Minister Launches Mildura’s First Reconciliation Action Plan
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins, today launched Mildura Rural City Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan, a move aimed at fostering a genuine partnership with the Aboriginal community.
The Reconciliation Action Plan will strengthen engagement and collaboration with Aboriginal people and organisations, and increase awareness among council staff.
Ms Hutchins congratulated the Council on the development of the plan and said she looks forward to seeing the benefits which would flow from its implementation.
The plan is an example of the understanding across all levels of government that more needs to be done to support Aboriginal people by enabling access to services and job opportunities.
Ms Hutchins said governments –local, state or federal – need to spend more time working with Aboriginal people for outcomes that are owned by Aboriginal people, helping to secure a positive future.
By working collaboratively, local government can enable real change in the lives of Aboriginal people, increasing employment and providing access to services such as maternal and child health, preschool and child care.
While in Mildura, Ms Hutchins visited the Mallee District Aboriginal Services, the area’s largest Aboriginal community controlled organisation, and Meminar Gnangg Gimba, a specialist service that supports Aboriginal women and children experiencing family violence.
Ms Hutchins also met with Aboriginal students taking part in the FloConnect, a key program in the region for re-engagement in education.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Natalie Hutchins
“Aboriginal communities and organisations in Mildura have made significant achievements in working with government to provide real outcomes.”
“If we don’t work together, we repeat the patterns of the past. By sitting at the table together, we can build a brighter future.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in areas such as early years, health, child protection, family violence and youth engagement, and these will benefit the Aboriginal community.”