INSIDE: SHARE YOUR VISION FOR A VIBRANT CITY, NEW OFF-LEASH AREAS
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2019
Issue No: 250
Weekly information from us to you
Museum upgrade moves forward A 25 tonne crane was in action this week to assist with the huge task of relocating the majority of the Museum of the Riverina’s collection to a safe, off-site storage location. Clearing the site is essential before construction at the site is able to commence towards the end of the year.
Last year Council received funding from Create NSW to redevelop the museum. A concept design of the redevelopment will be released when plans for the redevelopment are placed on public exhibition. One item that will remain on site is the historic Cook’s
Galley. Council successfully secured a $20,000 heritage grant from the Office of Environment & Heritage to fund the professional preservation of this significant object, which is listed on the NSW Heritage register. More information at wagga. nsw.gov.au/more-upgrade.
CREATING HISTORY: Museum of the Riverina’s Sam Leah and Project Coordinator Tom Lemerle (inset) look over the works this week as part of the museum’s Botanic Gardens upgrade.
Reconciliation at the heart of draft plan Recognising and valuing Wiradjuri culture and building relationships based on respect with all First Nations Peoples are at the heart of Wagga Wagga City Council’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The draft RAP was developed after extensive consultation between First Nations Peoples in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and Council staff, with feedback on the document currently being called for.
“Wagga Wagga City Council’s draft Reconciliation Action Plan clearly demonstrates Council’s commitment to working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members towards a better and stronger future,” Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Greg Conkey OAM said. “It outlines how Council will play its part in recognising Wiradjuri culture and heritage, how we will work to increase employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and how we will ensure we build relationships based on respect and transparency with our community. “Council hopes that through this RAP we will strengthen our city where all community members value and respect our First Nations Peoples and our local Wiradjuri
culture and heritage.” In 2016 a RAP working group was formed, following consultation with Reconciliation Australia. At this point it was determined Council’s approach should be an “Innovate” RAP, which focus on outlining clear actions that work towards achieving Council’s vision for reconciliation. Throughout the development, Council has worked closely with Reconciliation Australia to ensure the RAP is consistent with best practice and has a clear framework to contribute to reconciliation by: • Building and encouraging relationships between the local Wiradjuri community and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, organisations, and the broader Australian community
Weekly waste tip Suffering from some seasonal sniffles? Dispose of tissues in the green lid bin.
• Fostering and embedding respect for the world’s longest surviving cultures and communities • Developing opportunities within Council to improve socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities The draft RAP is on public exhibition until 10 July. View the document and make a submission online at wagga.nsw.gov.au/ public. Submissions can also be made emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au, dropped into the Civic Centre or posted to PO Box 20, addressed to the General Manager. Community members who would like more information the draft RAP can contact Council’s Social Planning team on 1300 292 442.