Living Here
Reconciliation Action Plan
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is about developing strong foundations on which to build relationships to achieve a lasting and successful investment in reconciliation. Our RAP is a commitment to reconciliation that documents what is currently occurring and highlights our future planning using a holistic approach. The RAP will create lasting and meaningful relationships, encourage respect, and promote sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians within our region.
Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group
Council’s Gladstone Region Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group is a volunteer group which provides strategic advice to Council to drive the successful delivery of the Plan’s actions which aim to create lasting and meaningful relationships and promote sustainable opportunities for First Nations people in our region.
The group consists of up to seven members from our community (who serve a two-year term), two Councillors and one Council staff member.
Current Reference Group Members
- Cr Natalia Muszkat (Co-Chair)
- Cr Desley O’Grady
- Annette Rutherford (Co-Chair)
- Anne-Marie Johnson
- Cecelia Eggmolesse
- Chantal Johnson
- Djuran Johnson
- Gay Sirriss
- Megan Nixon
- Patricia Coleman
- Paul Olsen
- Skye Alberts
- Tia Rauch
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held around the country each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is held in the first week of July each year.
NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity to reaffirm Gladstone Regional Council’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of our region’s Traditional Owners; the Bailai, the Gurang, the Gooreng Gooreng and the Taribelang Bunda people
Council is proud to support events and activities throughout the Gladstone Region to celebrate NAIDOC Week.
Culturally significant dates for 2023
- 13 February – Anniversary of National Apology Day
- 16 March – National Close the Gap Day (3rd Thursday of March each year)
- 26 May – National Sorry Day
- 27 May – 1967 Referendum
- 27 May – 3rd June – National Reconciliation Week
- 3 June – Mabo Day
- 1 July – Coming of the Light
- 2 – 9 July – NAIDOC Week
- 4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
- 9 August – International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
- 1 September – Indigenous Literacy Day
- 13 September – Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart
The Uluru Statement from the Heart is an invitation to the Australian people, from First Nation Australians. It asks us to support a First Nations voice in the Constitution and begin our journey to a better Australia.
On Tuesday 20 July Councillor Natalia Muszkat tabled a Notice of Motion recommending Gladstone Regional Council support the Uluru Statement of the Heart and to lobby for a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
It is a proud moment on our reconciliation journey, and aligns with the pillars of our Reconciliation Action Plan and the work we have already undertaken as a business.
We’ve made our voice count to enable a First Nations Voice to be heard and support a First Nations voice to Parliament protected by the Constitution.
Hear from Cr Natalia Muszcat in the video below:
For more information on the Uluru Statement of the Heart, visit https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement.
Get In Touch
Phone:
(07) 4970 0700
Opening Hours:
8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Postal Address:
PO Box 29
Gladstone Qld 4680
Opening Hours
Chat Popup
Gladstone Regional Council would like to acknowledge the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda people who are the traditional custodians of this land. Gladstone Regional Council would also like to pay respect to Elders both past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Learn more about Council's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
All content © Gladstone Regional Council. All Rights Reserved.
Back to the top