FrankstonCity Council promotes the core values of the State Council for Reconciliation in Victoria, namely Respect, Rights and Recognition . We recognise local indigenous communities and work with our communities and inter-agency networks on local issues as well as engage them in consultation and research and encourage their cultural events and exhibitions.

Frankston City Council acknowledges significant events such as Sorry Day (26 May each year), Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, and has undertaken projects such as the permanent raising of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the Frankston Civic Centre.

Reconciliation and Statement of Apology

Frankston City Council has affirmed its commitment to the reconciliation process as fundamental to the creation of a just and tolerant society. We also acknowledge that Aboriginal land ownership has existed in Australia for more than 60,000 years, the presence of Aboriginal communities in Frankston City and the promotion of Aboriginal communities as equals.

At the 1997 General Assembly, 750 local government representatives unanimously endorsed a statement that expressed deep and sincere regret at the hurt and distress caused by state and federal government policies that had at times forcibly removed Aboriginal children from their families and homes. Many councils have since made statements of recognition, apology or commitment towards Indigenous Australians.

On 15 December 1997, Frankston City Council endorsed the following Statement of Apology:

Frankston City Council expresses its deep and sincere regret at the hurt and distress caused by the State and Federal Government policies which forcibly removed Aboriginal children from their families and homes.

It recognises that a great injustice was inflicted on Aboriginal peoples in the name of assimilation and integration and reaffirms its support for the reconciliation between all Australians.

The removal of Indigenous children from their families has had far reaching consequences, depriving many of contact with their people, country, language and culture. Frankston City Council commits to making all necessary records and assistance available to aid the victims of these policies in their grief and rebuilding of their family histories and place in todays Australia.

A national Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998 as a day for all Australians to express their sorrow for previous policies of forced integration and assimilation, for policies that caused the stolen generation and to celebrate the beginning of a new understanding of reconciliation. This is now an annual day of recognition that Council supports.

Also see the following pages:

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags Raising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags Raising
2. Engagingwith the Indigenous CommunitiesEngaging with the Indigenous Communities
3. Inter Council Aboriginal Consultative Committee (ICACC)

For further information on indigenous matters, contact Manager Community Projects on 9784 1957