Strengthening Commitment: Dancers from Gawura Cultural Immersions in Hornsby Mall
Image: Hornsby Shire Council
14 VOLUNTARY community members have been appointed to the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (HATSICC) at the August Council meeting.
The new intake will include 11 Aboriginal people, almost doubling last year, becoming the highest ever representation on the committee.
Formed in 2006, HATSICC is Council’s vital link with First Nations peoples in the Shire, respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ right to self-determination and community empowerment.
“The bloodline descendants of the Hornsby area would like to congratulate all the successful candidates for this year’s Hornsby Shire Council HATSICC, a collaborative consultative group protecting and promoting Aboriginal cultural heritage and cultural events within the Shire,” said Auntie Tracey Howie, GuriNgai Traditional Owner.
Darug Traditional Owner, Auntie Leanne Watson, also talked about the significance of the committee.
“On behalf of the Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation I would like to congratulate Council and the new members of the Hornsby Shire Council HATSICC on the wonderful, continued collaboration for the sharing of our culture and walking together on Darug and GuriNgai Ngurra.”
The committee’s advice has led to a range of important initiatives including the development and adoption of a Statement of Reconciliation in 2008; inviting Traditional Custodians to give a Welcome to Country at all Council meetings and Citizenship Ceremonies; the adoption of a Dual Naming Policy; the re-naming of the Pennant Hills Community Nursery to Warada Ngurang Community Nursery; the installation of Aboriginal artwork across the Shire reflecting Aboriginal culture; and adopting the Uluru Statement from the Heart in April 2019.
“Hornsby Shire Council has a strong commitment to the acknowledgement of First Nations peoples and to working with the local Aboriginal community through this important committee. We were delighted to receive a record number of nominees this year, reflecting the strong community interest in empowering local Aboriginal people and raising awareness of their culture,” said Hornsby Shire Mayor, Philip Ruddock.
