The consultation is now closed, and feedback is being reviewed.

Thank you for providing feedback. Please visit this page for further updates.

Draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2026-28

We’re creating our third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The four RAP types — Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate allow RAP partners to continuously strengthen reconciliation commitments and constantly strive to apply learnings in new ways.

An Innovate RAP is a crucial and rewarding period in an organisation’s reconciliation journey.

This plan will outline how we will contribute to Reconciliation, strengthen relationships, demonstrate respect, and provide opportunities for collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in City of Greater Dandenong.

  • It builds on our understanding, commitment, and respect for the oldest living Culture in the world, to support a deeper relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders based on sharing, listening, trust, and truth telling and understanding.
  • We are developing our Innovate RAP in consultation with Bunurong Land Council, as Traditional Custodians, local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, the wider community, and our internal Reconciliation Governance groups.

Our RAP will further embed reconciliation across our entire business, self-determination, truth- telling and Treaty to support and guide council as underpinning frameworks we work with.

Our RAP will focus on these themes

  • Truth

    We will acknowledge the true history of Australia from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's perspective, through all possible opportunities. We will also continue to support this country because of the impacts of colonisation and acknowledge past injustices.

  • Communication

    We will be transparent and authentic in our communication with Bunurong Land Council, as Traditional Custodians and with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and peoples. We will communicate in a Culturally sensitive way and continue to educate ourselves through Cultural awareness training to ensure we are further educated in how we communicate.


  • Engagement

    We will continue to engage meaningfully with Bunurong Land Council, as Traditional Custodians and with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and peoples. Through ongoing, active engagement we will ensure this relationship is respectful and long lasting.

  • Cultural Awareness and Cultural Safety

    We will strive to understand the spiritual and historical connection to the land that Bunurong peoples, as Traditional Custodians and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have through providing the opportunity to be educated to increase our knowledge. We will educate ourselves in relation to Cultural protocols and Aboriginal Cultural practices and Traditions, to support Council, its staff and our environments to be a Culturally safe space for Community to connect and engage freely.

  • Respect

    We will respect all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples Cultures, values and beliefs, treating everyone equally. This will be done through respecting Cultural diversity and creating a respectful environment for all people.

Help us shape the draft Innovate RAP to better support you and our community in Greater Dandenong by completing the survey below and have your say.

Community feedback summary

You told us what meaningful reconciliation looks like in Greater Dandenong.

We listened, and your priorities have directly shaped the Innovate RAP.

This plan reflects your voice, and Council commits to continuing this conversation beyond the life of the RAP.

Why we asked for feedback

Council asked the community and key Aboriginal stakeholders to share their thoughts on the draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

We wanted to know:

  • What was working well
  • What needed to change
  • What mattered most to the community

This feedback helped shape the final version of the RAP.

Who we heard from

We received feedback in two main ways:

1. From the wider community

The draft RAP was shared publicly through Council’s Have Your Say page.

  • Many people viewed or downloaded the plan
  • A small number of people provided written feedback

This feedback helped us understand how the RAP was being seen by the broader community and whether it was clear and accessible.


2. From Aboriginal community members and the RAP Reference Group

We also worked closely with Aboriginal community members, Elders, organizations and the RAP Reference Group. This feedback was much more detailed and focused on real experiences, community priorities and long‑term change.

Both types of feedback were important and have been used together.

What the wider community told us

People from the broader community shared that:

  • They generally support Council’s commitment to reconciliation
  • They want to better understand how they can be involved
  • Some people questioned how reconciliation work fits with Council’s other responsibilities

What we did in response

  • We kept the overall direction of the RAP, as there was strong support for reconciliation work
  • We improved how the RAP explains partnerships and community involvement
  • We noted concerns about priorities and addressed these through clearer planning and accountability inside Council

What Aboriginal community members and the RAP Reference Group told us

Aboriginal community feedback was strong, clear and consistent. People told us that reconciliation needs to be:

  • Practical, not just symbolic
  • Visible in everyday Council actions
  • Led through relationships, trust and respect

Key messages we heard

Relationships matter most

People want:

  • Strong relationships between Council and Aboriginal children, young people, Elders and organizations
  • Aboriginal voices included in advisory groups and decision‑making
  • Council leaders to regularly show up, listen and build trust

Truth‑telling is essential

Community members clearly said:

  • Council has a role in telling the true history of this place
  • This should happen through art, stories, signage, place names and public spaces
  • Truth‑telling helps everyone understand the past and respect Aboriginal culture today

Culture should be visible and celebrated

People told us how important it is to:

  • See Aboriginal flags, colors, art and language in public places
  • Continue events like NAIDOC, Blak Markets and flag raisings
  • Create safe gathering places where community can meet, heal and celebrate

These things help people feel seen, valued and respected.

.Council must be accountable

People want:

  • Clear responsibilities for actions in the RAP
  • Realistic timelines
  • Ongoing check‑ins with community, not just a plan on paper

What we changed in the RAP because of your feedback

Because of what we heard, Council:

  • Updated and clarified RAP actions and responsibilities
  • Adjusted timelines so actions are achievable
  • Strengthened actions around partnerships, truth‑telling and cultural protocols
  • Made sure Reconciliation Australia’s guidance was followed
  • Kept and committed to doing more of what community said was working well

A Summary of Changes table clearly shows how feedback led to RAP changes.

How this closes the loop

You told us:

  • What reconciliation looks like in Greater Dandenong
  • What matters to your families, children and community
  • What Council needs to keep doing — and do better

We listened, and your feedback directly shaped the final Innovate RAP.

Our commitment going forward

Council acknowledges that reconciliation is ongoing work. This RAP is not the end — it is part of a larger journey built on:

  • Listening
  • Learning
  • Long‑term relationships
  • Accountability

We thank everyone who shared their time, stories and ideas. Your voices matter, and they are reflected in this plan.