Ipswich City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to taking action that matters for reconciliation as part of 2021 National Reconciliation Week.
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June with this year’s theme being: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich City Council recognises the challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is committed to taking meaningful steps towards reconciliation.
“Ipswich is a city of opportunity. For council, this means ensuring that each and every community member is included in our vision,” Mayor Harding said.
“The 2020-2025 Indigenous Accord is our commitment that reconciliation actions will be purpose-led, consultative and focused on outcomes.
“On behalf of council, I look forward to walking alongside Ipswich’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the years ahead.”
The 2020-2025 Indigenous Accord, endorsed in June 2020, provides a strategic framework to guide council’s operations, activities and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In 1995, council, with the support of respected community members, committed to formulating a Reconciliation Initiative which went on to become the first Ipswich City Council Indigenous Australian Accord, which was formally adopted in 1998.
The Accord guided how Ipswich City Council and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community would work together on a common agenda for change.
Throughout the years, Ipswich City Council has continued to build on the foundations laid with the 1995 Accord and in 2020, after again working with respected community representatives, council endorsed the Ipswich City Council Indigenous Accord 2020-2025.
The Ipswich City Council Indigenous Accord 2020-2025 comprises seven themes. They are:
- Cultural Recognition, Respect and Community Engagement;
- Traditional Owners;
- Employment, Education and Skills Development;
- Business Development;
- Housing;
- Health and Wellbeing;
- Community Safety.
“Ipswich City Council will continue to work towards achieving the outcomes set out in the Accord as we deliver on our community’s vision to be a city that supports, celebrates and includes people from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities,” Mayor Harding said.
To view the Ipswich City Council Indigenous Accord 2020-2025 visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/live/our-community/indigenous
For more information about 2021 National Reconciliation Week, visit nrw.reconciliation.org.au
