The Shire of Harvey is now one of just two regional local governments in Western Australia with a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), following official endorsement from independent non-profit Reconciliation Australia.
The milestone also places the Shire among just nine local governments across WA with an endorsed RAP and marks an exciting step forward in strengthening reconciliation across the Harvey Region.
A RAP is a nationally recognised framework that outlines practical actions an organisation can take to uplift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.
In the Shire of Harvey, this will include increasing engagement with Aboriginal suppliers, showcasing cultural performances, collaborating with Elders and investigating opportunities for dual naming.
Shire President Michelle Campbell said the RAP was a one-of-a-kind strategy for developing a more inclusive Harvey Region and sits alongside the Shire’s broader multicultural initiatives that uplift and celebrate local people.
“The Shire continues to invest strongly in celebrating the cultures, heritage and communities that make our Region the great place it is today,” the Shire President said.
“Our support spans the local agricultural shows, English classes at our libraries, the recent restoration of the Harvey Internment Camp Memorial Shrine, developing heritage trails and sharing the stories and contributions of our pioneer families.
“The newly endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan is another important part of this work, with a focus on increasing the recognition, inclusion and participation of Noongar people, who have cared for the Harvey Region, or Bindjareb Boodja, for thousands of years.”
“I want to sincerely thank every community member who has supported our reconciliation efforts, particularly Elders Lesley Ugle and Greg Little for sharing their knowledge, guidance and support.
“The Shire is also privileged to have partnered with artist Casey Jones, who developed the stunning artwork featured throughout our RAP. Casey’s artwork reflects our Region, from hills to sea, and represents every townsite across the Shire.”
Casey’s artwork is titled Ngany Djen koorliny Danjoo boodja, which translates to Let us walk together on Country.
It was developed in collaboration with the Shire of Harvey, to help give the Plan a distinctly local identity.
Shire of Harvey Temporary Chief Executive Officer Tony Nottle said the Shire would continue to work local Elders to guide the Plan’s implementation as the Shire moves through the first stage of Reconciliation Australia’s RAP framework.
“Our REFLECT RAP is an important first step. It allows us to understand where we are now and put the right foundations in place to guide the work ahead,” Mr Nottle said.
“This marks the beginning of a longer journey for the Shire and our focus now is delivering the actions in the Plan, monitoring our progress and ensuring reconciliation informs our everyday work and decision-making.
“We’re look forward to continue this work alongside Noongar peoples, Elders and our wider community, and see the positive outcomes to be delivered in the years ahead.”
