Cook Shire Council adopts its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)

Cook Shire Council has made formal its continued commitment to Reconciliation by adopting its first ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25 (RAP) at the May Ordinary Council Meeting, and ahead of Reconciliation Week. The RAP outlines the internal organisational framework Council will employ over the next two years to target the four key focus areas outlined by Reconciliation Australia: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.

Pictured above: Cook Shire Mayor, Peter Scott with Council's RAP Working Group, Indigenous Co-Chair, Sacheen Deemal. 

Cook Shire Mayor, Peter Scott stated, “Council recognises the RAP as a chance to continue to drive positive change within our organisation.

“Through improving our workplace culture, nurturing collaborative partnerships with First Nations peoples, promoting diversity and inclusion in our programming, and customising service delivery solutions, we hope to lead and inspire the broader community to also embrace positive actions towards Reconciliation.

“We are proud to adopt our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, and we are committed to working towards a harmonious and reconciled community for all.”

At the ‘Innovate’ level – Council’s RAP identifies a vision, the objectives and the specific actions Council will employ over the next two years to develop and strengthen Council’s relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and encourage the design and implementation of innovative strategies that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

Some of the strategies outlined in the RAP include the development of cultural awareness training for Council staff, the promotion of Indigenous employment and business opportunities, and the establishment of partnerships with local Indigenous organisations.

Mayor Scott also highlighted the historical significance of Cooktown, known as Wyamburr in Guugu Yimithirr language, as the site where Australia’s first recorded act of Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians took place in 1770 during Captain James Cook’s visit.

“Not enough people know the story of what evolved here in Cooktown in 1770 between Cook and the Aboriginal Elder… of how two men from very different worlds overcame language barriers and chasms of cultural differences to peacefully work out a misunderstanding.

“Cooktown and our Shire really is the home of Australia’s reconciliation story. The RAP is the next step in this journey as a community and as a nation.”

Council formed a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group comprising of Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, senior management and elected members. The group reviewed feedback and took guidance from Traditional Owners, Reconciliation Australia and community stakeholders to identify where and how the organisation can implement actions to make a lasting difference. 

“On behalf of my fellow Councillors, I’d like to thank Council’s RAP working group for the many months of hard work and dedication they put into consulting and crafting this document.

Cook Shire’s Innovate RAP 2023-25 featuring artwork by Cooktown State School student and Kuku Yalanji artist, Ilyaree Snider, is available online, and will be formally launched to staff and stakeholders at an event to coincide with NAIDOC Week celebrations in July.  

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.