maggolee

here in this place
The Maggolee website, developed by Reconciliation Victoria, supports engagement and partnerships between local government and Aboriginal communities.

why is this important?

Anti-racism is a fundamental part of meaningful reconciliation. Racism continues to affect the wellbeing of First Peoples and acts as a barrier to participation in broader community life, the achievement of improved outcomes, and reconciliation. In research by VicHealth, racism was identified as a significant underlying cause of disadvantage and poor health amongst First Peoples. Council has a responsibility to their constituents to be actively addressing racism within their municipality. These are actions that will not only benefit First Peoples but also the wider multicultural Victorian community. 

Local councils can challenge racism and ignorance and foster pride and harmony within the broader community by building greater community awareness, improving workplace cultural safety and understanding of local First Peoples histories and contemporary culture.

Recommended Strategies

  • Develop and foster organisational cultural safety within council.
  • Conduct anti-racism workshops with councillors and staff.
  • Actively address issues of racism within the local community and provide support to people affected by these instances.
  • Make it easier for residents to report incidents of racism in the municipality.
  • Foster community awareness and understanding of First Peoples and the pre and post-colonial history of the area.
  • Support and participate in the National Anti-racism strategy ‘Racism. It Stops With Me.

Case Studies

The City of Darebin actively works towards creating a racism-free municipality. Council has endorsed a Towards Equality - Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Framework 2019-2029 that commits to cultural diversity and anti-racism. They are recognised as a Welcoming City and are an official supporter of the ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ campaign. They also hold “Say NO to Racism” training sessions and have partnered with the The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to make it easier for Darebin residents to report discrimination when it happens to them through an easily accessible online tool. 

links & resources

Share Our Pride | Reconciliation Australia

Racism. It Stops with me.

Addressing Discrimination Against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples | Beyond Blue

Let's Talk About Racism | Australian Human Rights Commission

Anti-Racism Resources | Reconciliation Victoria

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