Council
5 December, 2024
Corangamite officially welcomes councillors
MORE than 40 people gathered in Camperdown’s Avenue last week for a Smoking Ceremony to introduce the new council term.
Gundtijmara and Kirrae Whurrung man Joey Chatfield from Eastern Maar delivered the Welcome and Smoking Ceremony last Tuesday afternoon.
People present included members of the public of all ages, councillors and council staff.
Mr Chatfield performed the ceremony using foliage from the cherry ballart plant, a significant native plant for Indigenous people that produces fruit for food and timber for tools.
The ceremony was held prior to the beginning of the November council meeting – the first Ordinary Meeting of Council since the declaration of election results in early November.
Corangamite Shire mayor Cr Kate Makin thanked Mr Chatfield for leading a warm opening to the new council term.
“This ceremony brought us all together in celebration of our First Nations culture, our shared history and values in Corangamite Shire, and our optimism for the future as we embark on a new council term,” she said.
“It was a fantastic way to welcome a new chapter for Corangamite Shire in a meaningful way, and we thank Joey Chatfield for his engaging and knowledgeable presentation.
“We also thank the community members who joined us for the Smoking Ceremony, and who took a keen interest in the cultural experience.”
Cr Makin said council was committed to walking with Traditional Owners and First Nations people in the community towards reconciliation.
“At Corangamite Shire we are committed to building stronger connections with First Nations communities and to increasing public awareness of Aboriginal culture, heritage and contributions, fostering understanding, respect and trust,” she said.
To read more about council’s commitment to First Nations reconciliation, visit www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/Community/First-Nations-Reconciliation.
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