Frequently Asked Questions

Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. 

As a movement reconciliation has a long history, with the collective voices from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the rightful protection of their Country and cultures being decades long and consistent. These have resulted in some substantial changes and some disappointing setbacks, both important dimensions to the story of reconciliation.  

The goal of reconciliation is that there is widespread acceptance of our nation’s history and agreement that the wrongs of the past will never be repeated— there is truth, justice, healing and historical acceptance. 

Reconciliation is defined by core changes to our society, our culture and our ways of understanding our shared and troubled history. It is the invitation to build an honest, harmonious and respectful future, together.

The Town acknowledges that First Nations' sovereignty was never ceded and coexists with the Crown's sovereignty today, that sovereignty comes from a different source to the sovereignty claimed by the Crown, from the ancestral tie between the land and its people (Uluru Statement from the Heart). 

The Town uses the RAP to address the five dimensions of reconciliation in everything we do. It helps us to: 

• Define priorities, and short and long-term goals and actions 
• Prioritise budget and resource allocations 
• Collect and evaluate performance measures

The Town has a 12 member Mindeera Advisory Group that have been actively involved in the development of the Innovate RAP. This group meets regularly to provide advice on:  

• Implementation of the RAP  
• Advising on the Town’s approach to Reconciliation 
• Engaging stakeholders to action reconciliation elements through various Town projects, events, and services, as well as works on Country across environmental, social, economic and sustainability projects. 

Many of the Town’s functions have an impact on reconciliation.  

The Town is committed to using its influence and resources to work proactively within its functions to facilitate and encourage the 5 dimensions of reconciliation: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity and historical acceptance across the community. To do this effectively, partnership is needed with community, local organisations, businesses and other government agencies.

As the Reflect RAP (2018-2022) approached its end, the Town began developing the Innovate RAP in 2022, in consultation with Town staff, community members, Elected Members, the Mindeera Advisory Group and Reconciliation Australia.

Community engagement was completed over an extensive six week period from May to July 2022, resulting in 371 local people submitting their feedback to help develop the new plan. Notable insights gained from this process included:  

• A call to being truthful, accepting responsibility for historical wrongs and moving forward in recognition, harmony and respect.  
• People want the Town to engage and involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 
• People want the Town to help make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures more accessible and tangible, with increased opportunities to learn about Noongar language, protocols and cultural celebrations though local schools and other community spaces 
• People want the Town to be courageous, genuine and inclusive in their approach to engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and in so doing, rename places and spaces throughout the Town. 
• When asked, 73.1% of respondents opposed the celebration of Australia day on 26 January. 
• When asked, 91% of respondents strongly supported dual naming the Town, to reflect Noongar custodianship, which was also reinforce through free text survey questions.

During the engagement period, the Town asked the community to share their wishes for reconciliation. Submissions included:

• “To have noongar culture as part of everyday life”. 
• “I wish that we can all come together to learn about our true shared history, with open minds and open hearts. That we can heal Country and heal together” 
• “More opportunities for cultural, historical and language education” 
• “Healing through truth telling” 
• “Care for Country” 
• ”Bring back noongar names”  
• “Dual language signage” 
• “Meeting and connecting with Noongar elders”  
• “Understanding Aboriginal peoples connection to Country” 
• “Change the date” 
• “Rehabilitation of sacred underground well”