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Nillumbik Shire Council Apology and Commitment to Aboriginal Reconciliation
Category:	Event
Date:	9 May 1998
Sub Category:	Statement of Commitment/Intention
Place:	Nillumbik Shire
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State/Country:	Victoria, Australia
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Subject Matter:	Local Government \| Reconciliation
Summary Information:
The Nillumbik Shire Council Apology and Commitment to Aboriginal Reconciliation was the initiative of the Nillumbik Reconciliation Committee in consultation with Wurundjeri Elder Joy Murphy and with the support of the Nillumbik Shire staff and Councillors. The document was presented to senior Elders of the Wurundjeri people on 9 May 1998.
Detailed Information:
The Statement reads: Nillumbik Shire Council recognises that the Wurundjeri Willam clan of the Wurundjeri people and the Kulin Nation were the occupiers and traditional owners of the land that now comprises Nillumbik Shire prior to European settlement. Nillumbik Shire Council apologises on behalf of its residents, unreservedly and sincerely, for the pain, the grief and the suffering experienced by Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a result of past laws, government policies, actions and attitudes. The Council expresses deep sorrow that these actions and attitudes have occurred and has determined that such occurrences should not be repeated. Nillumbik Shire Council acknowledges the ongoing effects of such practices on the lives of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to be disadvantaged by the effects of their displacement from their families, their land and traditional culture. Nillumbik Shire council commits itself to an ongoing Aboriginal Reconciliation. The document contains further confirmations, commitments and intentions of the Council in respect to its ongoing relationship with Aboriginal people and also contains a list of Recommendations in relation to real and tangible Reconciliation initiatives.