We want everyone to have a say

The Phillip Island Progress Association – Island Voice – wish to clarify that our group has no issue with naming the new Cowes Culture Centre with an Aboriginal name.

Our issue is focused on the flawed process that has got us to this point.

Island Voice is a strong and proven advocate for seeking transparency and accountability in a time when Council is engaging in reduced levels of meaningful community engagement, resulting in disenfranchisement of the community in shaping the decisions that affect our daily lives.

The real issue here is why did Bass Coast Shire Council choose not to meaningfully engage the community regarding potential names, before approaching the Aboriginal Land Council and then being limited in the options that could be put forward?

Meaningful engagement would have meant the community was asked about naming and if they wanted to seek the gift of an Aboriginal name, including the ramifications of doing so, that is, a commitment to accepting one of those provided. Instead, Council acted without such grass-roots consultation and we have been presented with a survey of four names and asked to pick one of them.

Council have had many years to plan how the naming of this facility would take place, surely they could have planned and undertaken this process more effectively?

Our concern is, will there be the openness and transparency needed from the Bass Coast Shire Council to settle this issue and provide a democratic outcome for all members of the community?

We believe that reconciliation only takes place when traditional owners and the local community meet and talk respectfully to arrive at an agreeable outcome. Being presented with a ‘Fait Accompli’ does not meet any of these criteria.

At this particularly important time with the upcoming ‘Voice to Parliament’ referendum surely truth, transparency and meaningful engagement are more important than ever.