Council launches INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan in NAIDOC Week
Published on 15 July 2025
As part of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, Hepburn Shire Council proudly launched its INNOVATE Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a key milestone in Council’s ongoing commitment to truth-telling, respect, and meaningful change.
The official launch took place on Friday 11 July at Hepburn Pavilion, marking a significant moment in the Shire’s reconciliation journey.
Mayor, Cr Don Henderson, reflected on the importance of the occasion and said that this was more than just a launch, it reaffirmed our shared journey with Dja Dja Wurrung, the Traditional Owners.
“Our RAP represents a commitment to healing, learning, and building respectful, lasting partnerships with the Dja Dja Wurrung people,” said Cr Don Henderson.
The event began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, led by respected Elders Uncle Rick Nelson and Jason Kerr, and included a celebration of a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DJAARA Timbers. This partnership focuses on shared cultural and economic development goals and provides opportunities for the use of fallen and reclaimed logs and timber from tree management works from Council operations.
Dja Dja Wurrung Group Interim CEO Cassandra Lewis said, “DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) is proud to partner with Council on this MOU that will mean high-value timber will be honoured and used for traditional practices and projects that give back to Country – not for profit, but for preservation and practice.”
A highlight of the event was a live performance by acclaimed artist Amos Roach, son of legendary First Nations musicians Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. His powerful music, grounded in Country and culture, offered a moving tribute to First Nations voices and stories.
Attendees also shared in billy tea and damper, and took time to connect, reflect, and celebrate with community members.
The INNOVATE RAP outlines clear, practical actions to guide the Council’s contribution to reconciliation, both within the organisation and throughout the broader community.
Image - Harley Douglas, Matthew Daniel - Hepburn Shire, Oli Moraes, Pete McCurley, Bradley Thomas - Hepburn Shire CEO, Cr Tim Drylie, Cr Lesley Hewitt (Deputy Mayor), Cr Tony Clark, and Cr Don Henderson (Mayor)