"At its heart, Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians" ‐ Reconciliation Australia.
Our reconciliation journey
Greater Dandenong City Council began its formal reconciliation journey in July 1995 with the adoption of a Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This declaration acknowledged their right to self-determination and marked a symbolic step toward reconciliation.
Council deepened its commitment in 2008, by issuing a formal apology for the historical injustices caused by past governmental policies, including the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Building on these foundations, Council launched its first Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in November 2017. This two-year plan aimed to enhance understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation efforts, and foster respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s Culture and knowledge.
While implementation of some initiatives presented challenges, they were embraced as learning opportunities. Council staff demonstrated a strong willingness to adapt and ensure that actions were authentic, collaborative and community led.
In late 2019, the Council endorsed the development of a second Innovate RAP (2021–23), with a focus on embedding reconciliation across all areas of Council operations. A significant milestone during this period was the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council’s recognition of the Bunurong people as the Traditional Custodians of all land within the City of Greater Dandenong. This boundary realignment increased the responsibilities of the Bunurong Land Council, and the Council actively supported their growth and capacity building, ensuring meaningful consultation across all Council business.
In December 2024, Council endorsed the redevelopment of its Third Innovate RAP for July 2026-June 2028 as part of its ongoing commitment to the advancement of Reconciliation.
Council has continued to walk alongside the continue to walk alongside Bunurong Land Council, as Traditional Custodians and our wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait community, in engaging their voice and consultation in the development of Council’s Third Innovate RAP.
Development of Our Third Innovate RAP
The priorities outlined in Council’s Third Innovate RAP are the result of an intensive community consultation process, an examination of municipal data, legislative requirements and Council’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation. With Self-determination the underpinning framework, it was important for Council that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community were directly consulted in relation to matters that affect them and that their voices were forefront to decision making.
RAP Governance
Council’s endorsement of its third RAP was supported by a strengthened governance framework to guide its development and implementation.
RAP Reference Group and RAP Internal Steering Committee are two significant advancements endorsed by the Council are the proposed establishment of a RAP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group, and a RAP Internal Steering Committee.
The Reference Group will enable Council to formally seek the views and wishes of the wider Greater Dandenong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and Elders who live, work, and play within our municipality.
The Reconciliation Action Plan Reference Group will uphold the rights to truth, justice, equality and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Community Engagement
The consultation process was split into two phases:
- A deliberative consultation with the Bunurong land Council, as Traditional Custodians and the RAP Reference Group as representatives of the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- A broader municipal wide engagement providing socialisation of the draft RAP and an opportunity for feedback.
Key themes identified from the deliberative consultation were:
- Truth-telling
- Cultural safety and Cultural Awareness
- Communication
These key themes have been used to influence the priorities reflected in this plan and the projects to be undertaken each year. While many actions are determined by Reconciliation Australia, we value your input on advancing Reconciliation and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and History.
Council will be undertaking formal community consultation and engagement in March 2026.
We invited all community members to share their ideas on how the Council can:
- Build and strengthen relationships
- Show respect to Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living and or working on Bunurong country and their culture
Improve opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in City of Greater Dandenong through areas of Employment, Education, Health, Cultural preservation and community engagement. The RAP focuses on the four domains as guided by Reconciliation Australia Innovate RAP Framework:
- Respect
- Relationships
- Opportunities
- Governance
Find out more:
Have your say on our draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2026-28
Download and read the RAP Reference Group Expression of Interest - 555KB
Download the Terms of Reference - 288KB
The Internal Steering Committee will ensure that the Council has the appropriate governance mechanism in place to strengthen and drive reconciliation advancement, both internally and externally.
Download the RAP Governance Structure - 28KB
To find out more about Reconciliation, visit the Reconciliation Australia website.
