Reconciliation Action Plan

Overview

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 (RAP) Jun 2023-2025.jpg

Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)(PDF, 24MB)

Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group

Council’s Gladstone Region Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group is a volunteer group that 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 (Chair)
  • Cr Leanne Patrick
  • Gay Sirriss (Secretariat)
  • Anne-Marie Johnson
  • Cecelia Eggmolesse
  • Chantelle (Nonnie) Johnson
  • Dulcie Pensio
  • Megan Nixon
  • Patricia Coleman
  • Sharalee (Shar) Elijah

Terms of Reference(PDF, 233KB)

Culturally significant dates

13 February – Anniversary of National Apology Day

National Apology Day marks the moment in 2008 when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the formal Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, for the pain and trauma caused by past government policies. It is a day of truth-telling, honouring survivors, and strengthening our shared commitment to healing. More information

19 March – National Close the Gap Day

The formal national strategy “Closing the Gap” was adopted by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2008

Close the Gap Day calls on all Australians to take meaningful action to improve health, education and life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It honours community-led solutions and the right to equitable, culturally safe services. More information

26 May – National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day acknowledges the strength and resilience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families. It is a day for coming together in respect, understanding, and shared healing. More information

27 May – 1967 Referendum Anniversary

The anniversary of the 1967 Referendum honours the leadership and activism of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who campaigned so that First Nations people would finally be counted and recognised. More information

27 May – 3 June – National Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week commemorates the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo Decision—two milestones in Australia’s journey toward truth, justice, and the recognition of First Nations sovereignty. More information

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.

Events in the Gladstone Region

3 June – Mabo Day

Mabo Day honours Eddie Koiki Mabo and the Meriam people whose landmark win overturned terra nullius and led to the Native Title Act. It is a celebration of justice, truth-telling, and First Nations land rights. More information

1 July – Coming of the Light

Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islander peoples to mark the arrival of Christianity and the profound cultural and spiritual changes brought to the islands. More information

5–12 July – NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week celebrates the strength, history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  More information

NAIDOC Week is held in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday).

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.

Events in the Gladstone Region

4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Children’s Day celebrates the strength, resilience and cultural identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It’s a day to honour the role of family, kinship and community in growing up strong kids. More information

9 August – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

This day recognises the survival, resilience and rights of Indigenous peoples globally, including our place within a global Indigenous community. More information

2 September – Indigenous Literacy Day

Indigenous Literacy Day celebrates First Nations storytelling, languages and the power of reading. It raises awareness of literacy needs in remote communities. Held on the first Wednesday of September each year. More information

13 September – Anniversary of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

This day recognises the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which affirms the rights of First Nations peoples to self-determination, culture, language, land, and strong governance. More information

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, 2021 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 Muszkat in the video below:

For more information on the Uluru Statement of the Heart, visit https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement.

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