Reconciliation award for Strathbogie

1 Jun 2024

 Strathbogie Shire Council is one of 10 local governments in Victoria to receive a Maggolee Award from Reconciliation Victoria for work collaborating with First Peoples to support self-determination, advance reconciliation and enhance shared decision-making.  

Announced during National Reconcilation Week, the award recognises the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Taungurung Land and Waters Council and Strathbogie Shire Council.  

The MOU has helped establish effective communication, improve cultural understanding, and support the economic participation of the Taungurung People. 

Key actions in the MoU include: 

  • Communication and Decision-Making: Regular bimonthly meetings between Council Officers and TL&WC representatives. 
  • Cultural Respect: Acknowledging traditional owners at Council meetings, flying the Aboriginal flag, and promoting Taungurung culture and customs. 
  • Economic Support: Updated procurement guidelines which provide weighting to support TL&WC contracts as well as supporting business ventures such as the wawa biik guided tours. 
  • Collaborative Governance: Consulting with TL&WC on works in sensitive zones. 
  • Land Use Activity Agreements: Progressing the Land Use Activity Agreement through proactive dialogue and partnership opportunities. 

Strathbogie Shire Council Administrator Peter Stephenson extended his heartfelt congratulations to all involved and thanked Reconciliation Victoria for the esteemed recognition. 

“We were thrilled to be one of 10 Councils to receive an award and to be recognised amongst our local government peers.  

“This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of many people in our organisation, our community and through the representatives of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council. 

“Developing the MoU has required a lot of mutual trust and understanding. The guidance from Taungurung has been invaluable in shaping our approach and ensuring the actions are meaningful, respectful and achievable.”

Taungurung Land and Waters Council Chief Executive Officer Matthew Burns congratulated Strathbogie Shire Council on receiving a Maggolee Award. 

 “Since entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2021, TLaWC and the Strathbogie Shire Council have established a genuine partnership and commitment to shared decision making and reconciliation,” he said.  

“We look forward to continuing our work with them to progress the Taungurung Nation’s ambitions for self-determination in the management of Country and culture.”  

More information on the MoU and the actions included in it is available on Council’s website at www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/about-council.