Continuing its commitment to establishing better relations with and promoting the role of local government to Aboriginal people, the Shire of Ashburton will hold its August Council meeting at an Aboriginal Community at the start of Local Government Week.

In a first for the Council, the Ordinary Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 18 August 1998 at Wakuthuni Aboriginal Community commencing at 10.30am.

Shire Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Carey said this meeting would provide an opportunity for aboriginal people to speak to Councillors and staff about their concerns and any issues they would like the Council to address.

"As with all Council meetings, a public question time will be held at the start of the meeting at which point those members of the public in attendance will be able to ask questions of the Council.," said Mr Carey.

"This meeting provides an opportunity for Councillors and staff to gain a greater understanding of the issues affecting the aboriginal communities."

The decision to hold a meeting at Wakuthuni arose from discussions with community elders involved with the recently established committee to liaise with aboriginal communities on service provision and funding issues.

Mr Carey added that the establishment of the liaison committee and the holding of a Council meeting at the community demonstrated Council’s commitment to aboriginal people within the Shire.

"Given that the meeting will be held at the start of Local Government Week it provides a perfect opportunity for the Council to promote its role and the role of local government in the community," said Mr Carey.

"The Council hopes that by establishing contact with Aboriginal people through various forums it may lead to a more active role in recreation and cultural activities and the integration of the Aboriginal communities into mainstream activity in the Shire generally."

For further information please contact Council’s Senior Administration Officer, Mr David Ashton on (08) 9189 1029.

Please Note: Members of the media are invited to attend this meeting. If you are interested please contact Mr Ashton by Monday 10 August 1998 to confirm numbers.

29 November, 1999

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