The Office of Indigenous Engagement recently undertook consultation towards the development of CQUniversity's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on the Bundaberg Campus...

The consultation was based on CQUniversity's Reconciliation Statement developed in 2002. The University is moving ahead to develop a RAP as a means to re-energise the Statement and to offer practical strategies for Reconciliation.

Participants included L-R Prof Andrew Bridges, Karen Seary, Lynette Wishnewski, Prof Helen Huntly and Janita Chapman

Office of Indigenous Engagement Executive Officer Donna Smith said that, during the launch of the CQUniversity RAP consultation on the Rockhampton Campus during National Reconciliation Week, Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement confirmed consultation regarding the RAP development would happen on CQUniversity campuses across the CQ region and via ISL to other campuses to give a wide range of people input.

The theme for this year's Reconciliation Week was 'Let's Talk Recognition', which highlights how Australians can better recognise each other and recognise the histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Donna Smith from the Office of Indigenous Engagment with Assoc Prof George Stuart

At the Bundaberg Campus, staff, students, Elders and community members were encouraged to provide feedback on what should be in the CQUniversity RAP, both verbally and by writing down ideas on paper.

"I enjoyed meeting students, listening to others about what they thought we should include in CQUniversity's Reconciliation Action Plan, along with sharing stories and food," Ms Smith said.

Cheri Yavu-Kama-Harathunian from the Indigenous Wellbeing Centre and Karen Seary from Academic Learning Services

Rosieblu Gourmet Deli in Bundaberg were responsible for creating the menu and catering for the event. Participants, including students attending a STEPS orientation, were able to try a range of food created using native produce including kangaroo sausages with a mango, wild lime and pepper leaf relish, crocodile pate, mini kangaroo pies, lemon myrtle scones and wattle seed yoghurt.

The next round of CQUniversity Reconciliation Action Plan consultation events will be held in Mackay and Gladstone in July and August, followed by other campuses from September.

  
A selection of food including a plate of mini kangaroo meat pies