Aboriginal Reference Group

The purpose of the Aboriginal Reference Group is focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal people in the MidCoast Council Local Government Area. The Aboriginal Reference Group is a mechanism for addressing the six key focus areas that have been identified as priorities in consultation with Aboriginal people and community service providers.

The group focuses on providing advice and feedback on Council’s strategic plans and initiatives for recognising and respecting Aboriginal culture and history and reducing the disadvantage experienced by the MidCoast Aboriginal community.

The group has a key role in helping Council understanding community needs and advise on prioritising the implementation of The Aboriginal Action Plan and advocating on behalf of the community to Council.

It reflects Council’s commitment to standing with the Aboriginal community to advocate for increased support, improved services, and collective action to address the needs that have been identified which fall outside Council’s scope of delivery.

The membership of the Reference Group will include:

• up to two Councillors
• up to four Local Aboriginal Land Councils representatives – one from each
• up to four Aboriginal Working Parties representatives – one from each
• up to eight Aboriginal community member representatives who may be: Elders or Traditional Owners, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people from the MidCoast, Aboriginal young people aged 18+, Gathang language holders.
• staff representatives from Council’s Community & Cultural Services team