Reconciliation Action Plan

Rous County Council is continuing the process of reconciliation between Rous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the endorsement of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at Council's April 2021 meeting. The Plan was accredited by Reconciliation Australia in September 2021.

RAPs are practical plans of action built on relationships, respect and opportunities. RAPs create social change and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

What does reconciliation mean to Rous?

For Rous, reconciliation means recognising the importance of working with the Traditional Custodians of current and future catchment and natural resource areas managed by Rous.

Rocky Creek Dam, our supply network’s principal source, sits on Widjabul Wia-bal country of the Bundjalung nation. Rous acknowledges the Widjabul Wia-bal people’s deep relationship with the land and water, and strongly values their traditional laws, knowledge and lessons about places and sustainability. Reconciliation aims to restore ecological, cultural and social values that are unique to our region.

How do reconciliation action plans work?

RAPs provide a framework for organisations to realise their vision for reconciliation. The RAP program is overseen by Reconciliation Australia, an independent and not-for-profit organisation.

How is the First Nations community involved?

Rous has a Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group (RAPAG) that is an advisory group established to support Rous in realising its vision for reconciliation as contained within its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. The functions and membership of the RAPAG are identified in the Terms of Reference.

Our Statement of Committment

Over the past 18 years, Rous has developed a strong track record of working together in partnership with local First Nations people and Elders. This includes the Water Walks project at Emigrant Creek Dam and Rocky Creek Dam (from 2002 2007), and Reconnecting to Country in the Wilsons River Catchment project (from 2008 2012).  

Since 2001, Rous has also co-presented Big Scrub Rainforest Day in partnership with Big Scrub Landcare including involvement from Widjabul/Wia-bal Elders. In 2010 Rous raised the Aboriginal Flag in the Council Chambers and incorporated an Acknowledgement of Country in all Council meetings.  

In 2013, Rous resolved to develop the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). RAPs provide a framework for organisations to realise their vision for reconciliation. Council adopted its first Reconciliation Action Plan - a Reflect RAP - in accordance with the Reconciliation Australia framework in 2016, and an Innovate RAP in 2016. Key actions endorsed include:

• building and nurturing a working relationship with Traditional Custodians
• preparing and delivering cultural awareness training for all staff
• establishing the RAP Advisory Group
• participating in NAIDOC Week celebrations
• working toward the active employment of First Nations peoples.  

Whilst there has been steady progress on RAP actions over an extended period, progression of the Future Water Project (FWP) (and in particular, the Dunoon Dam proposal) has raised significant community concern regarding Aboriginal cultural heritage matters and the need for appropriate consultation and engagement processes.  

Rous is genuine in its intent to complete this critical consultation and engagement, and does not wish for these valued relationships it has with local First Nations and community members, as described above, to be eroded by division.  

To provide assurances to the local Aboriginal people, organisations and stakeholders, as well as the broader community, that these matters will be addressed authentically and respectfully, in April 2023 Rous adopted a Statement of Commitment to the local First Nations community. Adoption of this Statement is considered important for the following reasons:

• to provide a clear whole-of-organisation commitment to working together with local First Nations people, organisations and stakeholders on shared objectives
• to demonstrate that this commitment extends beyond the scope of the FWP
• to support the ongoing commitment of the organisation to the RAP and associated actions
• to demonstrate the sincerity of Rous to engage in joint discussions and reassure the whole community that these important issues will be managed with cultural sensitivity and respect, and
• to provide increased opportunities to walk and work together with local First Nations people.  

Rous has for many years worked in partnership with local First Nations people, organisations and stakeholders on community educational projects for the protection of water and land, and for reconciliation. Rous has now adopted the attached Statement of Commitment in order to ensure that Rous can continue to work in partnership on important social justice components of the RAP; and appropriately respond to legislative/regulatory requirements of the FWP.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on our RAP, you may contact our office directly. For more information on reconciliation action plans, please see the Reconciliation Australia website at http://www.reconciliation.org.au/raphub/