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Statement of Commitment by Kempsey Shire Council
Category:	Event
Date:	26 May 1999
Sub Category:	Statement of Commitment/Intention
Place:
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State/Country:	New South Wales, Australia
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Subject Matter:	Reconciliation \| Local Government
URL:	http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/STATEMENT%20OF%20COMMITMENT.pdf
Summary Information:
The Kempsey Shire Council signed a Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in May 1999.
Detailed Information:
The Statement reads: The Kempsey Shire Council acknowledges that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (in this area the Dunghutti Nation) are the first people of this land and have survived European settlement for more than two centuries. The arrival of Europeans brought massive change to the land and to its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For its part, Kempsey Shire Council, acknowledges and grieves for the loss by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of their land, their children, their health, their lives, their culture and customs, subject to law. We accept responsibility to develop an awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and society in our community, and to protect and preserve the environment, sites of spiritual and cultural significance. The Council recognises the valuable contribution to the Macleay Valley made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and looks forward to a future of mutual respect and harmony. In doing so, we acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture continues to strengthen and enrich our community. We are committed to walk together on this land, we commit ourselves to reconciliate and build a better relationship so that we can constitute a united region, respect the land, valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, providing justice and equity for all. Kempsey Council will look towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures practical knowledge which could help to secure a sustainable future for our community. Kempsey Council in negotiation with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, will further reconciliate between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and other community members by working together for a treaty and/or other agreements of reconciliation. Kempsey Council in negotiation with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will develop an action plan to redress disadvantages and attain justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of this community.