Council recognizes Traditional Land Owners
Strathbogie Shire Council voted last night to put out for public exhibition its Meeting Procedures and Common Seal Local Law No. 1 to incorporate a new first item of 'Welcome', and a new second item 'Acknowledgement of Traditional Land Owners' to recognise the unique position of Aboriginal people in Australian culture and history.
Strathbogie Shire Council acknowledges that Aboriginal people are the original custodians of the land. Mayor of Strathbogie Shire Council, Howard Myers said, "It is that important this unique position is recognised and incorporated as part of official protocol and events to enable our shire and the wider community to share in Aboriginal culture and heritage. Strathbogie Shire Council believes that it will facilitate better relationships between Aboriginal people and the wider community and that this communicates to the broader community the cultural heritage of Aboriginal people and promotes mutual respect and understanding."
The first item of welcome will be: In keeping with the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we are meeting today. We recognise indigenous people, their elders past and present.
To initiate the process to amend Schedule 1, Order of Business in its Local Law No. 1 - Meeting Procedures and Common Seal Local Law, Council is required to advertise its intention to do so, in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989. Section 223 of the Act requires that 28 days be made available for people to make a submission.
Any person wishing to make a written submission on a proposed amendment to Local Law No. 1 - Meeting Procedures and Common Seal may also request to be heard in support of their submission. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and will close at 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 25th March 2009. Submissions will be considered in accordance with Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989. Persons wishing to be heard in support of their submission should so indicate in the written submission.
The new Order of Business will be as follows:
- WELCOME
- ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TRADITIONAL LAND OWNERS
- APOLOGIES
- CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
- DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS
- REPORTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS
- PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
- REPORTS
- NOTICES OF MOTION
- URGENT BUSINESS