Vacancies are now open for members of the ACT Reconciliation Council, community ambassadors who encourage community conversations about the importance of reconciliation.

Council members work with the community to continue the conversation around reconciliation and to encourage people to celebrate and learn more about the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Council members also support the ACT Government in developing a program of activities taking place in the lead-up to and on Reconciliation Day, and act as community ambassadors for Reconciliation Day.

The positions run for two years. All appointments to the council are voluntary and not remunerated.

Expressions of Interest are now open, and can be submitted online via the Diversity Register until 23 May.

Council members are appointed by the ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Rachel Stephen-Smith. She encouraged both non-Indigenous and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply, particularly Canberrans from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are passionate about reconciliation.

“We are looking for a diverse mix of people to sit on the council,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

“We all have a role to play in supporting and promoting reconciliation in the ACT. This is more important than ever as we approach the historic referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament later this year.”

• Labor and Green MLAs support the Voice, Liberal amendments fail (8 February)
• Vote on the Voice will be personal choice for Canberra Liberals (17 March)

The Council will play an important role in promoting reconciliation during and beyond the upcoming Referendum, Emeritus Professor Richard Baker, co-chair of the Reconciliation Council, said.

“Reconciliation is about building relationships, respect, and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“In the context of the upcoming Referendum, there is crucial work to be done promoting the benefits and importance of reconciliation across all areas of our diverse community. I strongly encourage anyone interested in assisting with this important and ongoing work to express their interest to join the ACT Reconciliation Council.”

For more information, visit the Reconciliation Council web page or email the ACT Reconciliation Council Secretariat: [email protected]