Reconciliation Action Plan launched by Shire of Katanning during Harmony Week

Last week saw the launch of Katanning’s Reconciliation Action Plan after it was confirmed at the beginning of the month.

The launch comes during Harmony week, a period Katanning is famous for with its celebration of multiple cultures and unity, highlighting its commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan.

With the upcoming referendum and confirmation of the question to be asked at the polls, Indigenous topics are at the forefront of voters’ minds.

The launch event saw just over 20 people attend with speeches from key stakeholders from council and Ezzard Flowers and Julie Hayden from Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation.

The next few months of the plan will involve research and identification of key indigenous figures and reviewing the shires’ internal culture and education on indigenous matters.

A key topic that will be tackled early on is identifying routes to increase indigenous employment within the shire itself, encouraging indigenous representation at a local government level, as well as creating youth groups to provide opportunities to Katanning’s indigenous youth.

The action plan encourages the further development of relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the wider community and is endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.