The new Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee to Central Coast Council has questioned the diversity of another advisory committee.
Some members of the heritage committee had the view that the Aboriginal Advisory Committee lacked diversity within its First Nations representatives.
A Council spokesperson said selection was based on those who applied and independent assessments of the applications were undertaken by three experienced, external First Nations people in addition to senior Council staff.
“Some members of the committee held the view that membership was not diverse enough with representation from all traditional owner groups,” the committee Minutes state.
“It was requested by the committee members that their views in relation to the group membership be noted in the meeting Minutes.
“It is further noted this reflects personal views of some committee members and does not reflect the views of the committee as a whole.”
The committee also asked for advice on the relationship between the two committees.
Council confirmed the committees could refer matters between them.
During an update on Council’s plans for Kibble Park in Gosford, the committee asked about the Aboriginal information within the park and was told the Aboriginal Advisory Committee would be consulted about any changes.
The heritage committee also discussed the significance of the current library building, which is slated for demotion once the new regional library across the road is built and opened.
“There were mixed views amongst the committee although most considered the building to be heritage significant and it should be retained,” the Minutes stated.
“It was noted that the building is one of only a few listed on the Australian Institute of Architects Significant Building list.”
The committee questioned aspects of the Gosford waterfront masterplan.
Council said there would be lots of opportunities to incorporate heritage into the urban design and lots of scope for the committee to help inform the outcomes.
The committee requested copies of previous histories – Mann St south history and fish fossil information – to be distributed to members.
Both the heritage committee and the Aboriginal Advisory Committees have held extraordinary meetings in October after their inaugural meetings failed to deal with all items on their agendas.
The heritage committee’s October meeting delved into various heritage items such as Sister Sumner’s Memorial Tree at the Gosford Cenotaph; Mill Creek Bridge at Gunderman; and Fairview Homestead, Mangrove Creek, as well as caring for heritage assets and reporting on potential Aboriginal middens.
The Aboriginal Advisory Committee discussed its reactions to Council’s Revised Community Strategic Plan 2018-2028 which recently has been on public exhibition.
Both committees meet again in December.
Merilyn Vale
No non aboriginals in management or membership positions.