Apology ‘helped people move on’

By Kelly Yates
THE Federal Government’s apology on sorry day stopped the nation but for the City of Greater Dandenong it brought back memories of an apology to Aborigines 10 years ago.
Councillor Roz Blades, who was mayor at the time and conducted the ceremony in 1998, said the issue of an apology was contentious one in council discussions leading up to the 25 May event.
She said it was great that Dandenong council apologised.
“If it’s helped people move on and educated the community then it’s a good thing,” Cr Blades said.
“If you can make somebody feel better, do it.”
The council said it had a proud record of working with the Aboriginal community.
Director of community services June Dugina said the City of Greater Dandenong signed a statement of apology in 1995 in response to the Bringing Them Home Report tabled in Federal Parliament.
The statement apologised to the local indigenous community for the suffering caused and the impact of which continues to be felt in families.
In 1995, the council signed a statement of commitment acknowledging the Aboriginal people as the first people of Australia.
This statement committed the council to working with the community to work for the elimination of racism and discrimination.
Ms Dugina said commitments such as these could not be made without the support of councillors and council staff.
“There has always been a strong Aboriginal connection with the land that is now called the City of Greater Dandenong,” she said.
Recognition of past practices, acknowledgment of traditional owners and a commitment to work together towards the future are the key cornerstones of the policy.
“As the city develops, the policy will be reviewed to reflect those changes,” Ms Dugina said
“Our city has always been and will continue to be proactive in Aboriginal issues and is proud to be seen as a leader in this field.”