NAIDOC Week is held in the first full week of July and provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture and achievements. NAIDOC traces its history back to the 1920s when the first organised groups were formed to advocate for the recognition of Indigenous rights and culture. In the 1950s a committee was formed (then known as NADOC) to oversee a day of remembrance and celebration of Aboriginal culture, later expanding to to cover an entire week in July. In the 1990s the committee became known as the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) in recognition of the distinct Torres Strait Islander culture.
At the conclusion of NAIDOC week, several NAIDOC Balls are held across Australia, including one in eastern Melbourne. The NAIDOC Ball includes an awards night that provides an opportunity to recognise achievements within Indigenous communities. This evening I attended the 2010 NAIDOC Ball in Croydon, where I was joined by Cr Rob Steane and several Councillors from the Shire of Yarra Ranges, as well as many non for profit organisations, businesses and Indigenous elders.
NAIDOC provides an opportunity to not only celebrate Indigenous culture but also to recognise the many individuals, organisations and businesses that are working to improve health, education and opportunities for Indigenous communities within Melbourne’s eastern region and beyond.
The BizConnect Business Breakfast is a Maroondah City Council initiative designed to connect local businesses and to share knowledge and skills. This morning’s speaker was from Destination Melbourne who discussed the growing $2.6 billion market generated through tourism opportunities from visiting friends and relatives.
The friends and relatives tourism market is the largest segment of visitors into Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and provides economic benefits for local businesses. While Maroondah may not be seen as a traditional tourist destination, it does have a strong component of tourism generated through friends and relatives and the speaker outlined the need for businesses to target this growing segment.
As the Mayor of Maroondah I had the pleasure of introducing the June BizConnect Business Breakfast and the speech I delivered is included within this post:
On the 26th of May I had the pleasure of launching Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week program at Maroondah Federation Estate. The launch was held on National Sorry Day, which preceded National Reconciliation Week, which was held between the 27th May through to the 3rd of June.
Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate indigenous culture and as part of the proceedings I had the pleasure of announcing the acquisition of the artwork Tali, by Indigenous Elder Ray Ken. Ray’s piece depicts the sandhill country around Watarru, the country of Ray’s grandmother.
The acquisition of this artwork demonstrates Maroondah’s ongoing commitment to Reconciliation, which is affirmed through our Community Wellbeing Plan, as well as our Reconciliation Policy. The artwork will be on display until the 30th of July in the foyer of Maroondah Federation Estate and I encourage you to take the time to view this artwork.
Between the 14th and 17th of June I participated in the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly, which was held in Canberra. ALGA is the peak body representing local government across the country and I was joined by Cr. Les Willmott, Cr. Rob Steane, Cr. Michael Macdonald and Cr. Paul Macdonald, as well as Frank Dixon our Chief Executive Officer.
I would like to thank these colleagues for providing the time to attend the National General Assembly in Canberra. A strong presence assists in creating recognition for Maroondah and helps set us apart from the hundreds of Councils that exist within Australia. I would also like to thank our local Federal Members; Kevin Andrews, the Member for Menzies, Tony Smith, the Member for Casey and Mike Symon the Member for Deakin, who each took the time to meet us in Canberra. In particular, Mike Symon organised meetings with senior Government Advisors and I would like to thank Mike for this effort.
While the National General Assembly concluded on the Thursday, I remained in Canberra until Friday the 18th of June, to attend the Australian Council of Local Government (ACLG). This organisation, was a Federal Government initiative, designed to increase collaboration and partnership between Councils and the Federal Government. I was able to take this opportunity to speak to several members of the Government, where I was able to discuss Maroondah and the need for ongoing collaboration between all levels of Government.
While it is not easy to take a week out of anyone’s schedule to attend a conference, the trip to Canberra was useful and I will be tabling a formal written report at our next Council meeting.
Upon returning from Canberra, I attended two events on Saturday the 19th of June, the launch of Refugee Week and a celebration for the Centenary of Girl Guides. I was joined by Cr. Ann Fraser at both events and we were both able to participate in launching Refugee Week.
The theme for 2010 Refugee Week is Freedom from Fear, reflecting on the experiences that refugees have faced prior to their arrival in Australia. The launch for Refugee Week, was held at Maroondah Secondary College and included a cultural exchange of food, dance and music, many of which was delivered by students from the school.
I also had the pleasure of launching Maroondah’s updated version of the Guide for Migrant and Refugees, which has been revised following its original production in 2007. The new booklet was created through a partnership between many organisations, including Victoria Police and it is great to see this collaboration resulting in a useful guide for Maroondah’s emerging communities.
National Reconciliation Week is held between the 27th of May and the 3rd of June and aims to foster mutual respect and wellbeing between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.
