‘We know First Nations People are hurting’ said Mayor Whelan

THE Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, had an extended ‘Statement of Acknowledgement’ at the start of the October monthly council meeting, on Wednesday, October 18, referencing the result of the Voice to Parliament’ Referendum at the weekend.

“Bass Coast Shire Council acknowledge the Bunurong as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters, and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and Lore.

“Bass Coast Shire Council celebrates the opportunity to embrace and empower the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island Communities in their diversity.

“Bass Coast Shire Council will create opportunities for future recognition and respectful partnerships that will honour the Traditional Owners and Custodians, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“We know that a lot of First Nations people will be hurting today. We know that for many Australians, the pain they feel will linger – and for others, it may never fade at all.

“In speaking of the Victorian First People's Assembly a representative body for Aboriginal Victorians Victoria’s Premier said: “It is a model with bipartisan support. It has proven to be an effective way for Aboriginal Victorians to get to have a say, and for us to work together towards reconciliation. We have a lot more to do, of course – in health, education, employment, housing and justice. We’ll keep working towards a stronger, fairer future for Aboriginal Victorians – led by, shaped by and driven by Aboriginal Victorians.”

“Here at Bass Coast, we will support that State-led approach,” said Cr Whelan.

People in the local Federal electorate of Monash voted 33.54% for 'Yes' and 66.46% for 'No' but several Bass Coast towns still recorded a 'Yes' majority including Cape Paterson 178 Yes, 127 No, Cowes 546/494*, Inverloch 662/602, Kilcunda 134/122, Newhaven 348/230 and Rhyll line-ball at 129/130. *The Early voting centre Cowes 2529 Yes, 3449 No.

And another thing

There's more than one way to make a politcial statement at a council meeting.

Cr Ron Bauer, who is convalescing at home after a medical incident, still managed to make a point about the most pressing issue in world politics at the moment, the  Israeli–Palestinian conflict when he wore an Israeli shirt to show his support.

But it was a silent message from Cr Bauer who made no comment other than raising his hand in support of the various motions passed on the day.