COUNCIL INTRODUCES ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY DURING NAIDOC WEEK

Scenic Rim Regional Council has marked NAIDOC Week by introducing an Acknowledgement of  Country to open its new fortnightly Ordinary Meetings.

The first of Council's new format Ordinary Meetings on Monday 8 July opened with prayers and Mayor Greg Christensen providing the Acknowledgement of Country in recognition of the Scenic Rim's Indigenous heritage.

"I also wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet and also that form the footprint of our great region," he said.

"I pay respects to their elders past, present and emerging and congratulate them on their continued nurture of culture."

Running from 7 to 14 July 2019, NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and provides an opportunity for the wider community to take part in activities that recognise Australia's first nations.

In March, Council moved to hold fortnightly Ordinary Meetings from July 2019 and disband its monthly Committee Meetings in line with the Refresh and Refocus of Scenic Rim Regional Council and its commitment to continuous improvement and enhanced service delivery to the community.

Fortnightly Ordinary Meetings are now held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, with variations to allow for public holidays and community events such as Remembrance Day.

“The adoption of fortnightly Ordinary Meetings reflects Council's commitment to continue to explore ways to be more efficient and to be more productive to meet the needs and expectations of our community," Cr Christensen said.