Alex with Aunty Doreen Garvey-Wandin, Wurundjeri/Wandoon Elder at the 2010 Launch of Reconciliation Week
Maroondah celebrates Reconciliation Week through an official launch, which was held today to acknowledge National Sorry Day on the 26th of May. National Sorry Day was formed in 1998 and in recognition of the Bringing Them Home Report and to acknowledge past injustices towards indigenous Australians so as to begin the process of reconciliation
Maroondah released its Reconciliation Policy in 2009 and released its Community Wellbeing Plan earlier this year. Both plans strengthen Maroondah’s approach towards reconciliation through education and strengthening wellbeing within our community.
Alex announcing the acquisition of the painting Tali, reaffirming Maroondah's commitment to Reconciliation
To reaffirm Council’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation I had the pleasure of announcing the acquisition of the painting Tali by Indigenous Elder Ray Ken. The artwork depicts the story of the sandhill country around Watarru, the country of Ray’s grandmother. The artwork will be on display until the 30th of July in the foyer of Maroondah Federation Estate.
A series of events will be provided in recognition of reconciliation week, including cultural awareness training, documentaries and workshops. For further details please visit www.artsinmaroondah.com.au/ReconWeek.htm
A program of events and workshops has been organised by Council to celebrate National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) in Maroondah.
Mayor of Maroondah, Cr Alex Makin, said the program would focus on providing a variety of opportunities to explore Indigenous culture and heritage.
“I’d like to extend an invitation to the community to attend Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week Launch from 10.30am at Maroondah Federation Estate on National Sorry Day (26 May),” Cr Makin said.
“The Launch will be held on National Sorry Day to recognise the suffering and hardship suffered by Indigenous communities. It will mark the beginning of Maroondah’s Reconciliation Week activities,” Cr Makin said.
“The launch will include a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, a flag ceremony, the unveiling of Council’s new Indigenous artwork acquisition. Entertainment will feature a mesmerising didgeridoo performance by Indigenous performer Alan Brown,” Cr Makin said.
School workshops will run throughout the week and students will have the opportunity to participate in didgeridoo playing, traditional dance, Indigenous art making and learn about cultural awareness.
The program will conclude on Thursday 3 June with the presentation of an Indigenous documentary film focusing on Aboriginal history in Victoria. The documentary will be presented by Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation.
One of the week’s highlights will be Council’s acquisition of an artwork by Indigenous Elder Ray Ken titled Tali, which will be placed on display in the foyer of Maroondah Federation Estate until 30 July.
Visit www.maroondah.vic.gov.au for the full schedule of Reconciliation Week events and to find out how you can become involved.
Maroondah Council formally adopted its Community Wellbeing Plan in December 2009, which outlines the initiatives that improve the health, safety and wellbeing of the municipality.
Councils are required to adopt a municipal health plan, which is aligned with the term of the council. These plans are developed in partnership with the community and the Maroondah’s Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee will be overseeing the implementation of Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan.
Alex launching Maroondah's Community Wellbeing Plan
This morning I officially launched Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan, in an event that included the many organisations and community members that assisted Council in developing the strategy.
The speech delivered during the launch is included below:
In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge that we are meeting on land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.
We, Maroondah City Council, accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome.
The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.
The Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Plan was developed in partnership with the Maroondah community, local organisations and State Government.
The development and implementation of the Plan is a legislative requirement under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
The Plan aims to improve the health and wellbeing for the Maroondah community, by addressing issues that impact Maroondah’s community.
Maroondah undertook extensive consultation in developing the plan, including a survey of households through the Maroondah Focus, as well as discussions at Eastland, community organisations and the Council’s know your parks program.
Part of this consultation included the involvement of Primary School students who provided drawings of what they like in Maroondah. Several of these drawings are available in the plan, as well as on display today.
Six priority areas were identified during this extensive consultation:
Healthy Minds Healthy Choices
Engaged Resilient Communities
Accessible Safe Communities
Lifestyle Opportunities to Support Health and Wellbeing
Targeting Equity and Social Inclusion
Healthy Sustainable Environments.
Each of these six priority areas have action plans involving specific objectives, strategies, and timeframes, which will be monitored by the Maroondah Partners in Community Wellbeing Committee.
Some of the action plans have already been implemented, including the forming of Maroondah’s new Partners in Safety Committee, which is a partnership between Council and agencies dedicated to improving safety within our municipality.
The development of the plan was made possible through the many organisations that provided input, including the members of Maroondah’s former Partners in Safety, Health and Wellbeing Committee and many of these participants are here today.
The implementation of Maroondah’s Community Wellbeing Plan will only be possible through partnership with community organisations. It gives me great pleasure to officially launch the plan and Council looks forward to working with the many members of our community to ensure how we can improve the health, safety and wellbeing of Maroondah.
Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to recognise multicultural ism and to promote inclusiveness within our community. Harmony Day marks the final day of Cultural Diversity Week with its message of Everyone Belongs.
Alex with members of the Sudanese community during the Harmony Day Festivities at the Ringwood Library
Throughout the day Centrelink, Eastern Regional Libraries, Maroondah City Council, Department of Justice, Mission Australia, Migrant Information Centre and Ringwood Police organised a Festival outside the Ringwood Library to promote Harmony Day and Cultural Diversity Week.
The theme for this year’s Harmony Day is Express Yourself and the festivities included face painting, music, dance and story telling. It was great to see such a strong interest in the event and the participation of many members of our community.
Alex with an organiser of the Harmony Day Festivities
I was invited to officially launch the event and the opening speech is included below:
Maroondah is home to a number of primary and secondary schools, including my former highschool of Luther College in Plymouth Road, Croydon.
The Lutheran Church of Australia holds a General Convention and Synod every three years to provide delegates the opportunity to vote on motions governing the Lutheran Church of Australia.
This morning I was invited, as a Councillor and past student, to welcome delegates to the City of Maroondah and discuss the attractions within the municipality. It was encouraging to see the Civic section of the Convention open with a Welcome to Country delivered by a Wurunjderi Elder.
I began my proceedings with the City of Maroondah’s Acknowledgement of Country:
Maroondah City Council, in the spirit of reconciliation, acknowledges that we are meeting on the land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.
We accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome. The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality, to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.
I would like to welcome the delegates and participants to both my former highschool and the City of Maroondah. The theme of this year’s convention is Learning to Walk Again and this is a theme that echoes in the broader community, as we strive to create a cohesive and vibrant community within our municipality of Maroondah.
Maroondah is fortunate to have significant environmental bush reserves, including the Mullum Mullum Creek and Valley, which is particularly significant to the Wurundjeri. The Mullum Mullum is one of Metropolitan Melbourne’s most significant remnant bush corridors, connecting with the Yarra River in Melbourne’s north east.
Maroondah is a diverse municipality, with a population of approximately 101,000 residents, including the highest proportion of Burmese migrants within Metropolitan Melbourne.
The municipality is home to 21 primary and 13 secondary schools, of which I attended Luther College between 1993 and 1998. Last year we celebrated our 10th high school reunion at McAdam Square, the local shopping district almost directly across the road from the school.
The suburbs of Ringwood and Croydon are located within the City of Maroondah and both are experiencing substantial change. Ringwood in particular, has been earmarked as a Central Activity District, meaning that the centre of Ringwood will be experiencing significant change in future years.
While change brings challenges it also can deliver opportunities and it is therefore vital that we as a council ensure that there are ample community facilities and meeting spaces within Ringwood as we plan to transform the area into a vibrant urban centre.
I trust that you have a successful convention and extend my welcome to you as you experience the City of Maroondah over the coming days.
This morning I was invited to officially open the Leadership Plus Workshop, a program designed to encourage leadership among people with disabilities and supported by Maroondah City Council.
The workshop examined leadership styles and the concept of over-strengths, whereby someone over-uses their strengths, which may cause difficulties in a team or group environment.
I opened the workshop with council’s Acknowledgement of Country to recognise the Wurundjeri, as traditional custodians of Maroondah:
Maroondah City Council, in the spirit of reconciliation, acknowledges that we are meeting on the land for which the Wurundjeri people have been custodians for many centuries, and on land which the Indigenous Australians have performed age old ceremonies.
We accept, respect and have shared with the Wurundjeri people in their customs of welcome.
The Wurundjeri people support the coming together of all people, respecting their individuality, to focus on a unified and cohesive nation.
The acknowledgement reflects on the diversity of our community and that all people possess leadership qualities. Leadership can take many forms and I am sure that the participants from today’s workshop will gain insight into leadership and strengthening their own skills and abilities.
Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah is one of two community based organisations promoting understanding and reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.
This afternoon I attended a luncheon to acknowledge the dedication of Ann Longridge, who served as convenor of the group for the past six years. Ann along with Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah has assisted in promoting the need for reconciliation within our community and ensuring that Council adopts policies that promote understanding and opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
Perhaps one of the most successful aspects of the group was its ability to demonstrate that reconciliation is relevant within all sections of our community. Members of Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah are also members of groups promoting the environment, accessibility, community houses and many other community organisations.
While the luncheon was a cause to reflect on the group, members of Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah subsequently voted to wind up the group after its twelve years of service. While it is a sad event for any group to cease existence the fact that so many different organisations are now involved with Reconciliation demonstrates the many achievements of Learning and Reconciliation Maroondah.
In addition, Maroondah Movement for Reconciliation still exists within Maroondah and will provide a group dedicated to this important cause.
