BATHURST Regional Council may soon be employing an Aboriginal Liaison Officer, in a bid to improve relationships between council and the city's Indigenous community.
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Mayor of Bathurst, Bobby Bourke, said the position is being considered as part of this year's budget.
"Councillor (Ian) North and myself have been pushing for it, Cr North has done a lot of work in the background and I've supported him in that," he said.
Both Dubbo and Orange City Council already have similar positions within their staff.
Dubbo Council employed it's first Aboriginal Liaison Officer back in 2005, while a spokesperson for Orange City Council said it has had a number of full-time staff working in fields which engage with the local Indigenous community, and has for many years.
"Staff have worked in the fields such as youth work, supporting elderly residents and providing support for cultural festivals such as NAIDOC Week," the spokesperson said.
Cr Bourke said the Aboriginal Liaison Officer would be employed by council as point of contact between local Wiradyuri people and council.
Currently there is disagreement between the two groups over a development application for a go-kart track at Mount Panorama.
Cr Bouke said it was important "to keep the door " and communication open between the two groups.
"In a lot of discussions, we haven't been able to get the message that we wanted to say through to each other, but if we can work together we are going to build a stronger community.
"There have been a few hiccups with differing point of views. I do think they, and council, can do better, and as Mayor it's something I would like to see happen in my term as the Mayor.
He said a new boardwalk around Mt Panorama recognises the history of Indigenous people.
"But I think more can be done," he said.
As for the new position within council, he said if it's accepted in the next budget, the position could be operational within the next six months.
"As a Councillor I'd like to see better relationships, and I think with an Aboriginal Liaison Officer things will get better."
"I think, that in the future, we will be doing more with this" he said.
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