Aboriginal names could soon be considered for Coffs Harbour’s streets and buildings, under the city’s first ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy.
Compiling a list of Gumbaynggirr and other local Aboriginal names is one of the short-term actions in the strategy, which City of Coffs Harbour councillors endorsed at their latest monthly meeting.
The strategy was strengthened after a draft went on public exhibition. Feedback also came from three pop-up community yarn sessions at Yarrila Place, Wiigulga Sports Complex and Coffs Harbour Showground, held with Team Walkabout Barber and Waagay Biliinyjarl.
All up, the strategy outlines 38 actions. It was developed in partnership with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee.
Short-term actions, to be delivered in one to four years, include:
A signage program to acknowledge Country on City signage, and to deliver culturally appropriate locational and asset naming language signage across the Coffs Harbour local government area.
An acknowledgement to Country in all corporate email signatures.
A database of Gumbaynggirr and local Aboriginal names for naming opportunities such as streets, buildings and places of Aboriginal cultural relevance.
A network of “Reconciliation Champions” within the organisation.
Better onboarding processes so Aboriginal employees can identify in a safe and appropriate way.
An interview procedure to make sure Aboriginal applicants attending City job interviews feel safe, supported and welcomed.
The strategy recognises the deep cultural connections, history and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal people. It also acknowledges the challenges that continue to be felt today as a result of past injustices.
“With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people representing 5.7 per cent of the Coffs Harbour local government area population, compared with the NSW average of 2.9 per cent, the strategy reflects the importance of ensuring Aboriginal voices, culture and aspirations are recognised and supported,” said City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon.
“The City is committed to listening to and working alongside the Aboriginal community and the broader community to help shape the vision, focus areas and initiatives that will guide this strategy.”
Progress updates will be provided through the City’s Integrated Planning and Reporting framework.
“Being involved in creating the City’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy as a member of the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee has been a truly rewarding experience,” said Mayor Nikki Williams.
“This is a really exciting moment for our community.”
“The strategy is more than just a document.”
“It’s a commitment from the City to work in good faith, support Aboriginal voices, and celebrate the culture, knowledge and resilience of the Gumbaynggirr people and the many other Aboriginal people who live in our region.”
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