Shire of Carnarvon establishes Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group to unite and strengthen community

Representatives in an action group will work with organisations to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians after they were appointed last week. The Shire of Carnarvon councillors appointed three representatives to a Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group at their meeting on Tuesday, October 24. The council acknowledged all nominations and selected respected community leaders Carleen Ryder, Rennee Turner, and Paige Ryan. The representatives will work alongside other representatives — Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation’s Kath Ryan, and Nganhurra Thanardi Garrbu Aboriginal Corporation’s Karla Tittums. The Shire of Carnarvon said it recognised historic and recent events had had a significant impact on many people in the community. The council noted its commitment to improving reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non-Indigenous Australians, and to create meaningful change, respect, and recognition for Aboriginal communities. Shire president Eddie Smith said unity was needed now more than ever and the reconciliation process was an important step to creating those ties in the community. “The Shire of Carnarvon has shown leadership and has demonstrated to the rest of Australia that we are committed to fostering a community that is committed to mutual respect, reconciliation, and inclusivity,” he said. You can find out more about the Shire of Carnarvon’s Reconciliation Action Plan on the Shire’s website.