CORANGAMITE CMA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO RECONCILIATION

This week, from 27 May to 3 June 2025, is National Reconciliation Week, a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to explore how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

We all have a role to play in reconciliation. And it’s been top of mind for staff at Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), who are commencing their first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to deliver a series of commitments for meaningful reconciliation.   

“Corangamite CMA works on the lands, waters and seas of the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation and the Kirrae Whurrong, Djagurd Woorroong, Gulidjan and Gadubanud People of the Maar Nation. We acknowledge them as Traditional Owners and greatly value the partnerships and projects we have with both Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar Traditional Owners to improve the health of the lands, water and seas in the region,” said Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke.

“Through the development of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan we will strengthen the existing partnerships we have with Traditional Owners and First Nations people. We will support cultural ways of caring for Country and increased leadership and decision-making by Traditional Owners in the management of land, water and biodiversity,” she said.

Led by an internal Reconciliation Working Group with input from staff and the Board, the plan will follow Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Framework and build upon Corangamite CMA’s previous Cultural Strengthening Action Plan. Both Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Easter Maar Aboriginal Corporation will be engaged in the plan’s development and implementation.

“Reconciliation Week reminds us how important it is for us to walk with Traditional Owners in all our work on Country across the catchment, bridging now to next. We’re honoured to have Eastern Maar Traditional Owner and Gulidjan woman Ebony Hickey attending our flag raising and morning tea ceremony to recognise Reconciliation Week,” said Kristen Lees, Corangamite CMA Reconciliation Working Group Co-Chair.

Corangamite CMA will be active throughout National Reconciliation Week, with staff encouraged to attend National Reconciliation Week events across the region. In addition to the morning tea at their office in Colac, Corangamite CMA is also proudly supporting, and co-hosting events across the region including sponsoring Reconciliation in the Park in Geelong, speaking at the Cultural Precinct Walking Tour in Geelong led by Barwon Water, and joining the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s 3km Walk for Truth in Colac on 5 June.

“We encourage all our partners, community groups and residents across the catchment to check out the  list of events in our area at www.reconciliation.org.au/calendar, and support the journey of reconciliation,” Dr Clarke said.