Perth Voice Interactive

VINCENT council will be hosting the Sounds of Warndoolier next Saturday February 22, marking the launch of the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Warndoolier was recently renamed, reverting back to how it had been identified in early maps rather than Banks Reserve as it has been known since 1963. 

 Outlining its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander goals for the coming years, the reconciliation plan includes new additions to the City’s library, including a minimum of five new cultural items in its collection per year along with additions to its language collection. 

The library will also host two Noongar story time sessions annually in the children’s section.

The City plans to implement a formalised procedure for naming places like laneways with Whadjuk names in consultation with Traditional Owners. 

Way-finding and signage upgrades will also include Noongar language. 

There are also plans to install artwork and sculptures from Noongar artists as well as a dedicated Noongar six seasons garden. 

The City also wants to encourage people to visit the Galup Virtual Reality Truth-telling experience which describes the lasting impacts of colonisation in the local area.

Vincent aims to have at least 2 per cent of its permanent employees be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and plans to engage in commercial relationships with more than 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned businesses.

“One of the biggest achievements is the launch of our fourth RAP, Stretch, making Vincent one of a handful of local governments in Australia to reach this stage of Reconciliation Australia’s framework,” mayor Alison Xamon said.

The Sounds of Warndoolier will be from 10am to 12noon.

Attendees can taste native herbs and spices in light refreshments supplied by Aboriginal caterer All Good Grub accompanied by a live performance by Bibbulman Noongar singer Kobi Morrison. Noongar Elder Lindsay Calvin, who grew up in East Perth in the ‘60s, voices a Moorditj Footprints audio trail, while artwork by Vaughn McGuire will be on display in a River Journeys interpretation node.

by CODY OLSEN