The City of Melbourne was the first local government to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).  Since then, each RAP has continued to build on the work of the previous, ensuring that we learn and continue to do better.

In September 2021, the City of Melbourne Declaration of Recognition and Commitment Aboriginal Peoples was adopted. It recognises Aboriginal peoples as the first inhabitants of this land and sets out our commitment to fully support reconciliation at an organisational, local, national and international level.

In 2024 the City of Melbourne is developing our sixth Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024-27.  Building on our reconciliation commitments we are seeking to develop a Stretch RAP: Reconciliation leadership. It will reaffirm our respect for First Peoples’ unique heritage and culture and outline our next steps on the path towards truth-telling and reconciliation. Other capital cities with an existing Stretch RAP include the City of Sydney and City of Adelaide. 

The Stretch RAP covers a three-year period and is focused on high impact commitments based on defined measurable targets and goals.

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.  

It is a journey. It involves Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians working together to create a just and equitable society, where Aboriginal Australians have equal opportunities to participate in the economic and social life of our country. It allows us as a community to share in the enormous benefit and richness of the oldest continuous culture on earth.

Reconciliation relies on truth-telling: giving Aboriginal voices opportunities for deliberate sharing of history and experience, inclusive of injustice and wrongdoing. This allows us as a community to address and acknowledge our history and to commit to walk together to build a better future.

A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a document that organisations develop to outline the actions and initiatives that they will take to contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The RAP framework is determined by Reconciliation Australia.

City of Melbourne established a First Nations Committee in 2024.