Over 80 community members packed the Hartfield Park Recreation Centre on Monday 25 March to take part in the City of Kalamunda’s free cultural awareness training session.

Seats were filled by residents of all ages, interests and backgrounds, with one major thing in common – a desire to enhance their knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture.

Mayor John Giardina said, “It is fantastic to see our community come together to learn more about  history, identity and beliefs.

Cultural awareness is all about developing skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable our community to move forward together in a way that is respectful and supportive of everyone in society.

In the City of Kalamunda we value unity and connectedness and cultural awareness is integral to the way we live by these values.”

Presented by Noongar Elder Neville Collard, the session covered the many facets of Aboriginal culture from language to traditions.

Collard also delved into some of the key issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, closing the gap and being part of a new future together.

Cultural awareness has remained a primary focus for the City over the years, with an events calendar that celebrates diversity and cultural education. 

The City held its 17^th annual Corymbia Multicultural Festival on Saturday 9 March, showcasing dance, music and entertainment from around the globe. The festival is considered to be Forrestfield’s largest multicultural celebration, drawing a crowd of over 5000.

Aboriginal culture plays the focus of the City’s Makaru Arts Festival and Exhibition, held during NAIDOC week each year. Makuru, pronounced Mug-a-roo, is the June/July Nyoongar winter season and features a colourful selection of works from both amateur and professional artists.

The City has drawn on valuable knowledge and passion to help deliver Aboriginal cultural walks, workshops and information sessions for the community, which occur regularly throughout the year.

The City has also been working with the local community and consultants Kambarang Services to draft a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A RAP is a business plan that uses a holistic approach to create meaningful relationships, enhanced respect and promote opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

The City’s Plan, which is currently in draft format, is a Reflect RAP, suited to organisations starting out their journey of reconciliation.

The Mayor said the Plan was a commitment to supporting community and staff to build respect, lasting relationships and generate opportunities to create business synergies.

“I am proud to present this Reflect RAP as a Council’s first formal commitment to advancing reconciliation. I look forward to delivering this Plan and along with the community’s support we will continue to work together to see the Plan become a success.”

To view the draft Plan visit engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au or to discover more cultural events run by the City of Kalamunda, follow us on Facebook or view our events listing.