Reconciliation Action Plan

Rous County Council is continuing the process of reconciliation between Rous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the endorsement of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at Council's April 2021 meeting. The Plan was accredited by Reconciliation Australia in September 2021.

RAPs are practical plans of action built on relationships, respect and opportunities. RAPs create social change and economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

What does reconciliation mean to Rous?

For Rous, reconciliation means recognising the importance of working with the Traditional Custodians of current and future catchment and natural resource areas managed by Rous.

Rocky Creek Dam, our supply network’s principal source, sits on Widjabul Wia-bal country of the Bundjalung nation. Rous acknowledges the Widjabul Wia-bal people’s deep relationship with the land and water, and strongly values their traditional laws, knowledge and lessons about places and sustainability. Reconciliation aims to restore ecological, cultural and social values that are unique to our region.

How do reconciliation action plans work?

RAPs provide a framework for organisations to realise their vision for reconciliation. The RAP program is overseen by Reconciliation Australia, an independent and not-for-profit organisation.

How is the First Nations community involved?

Rous has a Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group (RAPAG) that is an advisory group established to support Rous in realising its vision for reconciliation as contained within its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. The functions and membership of the RAPAG are identified in the Terms of Reference.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on our RAP, you may contact our office directly. For more information on reconciliation action plans, please see the Reconciliation Australia website at http://www.reconciliation.org.au/raphub/