Wingecarribee Shire Council’s indigenous advisory committee met in May for the first time.

Committee chairman Cr Larry Whipper said this new committee was “one that is long overdue”.

A short celebration preceded the inaugural meeting that was also attended by Deputy Mayor, Cr Sara Murray and Cr Peter Reynolds.

One of the first items of business will be to formulate the constitution for the group.

“It is clear that there are many issues that we need to look at which affect on the lives of those indigenous members of our community,’’ Cr Whipper said.

“This is a very exciting undertaking on the part of our Council.”

The committee has evolved out of an indigenous workshop held earlier this year and is made up of a number of indigenous people from throughout the Shire. According to members of the committee, Council needs to acknowledge the very real need and contribution that indigenous people provide to the community.

“We only have 200 odd years to catch up with” said Val Mulchay a member of the committee.

“There is also a need to acknowledge the special needs that often go without recognition by certain section of government and community.

“This is a very real way for the local Aboriginal community to be heard within the Chambers of Council,” said Cr Whipper.

“I am looking forward to many great things being achieved through this committee. Art, culture and social issues are some of the matters that the committee will be dealing with over the coming years.”

There is no doubt that the indigenous members of our community will continue to contribute to the evolution and fabric of our Shire in many ways.

At its last meeting the committee discussed the upcoming NAIDOC week celebrations.

Council has decided to start the celebration a little early this year, with the opening of an indigenous art display in the foyer gallery and also a morning tea to mark the occasion.