Susan Ryan M老澳门六合彩图库
Golden Plains Shire Council
I wanted to give the President’s award to a person doing practical work that was making a difference on the ground. Sounds easy in theory but how to pick someone who fits the bill? Fortuitously while working on a project about strategic cultural heritage assessments, three separate people recommended I speak to a planner who was doing excellent work on Wadawurrung Country. Was this just a coincidence? Turns out she was worthy of those three separate recommendations.
That planner was Susan Ryan, a strategic planner at Golden Plains Shire. I have decided to give Susan the president’s award for her work establishing and running the Wadawurrung Dja Cultural Heritage Planners Network on Wadawurrung Country.
Wadawurrung Dja Cultural Heritage Planners Network
Susan established the network to bring planners and traditional owners together in a really practical way. It has opened the door for discussions that build a shared understanding of values and the value of Country. The network has built relationships and an opportunity to think more strategically about the integration of First People’s view in the planning system.
The purpose of the network is outlined in the terms of reference:
The purpose of the Wadawurrung Dja Cultural Heritage Planners Network (Network) for local governments (LGA) on Wadawurrung Country is to assist in the understanding, development and awareness related to First Peoples in areas of land use planning requirements and statues; with the aim to help members facilitate and promote meaningful engagement in developing sustainable relationships and opportunities with the Wadawurrung.
The network is made up of:
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planners from the Councils working on Wadawurrung Country; Ararat Rural City Council; Corangamite Shire Council; City of Ballarat; City of Greater Geelong; Golden Plains Shire Council; Melton Shire; Moorabool Shire; Pyrenees Shire; Surf Coast Shire and Wyndham City Council.
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staff from First Peoples – State Relations, Barwon/Grampians Region.
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staff from Department of Transport and Planning.
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Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and/or staff member from Wadawurrung. (i.e. noted under meetings is the TOR).
In addition to the network member, other government agencies, are invited to meetings which are based around professional development and increasing our cultural understanding. Examples of these have been the VPA and Regional Planning Hubs. As an example, one of the network sessions includes a presentation by the Kiri Tawhai Aboriginal Partnerships Advisor at Barwon Water and Manager Environment and Open Space at Golden Plains Shire ‘Working Together with Traditional Owners - Learned Experiences from the Water Sector’.
Conclusion
It is not a small feat getting something like this off the ground. I appreciate the support that I am sure has been provided to Susan by Golden Plains Shire Council.
I congratulate Susan on the work she has been doing and hope that this can be used as a model for other traditional owners and Councils.