Reconciliation & Indigenous Information

Statement of Commitment to the Local Indigenous People

Context

The City of Ballarat has embarked on a journey of reconciliation with local Indigenous people and this Statement of Commitment has been developed through a process of negotiation and consultation.

It is intended that this Statement of Commitment will encourage greater understanding, acknowledgment, respect, inclusion of and opportunities for the Indigenous people of this region.

Acknowledgements

The City of Ballarat acknowledges:

• The Wathaurong were the first people of this region.
• That much of the present Indigenous population of Ballarat is composed of Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants, who have survived European settlement for more than two centuries.
• That Ballarat has a legacy of involvement in the history of the Stolen Generations.
• That the present Indigenous community of Ballarat is the custodian of the Wathaurong lands.

Vision

The City of Ballarat will seek:

• To build a stronger relationship between Indigenous Australians and the wider community.
• To ensure that Ballarat remains a place where people of all cultures are welcome, respected, experience freedom and contribute to life in the local community.
• To eliminate every form of racism or discrimination in our community.

Recognition

The City of Ballarat recognises:

• The continuous habitation of this land by local Indigenous people.
• Prior occupation of this land by the Wathaurong people, as original settlers/owners.
• The Elders are the definitive spokespersons on behalf of the Indigenous community.
• The customs and traditions of Indigenous Australians and their spiritual relationship with the land and respects Indigenous sacred sites and significant places.
• The right of Indigenous Australians to practice their own spirituality and live according to their own values and customs.
• The valuable contribution made by Indigenous Australians and their culture to the history of the region.
• The value of the diversity and strength of Indigenous cultures to the heritage of all Australians.
• The principles of equity and access for all members of the Indigenous community to services and programs offered by the Council which will endeavour to be aware of cultural sensitivities.
• The hurt and suffering experienced by the Stolen Generations.
• That Indigenous Australians have experienced dispossession and loss of land, family and livelihood.

Support

The City of Ballarat supports:

• The vision as expressed by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation of a united Australia which respects this land of ours, values the Indigenous heritage and provides justice and equity for all.

Commitment

The City of Ballarat is committed to:

• The preservation of Indigenous cultural heritage in a way that is sensitive to and respects the dignity and protocols of the local Indigenous community.
• Promoting education to enhance the understanding and awareness of Indigenous heritage and the needs of the Ballarat Indigenous community.
• Ongoing consultation with the Indigenous community of Ballarat in order to ensure cultural sensitivity and inclusion in social and community planning.
• Developing and promoting Indigenous involvement in local events and celebrations of local and regional significance which respects the dignity and protocols of the local Indigenous community.
• Supporting the aspirations of Indigenous Australians and consulting when making decisions that affect their rights and interests.
• Offering support to the Indigenous community's desire to discuss, negotiate and enter into a treaty or local agreement to enshrine Indigenous rights.
• Advocacy in partnership with the Indigenous members of our community to ensure the principles and commitments of this statement are upheld.
• Implementing appropriate programs and activities that demonstrate our ongoing commitment to Indigenous issues and programs.
• Protecting significant cultural heritage sites past and present.
• Consulting with the Indigenous community in the appropriate use of traditional place names.

Contact Details

For further information please contact Helen McIntosh, Executive Assistant City Wellbeing, City of Ballarat, PO Box 665, Ballarat Vic 3353, by phone 03 5320 5627 or email helenmcintosh@ballarat.vic.gov.au.