Marking the Federal Government Apology to the Stolen Generations
13 February 2008
Monash Mayor, Paul Klisaris has announced his support of the Federal Government's apology to the 'Stolen Generations' and will be honouring this special day with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flag raising ceremony at the Monash Civic Centre today.
"This is a national day of reconciliation and acknowledgement of our true history, symbolizing the first step in a shared healing process. It is a time to celebrate the coming together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to move forward into the future in unity," said Cr Klisaris.
"The report highlighted that the land, now recognised as the City of Monash, was part of the area occupied by the Woi wurrung, specifically the Wurundjeri people, and Boon wurrong clans. These groups were part of the Kulin nation," said Cr Klisaris.
At Cr Klisaris' first meeting as Mayor last month, he presented a motion for the Aboriginal Flag to be permanently displayed within the Council Chambers.
"At the next Council meeting (on 19 February), I will be presenting a Notice of Motion to my fellow colleagues for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags to also fly permanently outside the Civic Centre along with the Australian National Flag," said Cr Klisaris.
Last August, Council launched the
Indigenous Framework and Action Plan 2007-2011 with the aim of developing and strengthening Council's relationship with its Indigenous community.
"Today is a great step toward our continued commitment to implement meaningful and achievable actions as outlined in the Indigenous Framework Plan," he said.
Published: 13 February 2008
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