Shire and Undalup Lead the Way at Aboriginal Engagement Forum

Shire Commitment to Aboriginal Engagement Recognised

Earlier this month Wadandi Traditional Custodian Zac Webb, Shire President Julia Meldrum and Manager Community, Arts, Culture and Events Stephanie Johnson attended WALGA’s Aboriginal Engagement Forum 2024.

The trio were invited to present in a panel discussion: ‘Meaningful Engagement Across Local Government Functions’, where alongside the City of Melville and Shire of Kojonup, they shared the Shire’s ‘Jenna Yen Mundamug’ Walking Together Strategy.

This year’s theme, ‘Djinaning Koora, Dijinaning Boorda’ can be translated to mean ‘Looking Back to Move Forward’, acknowledging that the shared path to reconciliation is not linear. The Forum presented a platform to explore how reflection, sharing experiences and innovation can provide inspiration for continually moving forward. 

The event was an opportunity to share the Shire’s ongoing commitment to listening, learning, and collaborating with First Nations people, and was recognised as a leading local government in this space. 

In collaboration with Undalup Association, the Shire considers and consults with the traditional custodians across a myriad of projects, to not only develop stronger relationships but also to gain a deeper understanding of cultural obligations and how the Shire can support the Wadandi people and ensure a healthy Boodja (country). 

One recent project is the Shire’s dual naming initiative which saw the renaming of the Margaret River HEART to Nala Bardip Mia, and the newly refurbished Recreation Centre to Nala Waabi Mia translated to ‘Our Play House.’

The event presented a day full of stories of learning, stories and fostering collaboration which sparked many new ideas – watch this space!