Cairns Regional Council has committed to closing the 17-year difference in life expectancy between Indigenous and other Australian children.
 
As part of National Reconciliation Week celebrations, Cairns Regional Council will commit to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by December 2011.

A formal signing of a Statement of Commitment by Mayor Val Schier and Council CEO, Lyn Russell, took place on Monday confirming Council’s intentions.

A plan will follow that will contribute to eliminating the social and economic disadvantage faced by many Indigenous Australians. It will also work to further support the building of respectful relationships and understanding of Indigenous cultures within the community.

“The RAP is about how Council can use its sphere of influence to work within and outside the organisation to help move toward reconciliation and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mayor Val Schier said.

“It is about skills development, training and job opportunities, as well as retaining our current Indigenous workers within Council.

“We will further strengthen our working and partner relationships between Indigenous people of our region, especially the traditional Aboriginal land owners.”