GLENELG Shire Council has been recognised as a trendsetter with an inaugural Victorian award for its work in Aboriginal reconciliation.
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The Victorian Local Governance Association announed its Community HART award yesterday in Melbourne with Glenelg as a major winner and Framlingham Aboriginal Trust highly commended.
Glenelg first signed an agreement with the local Aboriginal community in 2002 before it signed a landmark 2001-2020 partnership agreement.
An update agreement is out for public comment in draft form.
Shire council mayor John Northcott told The Standard yesterday the award was a tribute to the many people involved in forming closer links between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members of the region.
“It caps off our Reconciliation Week activities attended by about 250 people,” he said. “Glenelg is leading the way.
“I understand there would be only two or three similar partnership agreements in the whole of Australia.
“It’s about being more inclusive and recognising all shire residents.”
The agreement advocates collaborative forward-planning between the council, traditional owners and local Aboriginal community organisations.
More than 100 groups, organisations and individuals are signatories including Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation and Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
Framlingham trust was recognised in the awards ceremony for the 150th anniversary celebrations this year which showcased the community and aimed to build bridges.
pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au