of Maribyrnong, and throughout Australia

Respects the importance of family, customs, values and traditions of Indigenous Australians and their right to express them and live accordingly (subject to Australian law)

Believes in reconciliation and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and that it must be driven by non-Indigenous Australians and raising their awareness of Indigenous culture

Supports the empowerment and self-determination of Indigenous Australians

Commits to helping redress the disadvantages still experienced by Indigenous Australians and eliminate racism

Considers ongoing, positive and genuine relationships with local Indigenous communities essential to effectively representation and provision of services

Takes seriously its legislative commitments to protecting local sites of cultural sensitivity, equal opportunity, human rights, making decisions in consideration of the community’s diverse needs and responding to Close the Gap targets

Advocates with Indigenous Australians to State and Federal government and other bodies

RelationshipsCouncil is committed to creating effective working relationships with local Indigenous communities; their elders, youth, children, women and men. We will help build positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians because they lead to inclusive actions and raise awareness of Indigenous culture, history and needs among non-Indigenous communities.

We look forward to our staff working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the development of projects and programs and as clients of our many services.

Council will:

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Participate in National Reconciliation Week, internally and externally Encourage Indigenous Australians to apply for positions in Council’s committees

and groups Encourage Indigenous Australians to participate in public consultations on Council

plans, policies, strategies, frameworks and similar documents Involve Indigenous Australians in the development and delivery of Indigenous

related services, programs and events Include basic Indigenous culture and awareness information in staff induction

sessions Improve community and staff awareness of the City’s Indigenous culture and

history, emerging needs among non-Indigenous Australians of all ages and relevant policy or legislative changes, through the development of a Diversity Map.

Develop annual Reconciliation Action Plans in consultation with the community that are place and evidence based.

RespectCouncil acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were the first people of this land and have survived European settlement for more than two centuries. Council recognises the special relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with the land and waters and the valuable contribution they make to our community. We look forward to a future of mutual respect and harmony.

Council will: In relevant services, ensure all clients are asked whether they, or their children or

parents, identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or both Respect people’s choice to not identify or decline to answer questions about their

Indigenous identity Provide all staff working directly with community (such as maternal and child health

nurses and home and community care staff) with annual Indigenous cultural awareness training

Participate in NAIDOC Week, internally and externally, including hosting a community Flag Raising Ceremony

Dedicate a Council webpage to local Indigenous history and communities Maintain and promote an Indigenous Library Collection Run services or programs specifically for Indigenous Australians, such as the

Indigenous Playgroup Prioritise actions and partnerships that:

o increase people’s pride in their Indigenous identity o help increase the use of Indigenous languageso involve Indigenous Australians in environmental sustainability initiatives,

including those focusing on Aboriginal culture

OpportunitiesCreating opportunities to build the capacity of local Indigenous communities to self-determine their future and be reflected and included in Council’s work is important. We look forward to new opportunities for Indigenous people, organisations and communities and to appropriately advocating on their behalf.

Council will: Improve and increase Indigenous Australian’s access to Council services and grant

programs

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Encourage the participation of Indigenous Australians in Council programs and events

Support Indigenous young people and children to know their culture and be proud of their identify

Support Indigenous Australians to express and share their culture through workshops, music, dance and cultural performances

Support Indigenous Australians to express and share their culture through workshops, music, dance and cultural performances

Prioritise actions and partnerships that address:o early school leaving among young Indigenous Australianso employment and training for Indigenous maleso access to healthy and affordable foodo access to fun and affordable things to do

FlagsBoth the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are recognised by the Australian Government as an official 'Flag of Australia' under the Flags Act 1953.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are maintained and continually flown at Maribyrnong City Council’s Town Hall, with scope for them to be replaced for flags of an artistic / other nature for up to three weeks per year, with the permission elders of the local traditional owner group(s).

The Aboriginal flag was designed for the land rights movement in 1971 by Aboriginal artist Harold Thomas, a descendent of the Luritja people of Central Australia. Black represents the Aboriginal people of Australia, red the earth; its red ochre and a spiritual relation to the land, and yellow the sun; giver of life and protector.

