Burnside Celebrates Completion of Reflect RAP
In a significant milestone for fostering inclusivity and understanding, the City of Burnside proudly announces the successful completion of its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), known as the Reflect RAP.
Initiated in November 2022, the Reflect RAP is a testament to the city’s commitment to supporting the national reconciliation movement, guided by Reconciliation Australia.
Crafted as a comprehensive framework, the Reflect RAP outlines specific deliverables to foster respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Integral to its mission is the raising of awareness regarding the rich heritage and culture of the Kaurna People, the Traditional Custodians of the land of the City of Burnside.
The Reflect RAP can be accessed on the City of Burnside’s website.
The culmination of this endeavour was marked on 5 March 2024, as the RAP Working Group confirmed the achievement of the Reflect RAP. The City of Burnside is proud to have achieved its Reflect RAP goals and has forged strong partnerships in the process.
Among the accomplishments are:
• Commemoration of National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week through hosting well-attended community events and activities, including cultural awareness training, weaving workshops, cultural walks, Author Talks and an Aboriginal language workshop.
• Inclusion of an Acknowledgement of Country to the City of Burnside website.
• Adoption of an Anti-Racism Statement on 25 July 2023.
Additionally, the City of Burnside proudly unveiled Nguyanguya Muri (meaning Reconciliation in Kaurna language) an artwork designed by prominent Aboriginal artists Allan Sumner and Sarah Bates at the City of Burnside Civic Centre and the creation of Yaitya Kumartapi (meaning Indigenous Keeping Place), a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander books and audio-visual material in Burnside Library for the community to borrow.
Reflecting on the journey, the City of Burnside acknowledges the significance of the challenging and emotive discussions that transpired during the planning and implementation phases. However these conversations have served as catalysts for meaningful progress toward genuine reconciliation. Cultural awareness training was provided to equip Council Members and staff with an empathetic understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage and values in relation to contemporary society.
City of Burnside CEO Chris Cowley said completion of the Reflect RAP had been an important step.
‘It has been a privilege to work closely with our Kaurna representatives, Mayor, Council Members and staff to deliver the projects contained in our Reflect RAP as we progress on our reconciliation journey.’
Left to right: Mayor Anne Monceaux, Cr Kerry Hallett, Lynette Crocker and Jeffrey Newchurch. 
Indigenous smoking ceremony held during a cultural walk in Michael Perry Reserve.
