Uniting for Reconciliation
Joint Media Release
Driving reconciliation activities across the region, Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Health and Westernport Water have come together to form a regional network to help build and actively support reconciliation activities across the region.
At a recent gathering, Traditional Owner organisations, community groups and local organisations discussed how the Regional Reconciliation Network will add value and strengthen reconciliation across the Bass Coast community.
Kate Adams, Manager Visitor Experience, Phillip Island Nature Parks said “Establishing a regional network makes sense, we have so much common ground, it will ensure that our combined resources are used effectively to achieve much more than we could alone”.
“The Regional Reconciliation Network will seek to encourage action and capitalise on the collective strength to create a wider range of opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples”.
“An example of this is the expression of interest that is currently available, inviting artists to submit design concepts for artwork to be used by members to promote awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” said Ms Adams.
The deadline for expression of interest has now been extended until Friday 21 December 2018 to enable keen artists greater time to prepare their concepts for submission.
The Network comprised of members from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Yowengarra Bun Wurrung Balug Clans Aboriginal Corporation, Bass Coast and South Gippsland Reconciliation Group combined with the four local organisations aims to champion initiatives that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, take action, raise awareness and create social change.
The Regional Reconciliation Network plans to formalise protocols for working together and commence delivering common activities early in the new year.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander living in the local community and would like to be involved in this first of its kind project, we would love to chat to you!
Expressions of interest are being invited to become a community representative on the Regional Reconciliation Network. For more information, please call 1300 720 711 or email communications@westernportwater.com.au
Information on the Regional Artwork project is currently open for Expressions of Interest can be found at: http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/reconciliation
To find out more about Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water, Bass Coast Shire and Bass Coast Health’s reconciliation journey, please visit their websites.
ENDS
Media Contact | Geoff Russell 1300 720 711 or email | communications@westernportwater.com.au
