The Statements reflects The City of Port Phillip's commitment to reconciliation and its respect for its Indigenous community. It acknowledges, among other things, that Indigenous Australians were the first people of the land and that the City of Port Phillip values and encourages tolerance and respect for all. It recognises the enormous changes which European arrival brought and acknowledges the survival of Indigenous Australians. The Statement says: '[f]or its part, the Port Phillip City Council acknowledges and grieves for the loss by the indigenous people of their land, their children, their health and their lives.' It recognises the valuable contributoin to the community made by Indigenous people and acknowledges their right to live according to their own customs and values, subject to law. The Statement also acknowledges the Council's support for the development of a formal instrument of reconciliation to be developed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians working together. | |