TAMWORTH Regional Council is seeking to deepen ties with the Aboriginal community as it readies its five-year draft cultural plan for community feedback.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors recently endorsed a draft with 59 cultural proposals and priorities for the region.
While the call for a new permanent stage for Bicentennial Park caused some division in the council chambers, and brought the plan into the spotlight, it will soon be on public exhibition and open for community comment.
RELATED ARTICLE:
The draft plan also suggest a range of measures to deepen ties with the local Aboriginal community.
Which was something the mayor Col Murray personally supported.
“That’s a reflection of the desires of the community from the CSP (community strategic plan),” he said.
“It was felt through the CSP consultation local Aboriginal culture needed a bit more attention.
“It’s something we’re becoming more aware of now … the need to reflect on our culture and how our culture is changing.
“I think there is more of an appetite to build off Aboriginal culture in this generation, more so than generations of the past have done and I think that’s a nationwide thing.”
Goals in the plan include assisting with Indigenous language revitalisation and implementing bi-monthly meetings with the Aboriginal Community Consultative Committee.
The plan also outlines support for the establishment of an Aboriginal cultural centre.
Once it’s endorsed, council will look to implement a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) before the end of 2018.
If it’s achieved, TRC will become one of just six councils in the state with a RAP.
The region’s annual festivals and adding to local infrastructure loom large in the plan.
Development of a new performing arts centre, as well as, progress of a regional science, education and astronomy centre landed on the plan.
“Promoting and activating” King George V Ave was also listed as a priority.
There was also an emphasis on growing the region’s festivals, including Taste, Fiesta La Peel, City of Light, and the gallery’s Textile Triennial.
Cr Murray said cultural plans in the past had delivered the Capitol Theatre, activities attached to the Fitzroy Street redevelopment and the multicultural festival.
The draft plan will go on public exhibition from March 12 to April 9.