Reconciliation journey at City of Victor Harbor

The City of Victor Harbor started a reconciliation journey to forge deeper and more meaningful connections with the Ramindjeri, Ngarrindjeri and other First Nations communities.

The project, 'Reconciliation at the City of Victor Harbor' commenced with the development of the council’s first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, embodying the city’s dedication to cultural understanding and sustainability.

Leann Symonds, Manager of Community Wellbeing at Victor Harbor council, emphasised the role of collaboration and the RAP Working Group in the project.

“Collaborative efforts the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, Miwi-inyeri Pelepi-ambi Aboriginal Corporation and internal teams were essential to the project, providing cultural advice, facilitating language lessons and guiding art installations,” Leann said.

“Equally important, was the RAP working group to meaningfully track progress against a comprehensive annual action plan.”

The integration of Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri cultural elements into the community was evident through initiatives like street and park naming, public artwork and a notable Muwerang Mosaic Project. Cultural sessions, film screenings and special grants, such as funding for an Aboriginal Family Worker, also significantly contributing to the city's diversity and inclusion efforts.

Kyla McHugh, a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and community member, shared her experience in seeing the RAP actions come to life.

"I was so happy that I had the opportunity of creating a mural for the City of Victor Harbor Council, focusing on ageing and wellness," Kyla said.

"Working on this project was amazing because it revolved around topics that I am truly passionate about, valuing our Elders and old people, depicting changing landscapes with our people.

"It was a story of the eternal nature of us; our mi:wi/spirit and forever connecting us to Mother Earth Country and Father Sky Country – Creation time that never begins and never ends."

Despite facing challenges to build greater awareness and understanding about the need for cultural change, the project adeptly navigated these obstacles. Cultural training and supporting change through cultural sessions, film screenings and team-building activities proved effective.

Looking ahead, the City of Victor Harbor is committed to deepening reconciliation efforts – creating a lasting, positive impact on the community.

Find out more

City of Victor Harbor
Leann Symonds, Manager of Community Wellbeing
Email: lsymonds@victor.sa.gov.au