Therefore, there is a need to understand Wiradjuri and Indigenous culture in general to more fully plan for its recognition, appreciation and acceptance into the Wagga Wagga and district communities. In determining appropriate management mechanisms for Wiradjuri heritage, the protocols, methods, and experiences, advice and intent of the following groups, organisations and statuary provisions need to be taken into account: · · · · ·
Wiradjuri and associated Indigenous community Local Government, Wagga Wagga City Council NSW State Government agencies and statues. Australian Federal Government agencies and statues International Agreements and Protocols.
These requirements are further expanded in the study objectives and methodology following.
1.4 Study Objectives and Methodology The study endeavoured to meet the objectives as stated in the brief with variations previously outlined following discussion with the study steering committee and the Indigenous community in general. The following is a general approach on how each of the objectives was met and the methodology used.
Objective 1. Create a consultative relationship between Wagga Wagga City Council and Indigenous community for future dealings with Indigenous Heritage. Methodology. Continued and further developed consultation with new and existing Indigenous organisations in this process (Indigenous Cultural Heritage Group, Wagga Wagga and Wiradjuri Regional Aboriginal Land Council, Wagga Wagga Indigenous Consultative Committee, Wagga Wagga Aboriginal Elders Group, Wiradjuri Council of Elders, Koori Inter-Agency Group, Reconciliation Wagga Wagga and the new Wagga Wagga Community Development Program and Indigenous Men’s Group). This naturally occurred as the study was undertaken and also helped to meet Objective 2.
Objective 2. Involve Indigenous Community in all phases of the study process. Methodology. Input was encouraged from the above groups and individual community members, using the study steering committee to guide appropriate levels of involvement. Involvement was through steering committee meetings, fieldwork, site assessment and consultation with the above groups. The concept of community action research was to some extent adopted whereby the Indigenous community participated in the study and its outcomes and recommendations.
Objective 3. Provide an understanding of the Indigenous heritage in the Wagga Wagga City Council area. 5