Four Clarence Valley local government councillors chosen to "chair and support" First Nations Community Roundtable meetings across the valley

Clarence Valley Council, News, 27 November 2024:

COUNCIL BRIEFS: Outcomes from monthly meeting held 21 November

Published on 27 November 2024

Councillors 2024

Clarence Valley Council held its monthly Ordinary Council Meeting on Thursday 21 November 2024 at the Maclean Council Chambers.

One Mayoral Minute and one Notice of Motion were considered and followed by 16 of 30 items debated and the other 14 adopted by consent in a meeting which lasted four hours.

Councillors Appointed to First Nation Roundtable Meetings

Four councillors have been nominated to chair the First Nations Community Roundtable meetings planned to be held in Baryulgil, Grafton, Maclean and Yamba in early 2025.

Councillor Debrah Novak will chair and support the Baryulgil and Yamba First Nations Community Roundtable meeting, Councillor Christie Yager will chair the Maclean First Nations Community Roundtable meeting, and Councillor Greg Clancy will chair the Grafton First Nations Community meetings.

Mayor Ray Smith has been appointed to chair meetings held with Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Yaegl Traditional Owner Corporation.

Councillor Karen Toms will also be supporting the Yaegl and Grafton Elders Group meetings twice a year.

Earlier in the meeting, Councillors also voted to endorse the Clarence Valley Council Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024 – 2026 after the document was officially accredited by Reconciliation Australia for implementation.

The RAP Framework sets out four types of RAPs (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate) depending on what stage of the reconciliation journey an organisation is up to.

Council's 'Innovate' RAP aims to:

• implement actions that work towards achieving the organisation’s vision for reconciliation

• understand the sphere of influence and establish the best approaches to advance reconciliation

• focus on strengthening relationships with First Nation people and piloting strategies for further reconciliation commitments and empower First Nation people

• be implemented over a two-year period between July 2024 - July 2026.

The RAP will be implemented over the next two years with regular updates to Reconciliation Australia on progress as well as completion of an annual RAP Impact Survey.

Councillor Greg Clancy called the item to bring attention to the new Reconciliation Action Plan praising it as “another good news story”.

Councillor Debrah Novak echoed Councillor Clancy’s praising.

“Now that it’s been accredited, we can hit the ground running and do so much more for our First Nation people and work closer together.” 

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Songlines imagery of the Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl and Bundjalung nations installed along the Pacific Highway from Woolgoolga to Ballina

 

https://youtu.be/cvLEgG2jOj4

 

The Echo, 9 June 2023: 

Aboriginal artworks have been installed at nine overpass bridges spanning four lanes on the new Pacific Motorway between Woolgoolga and Ballina on the north coast of New South Wales.

The new artworks along the Woolgoolga to Ballina Aboriginal Art Trail depict the creation stories and ancient travel routes (Songlines) of the Aboriginal nations of the region.

The Woolgoolga to Ballina Aboriginal Art Trail is part of the Pacific Highway upgrade project which also included upgrading nine interchanges, more than 170 bridges and more than 350 other connecting roads.

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot says the artworks tell the ‘Songlines’ of the Gumbaynggirr, Yaegl and Bundjalung nations, reflecting their physical and spiritual belonging, and connection to Country. ‘The artworks are in place on nine highway overpasses, along a 155-kilometre section of highway between Woolgoolga and Ballina.

‘The artists were selected by local Aboriginal communities and stakeholders, and their artworks communicate the rich and ancient history of these nations.’

Transport for NSW is planning a community event involving all the artists and their communities, to be held in the coming months.

For more information visit www.pacifichighway.nsw.gov.au/drive-songlines.

Australian Government-NSW Government Pacific Highway Upgrade: Drive The Songlines Aboriginal Art trail

Images by North Coast Aboriginal artists from 7 of the 13 sites along the highway

Iluka Interchange - southbound

Maclean Interchange - northbound

Woodburn Interchange - northbound

Tyndale Interchange - northbound

Coolgardie Interchange - northbound

Arrawarra Interchange - northbound

Glenugie Interchange - northbound

Click on images to enlarge

Gumbaynggirr women tell NT councillor Jacinta Price she is not welcome on country