The Torres Strait Islander Flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok from Thursday Island and was the winning entry of a 1992 competition. Green represents the land, blue the sea, white peace and black the Indigenous people. The dhari (headdress) represents Torres Strait Island people. The five pointed star represents the five major Island groups as well as navigation, to reflect their seafaring culture.

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Reference to and images of deceased personsIn some Indigenous cultures, the use of a deceased person’s name or image is forbidden and a pet or nick-name is sometimes used.

Council staff will seek clarification from family members before making reference to any deceased person who has not already been named or photographed in Council publications or broadcasts. If family members cannot be contacted, the reference will not be made. When reference to or images of deceased Indigenous people are made in Council publications or broadcasts, the following statement will be included at the beginning:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that content may contain images and / or references to deceased persons.

Gender specific access to sacred sites, knowledge, stories or artefactsIn Indigenous cultures, the use, display or access to specific songs, artefacts, stories or sites may be restricted to women or men only. Council staff will seek clarification of access issues when handling artefacts, accessing sites and planning exhibitions, events and performances.

SpeechesStaff make efforts to learn whether Indigenous elders are invited to or present at formal gatherings in order that they can be acknowledged and thanked for attending.

Glossary of Terms

Aboriginal peoplePeople who are Indigenous (native) to Australia. The Federal Government defines an Aboriginal person as someone who is of Aboriginal descent, identifies as an Aboriginal person and is accepted as an Aboriginal person by the community in which he or she lives.

City of MaribyrnongThe local government area joining Braybrook, Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Seddon, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville.

CultureThe way of life of a particular society or group; its customs, language and values. In this context, a person may have a particular culture or belong to a cultural group based on their or their family’s original country or region. For example, Vietnamese or Dinka culture.

Diversity Difference. In this context, the characteristics that make individuals, people and population groups different from each other. These can include age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, religion and sexual orientation as well as education, profession or marital and income status.

ElderAn Indigenous Australian who is an original descendent of the area and actively involved in community issues and/or someone who has lived in the area for sometime and is recognised and respected for their community involvement. Elders are usually referred to as Aunty or Uncle.

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IndigenousPeople who are native to a particular land and are the land’s original and first residents and owners.

Indigenous AustraliansIndigenous Australians are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or both.

Indigenous communitiesLocal groups made up of individual Indigenous Australians.

LocalWithin the City of Maribyrnong.

Local GovernmentThe third level of government (after Federal and State governments), also known as councils, municipalities, cities, shires or towns. The State government defines the powers of local governments under the Victorian Local Government Act 1989, and decides what geographical areas those governments are responsible for. There are 79 local government authorities in Victoria.

Maribyrnong City CouncilThe local government authority responsible for the City of Maribyrnong. Council is made up of 7 Councillors who are democratically elected for a four year term. A Chief Executive Officer reports to the Councillors and is the administrative head of the organisation who implements Council services, programs and events.

MunicipalitySee ‘City of Maribyrnong’.

MulticulturalHaving many cultures. A multicultural society is one that respects people’s right to their culture, faith and identity and where people are treated as equal regardless of their cultural background.

Non-Indigenous AustraliansPeople who identify as Australian but are not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

ResidentsPeople who live in the City of Maribyrnong, whether in rented or purchased accommodation.

Service providersOrganisations or agencies that provide people with services such as health care, counselling, advocacy and legal, education and employment advice.

Social JusticeThe pursuit of equal rights and equal opportunity for all people. Social Justice seeks to balance the impact social and economic inequalities have on people experiencing it and the wider community.

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Stolen GenerationSee ‘The Australian Indigenous Journey: a timeline’ section.

Torres Strait IslandersPeople who are indigenous to the islands of the Torres Strait are known as Torres Strait Islanders. The Torres Strait Islands are 274 small islands in the waterway separating Australia and New Guinea, and are mostly part of Queensland. The Federal Government defines a Torres Strait Islander as someone who is of Torres Strait Islands descent, identifies as an Torres Strait Islander and is accepted as an such by the community in which he or she lives.

Traditional owner(s)Indigenous Australians whose ancestors inhabited an area before European colonisation.

VolunteerA person who provides help or work to a group, organisation or agency without being paid or receiving financial reward.

WellbeingA good or satisfactory condition of existence, a state characterised by health, happiness and prosperity.

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