{"id":97432,"date":"2022-08-11T16:05:20","date_gmt":"2022-08-11T16:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=97432"},"modified":"2022-08-11T16:05:20","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T16:05:20","slug":"media-release-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/media-release-7\/","title":{"rendered":"MEDIA RELEASE"},"content":{"rendered":"

MEDIA RELEASE<\/b><\/span><\/h1>\n

\"MEDIA<\/p>\n

DATE: 11 August 2022<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

COUNCIL STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO WORKING WITH LOCAL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

First Nations people in Hornsby Shire will have their voices heard more than ever as Hornsby Shire Council last night appointed 14 voluntary community members to the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (HATSICC).<\/span><\/p>\n

The new intake will include 11 Aboriginal people, almost doubling last year, becoming the highest ever representation on the committee.<\/span><\/p>\n

Formed in 2006, HATSICC is Council\u2019s vital link with First Nations peoples in the Shire, respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples\u2019 right to self-determination and community empowerment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe bloodline descendants of the Hornsby area would like to congratulate all the successful candidates for this year\u2019s Hornsby Shire Council HATSICC, a collaborative consultative group protecting and promoting Aboriginal cultural heritage and cultural events within the Shire,\u201d said Auntie Tracey Howie, GuriNgai Traditional Owner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe would also like to congratulate Hornsby Shire Council for their continued support and promotion of the local Aboriginal cultures and communities, and we look forward to continuing our respectful, eventful and meaningful relationship into the future.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Darug Traditional Owner, Auntie Leanne Watson, also talked about the significance of the committee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn behalf of the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation I would like to congratulate Council and the new members of the Hornsby Shire Council HATSICC on the wonderful, continued collaboration for the sharing of our culture and walking together on Darug and GuriNgai Ngurra.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The committee\u2019s advice has led to a range of important initiatives including the development and adoption of a Statement of Reconciliation in 2008; inviting Traditional Custodians to give a Welcome to Country at all Council meetings and Citizenship Ceremonies; the adoption of a Dual Naming Policy; the re-naming of the Pennant Hills Community Nursery to Warada Ngurang Community Nursery; the installation of Aboriginal artwork across the Shire reflecting Aboriginal culture; and adopting the Uluru Statement from the Heart in April 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHornsby Shire Council has a strong commitment to the acknowledgement of First Nations peoples and to working with the local Aboriginal community through this important committee. We were delighted to receive a record number of nominees this year, reflecting the strong community interest in empowering local Aboriginal people and raising awareness of their culture,\u201d said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock.<\/span><\/p>\n

Following a very strong response to a call for nominees, Council resolved to increase voluntary community membership of the HATSICC from 12 to 14, designate a position for the Hornsby Area Residents for Reconciliation community group and increase Councillor representation from six to seven. It also resolved to schedule an informal workshop to discuss the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

At last night\u2019s meeting, Council also resolved to appoint new members to another of its important committees \u2013 the Hornsby Shire Council Heritage Advisory Committee. Formed in 1994, the committee helps Council manage heritage items, conservation areas and strategic heritage projects. Mayor Ruddock emphasised the important work of the committee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHornsby Shire has a rich and significant history. The volunteers play an important role in preserving this. Congratulations and thank you all our new committee members.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Also at last night\u2019s meeting, Council:<\/span><\/p>\n