Minutes of the ordinary Council meeting - 25 September 2012

Matters of significant interest included:
With the review of the Community Strategic Plan ensure the Aboriginal
community is consulted.
Council to pursue details of the Commonwealth Regional Partnerships
Program with an invitation extended to Mr James Christian, State Manager
NSW/ACT of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs.
The necessity for widespread community consultation in respect to proposed
State Planning issues involving the Aboriginal community to ensure the
protection of Aboriginal culturally sensitive and heritage listed land.
Council to have a say on the Aboriginal Affairs Policy.
Note: There was a second consultative meeting held in Kempsey on Tuesday 28
August 2012.
Following the first community consultation the Mayor, Councillor Liz Campbell,
wrote to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon Victor Dominello MP and:
invited the Minister to visit Kempsey concerning ongoing consultation;
referred to the draft Two Ways Together Strategy which was due to be
released in June 2012; and
invited the Minister‟s attention to the anticipated completion of the South
Kempsey Project – One Community.
Mr Jason Ardler, General Manager Aboriginal Affairs, Office of Communities,
Department of Education and Communities in speaking to the progress of the
Aboriginal Affairs Policy stated that:
opportunity will be provided to Council to attend the Consultative meeting in
Kempsey – the Minister may be in attendance.
the Aboriginal Affairs Policy would replace the failed Two Ways Together
Strategy.
the Progress Report of the Aboriginal Affairs Policy highlights matters such
as :
- opportunity hubs;
- Aboriginal language; and
- local decision making (the need for greater Aboriginal control in
decision making and service delivery. The model is intended to build
on the strengths of existing Aboriginal community networks including
Local Aboriginal Land Councils and Aboriginal Education Consultative
Groups).
Overall, the Aboriginal Affairs Policy outlines:
strengthening the connection between education, training and employment;
strengthening support to culture and language;
strengthening accountability; and
strengthening the capacity of communications and service delivery
It is considered essential that Council‟s consultants in finalising documentation for
the South Kempsey Project consider the Progress Report for the Aboriginal Affairs
Policy.
Kempsey Shire Council FULL TEXT Minutes Ordinary Meeting 25 September 2012 Page 54