Our Reconciliation Journey

The Koorie Gardening Team was formed as response from the community to provide employment opportunities for Koorie youth. The Koorie Gardening Team identified and led projects including the revegetation of Pipemakers Park, with local native plants. Initially funded by the State Government of Victoria, Maribyrnong City Council provided an additional $240,000 for a further three years as a result of the Koorie Gardening Team proposal to work towards economic self-sustainability.

Maribyrnong City Council was one of the first local governments in Victoria to develop a policy in relation to First Nations Peoples; The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities Policy 1998 – 2001.

Council developed and adopted a Statement of Commitment between First Nations Peoples and Maribyrnong City Council and launched the Reconciliation Policy and Action Plan 2003 - 2005.

Launched Council’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians library collection during the 2007 National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week celebrations. The collection includes recently published books, historical texts and a large collection of children’s stories, biographies, art books and DVDs.

The Maribyrnong Reconciliation Group (MRG) was established as a result of community consultation towards the development of the 2009 - 2013 Indigenous Policy and Action Plan. The purpose of the MRG was to engage community working or studying within the municipality to work collectively towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Signed Statement of Commitment between the Wurundjeri Council and Maribyrnong City Council.

Council established its Annual Reconciliation Plans with the launch of its 2013 – 2018 Indigenous Policy.

Establishment of the Maribyrnong Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Committee (MRAPAC) to govern and advise Council on issues and barriers affecting the reconciliation process. MRAPAC advises Council with strategic objectives for the purpose of positive practical mutual outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and non- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

Council initiated internal and external consultation to develop its first Reconciliation Action Plan with guidance from a First Nations consultant.

Council endorsed its Maribyrnong City Council Reconciliation Action Plan.

In 2023 Council resolved to discontinue Citizenship Ceremonies and lowering the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags on January 26, recognising it as a day of reflection and mourning.

Council continues its commitment to creating effective working relationships with local First Nations Peoples, their communities, Elders, youth, children, women and men.