The Town of Cambridge has announced the unconditional endorsement by Reconciliation Australia of its inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a significant milestone in its commitment to reconciliation, cultural respect, and stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The announcement was made by Mayor Gary Mack at a smoking ceremony during NAIDOC Week on 10 July 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Mack said the unconditional endorsement represented an important step forward for the Town, its staff, Elected Members, and the wider Cambridge community.
“Our first RAP marks the beginning of a more deliberate journey towards reconciliation that is built on listening, learning, respect, and stronger relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Mayor Mack said.
“It gives us a clear framework as a starting point to better understand our shared history, recognise the strength and continuing cultures of First Nations peoples, and consider how reconciliation can be reflected in the way we work, plan, and serve our community.
“Crucially, it is a commitment to action. Through this plan, we will strengthen cultural awareness, build meaningful partnerships, and create opportunities for more inclusive and respectful engagement across our district.”
Cambridge’s reconciliation vision is to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to deepen understanding, learn from Elders, care for Country, and recognise the cultures, histories and contributions that continue to shape community life.
The Reflect RAP is guided by four core themes:
- Building strong relationships;
- Strengthening respect for histories, cultures, and peoples;
- Creating opportunities; and,
- Embedding accountability into actions and deliverables.
The Town’s RAP internal working group comprised Mayor Gary Mack, Deputy Mayor Ben Mayes, Coast Ward Councillor Georgie Randklev, and key personnel from the Town’s Administration.
The Town’s focus will now shift to implementing the RAP.
This will include recruitment of a part-time Community Development Officer to implement the RAP and the internal launch to staff and Elected Members. Implementation will also include seeking nominations from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to join its Internal Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group. This will support ongoing engagement and ensure that reconciliation actions are informed by community knowledge, lived experience, and cultural guidance.
The RAP also provides a framework for building on existing relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, including work related to the Management Plan for Galup and to the site's cultural significance for truth-telling.
In recent years, the Town has undertaken a range of reconciliation-focused initiatives, including cultural awareness training for staff and Elected Members, support for NAIDOC Week activities, financial support for the national NAIDOC Week Schools Initiative, and participation in projects that advance cultural learning and truth-telling.
Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Officer Karen Mundine welcomed the Town of Cambridge to the RAP program following the formal endorsement of its inaugural Reflect RAP.
"This Reflect RAP will enable the Town of Cambridge to deepen its understanding of its sphere of influence and the unique contribution it can make to reconciliation,” Ms Mundine said.
“Getting these first steps right will ensure the sustainability of future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, and provide meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey.”
The finalised document also recognises the artwork created for the Reflect RAP by proud Nyoongar artist Fiona Reidy, also known as Djinda Kaai, meaning “Star Fire”.
Ms Reidy’s artwork reflects a deep cultural connection to the Town of Cambridge, using the local map as its foundation and incorporating meeting places, native flora and visual motifs of reconciliation. The layered design links the area’s Aboriginal history with its contemporary identity, recognising wetlands, beaches and public spaces as meaningful gathering places for the whole community.
The Town will continue its reconciliation journey by implementing the Reflect RAP, with the development of its next RAP, Innovate, expected to commence in mid-2027.