Bankstown City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation, by becoming the third Council in Sydney to develop an Aboriginal Reconciliation Action Plan.

The plan was officially launched last week as part of the city’s annual Sorry Day celebration.

Mayor of Bankstown Councillor Khal Asfour said this occasion is of great significance to the relationship between Council and our city’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“I am honoured to lead one of the nations only Council’s who have taken this vital step in the reconciliation process.

“For the past few years we have been working hard with our local indigenous community to develop this comprehensive plan.

“The plan will act as a guide for Council in providing further opportunities for the current and future needs of Bankstown’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“It also reflects our current understanding of the issues faced by Australia’s Indigenous community,” Mayor Asfour said.

The Reconciliation Action Plan was developed in consultation with the Bankstown City Council Reconciliation Working Party and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

Council runs an annual National Sorry Day event to reflect on the history of our nation and celebrate the contribution of our local indigenous community, with this year’s celebration held at the Bankstown Arts Centre on Saturday 26 May 2012.

“We are more committed than ever to working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Advisory Committee, and the Reconciliation Action Plan is just the start of many great things to come,” Mayor Asfour said.

To find out more about Bankstown’s Reconciliation Action Plan contact Council’s Community Development Officer on (02) 9707 9863.