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RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN

At Cook Shire Council, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive and reconciled community for all. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a significant milestone in our journey towards reconciliation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our region.

Council's inaugural Innovate RAP 2023-25, was formally adopted by Council on 23 May 2023, and is a strategic document that outlines our commitment to reconciliation and sets out specific actions to be implemented over the next two years. Developed in partnership with Reconciliation Australia and in consultation with our staff and community stakeholders, our inaugural RAP focuses on four key areas: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, and Governance.

Through the RAP, we aim to build strong and respectful relationships with the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work. We recognize the importance of acknowledging and honouring the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our RAP process involved extensive reflection on our reconciliation journey, considering the unique considerations of our community, staff, and stakeholders. We have taken into account their perspectives and experiences to ensure that our actions are meaningful and impactful.

By implementing the RAP, we aspire to create positive change within our own workplace culture, programming, and service delivery. We aim to foster an environment of respect and understanding, where all members of our community feel valued and included.

To achieve our goals, we have identified a range of strategic actions, including cultural awareness training for our staff, promoting Indigenous employment and business opportunities, establishing partnerships with local Indigenous organizations, and designing innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We are also proud that our inaugural Innovate RAP 2023-25 document features the artwork of local Kuku Yalanji artist and Cooktown State School student, Ilyaree Snider. Titled Understanding Reconciliation, the artwork encapsulates the spirit of reconciliation and symbolises the importance of acknowledging the past to help build strong relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

To learn more about our Reconciliation Action Plan and the steps we are taking towards reconciliation, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey towards reconciliation and to explore the meaningful actions outlined in our Innovate RAP 2023-25. Together, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious Cook Shire, celebrating the diverse heritage and cultures that make our community vibrant and unique.

For any inquiries or further information, please contact Council's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group on 4082 0500 or by emailing

ABN: 45 425 085 688

10 Furneaux Street Cooktown, Qld 4895

Mail: PO Box 3 Cooktown, Qld 4895

Email: mail@cook.qld.gov.au

Phone: (07) 4082 0500

Fax: (07) 4082 0588

Hours: 8.45am-4.45pm Monday to Friday