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Urban Indigenous Body to Form

SYDNEY Council is seeking applicants for its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel, the first of its kind in the city reports Jennifer Bennett in the Central of 18 June 2008.

A report to council's recent Cultural and Community Services Committee recommended filling the panel, which will advise the council on issues including cultural activities and events, training and employment, business development, recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage in the public domain, as well as council policy.

The panel is in fine with the city's Sustainable Sydney 2030 plan, which calls for greater indigenous involvement in the city and the creation of an Indigenous Cultural Knowledge Centre.

"Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are vital and valuable contributors to our city's culture, both in the past and for the future," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

"We recognise [their] knowledge and insight as an invaluable resource for council and are dedicated to continuing a dialogue that actively engages our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities."

The panel will consist of 14 members; two Aboriginal elders; two Aboriginal people under 25 years; six Aboriginal community representatives; one councillor and three city officers. The panel will be co-chaired by a member to be elected at the meeting and a councillor.

For more information visit www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or phone 9265 9333.

Source: Central 18 June 2008