By Belinda Nolan
BRIMBANK Council is developing a landmark Reconciliation Action Plan in a bid to promote Indigenous equality in the municipality.
The plan is being developed over the next 12 months and aims to build positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in the community.
While there are only 567 Indigenous people known to be living in Brimbank, the council believes the real figure could be higher, with some residents unaware of their heritage.
In the 2006 census 290 males and 277 females in Brimbank identified themselves as Indigenous, with a median age of 21 compared with 35 for non-Indigenous residents.
Brimbank’s community wellbeing general manager Kelly Grigsby said the plan would mark the council’s public contribution to a national effort to close the 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.
Ms Grigsby said the plan would help Brimbank’s Indigenous community achieve its aspirations and goals.
The plan will be developed by May next year.
