Ballarat council accused of breaching reconciliation action plan

Two leaders have stepped down from a council-run indigenous advisory board and have accused the City of Ballarat of breaching their reconciliation action plan.

It comes after a recommendation from the Koorie Engagement Action Group (KEAG) to transition the fireworks event on January 26 was quashed at a recent council meeting.

Long-time member Sissy Austin described the move as a tipping point after contributing to two separate reports put together by KEAG and heading a petition calling for an end to the fireworks.

The petition attracted nearly 10,000 signatures earlier this year.

"We were trying to use every avenue possible to create change," Ms Austin said.

"It's been a good nine years but I'm ready to step off now and put my time where it's valued."

This year, Ballarat City Council facilitated the first Survival Day Dawn Service at Lake Wendouree on January 26 and held an Australia Day firework display that night.

"The City of Ballarat agreed to a dawn ceremony, which acknowledges the murder, the rape and the assimilation of our people and then eight hours later at the exact same location they then let off fireworks to celebrate the day," Ms Austin said. 

"The two events totally contradict each other, and they represent the confusion and inconsistency of the City of Ballarat in its approach in working with its indigenous community."

CO Chair of KEAG Rachel Muir has also stepped down whilst fellow co-chair and councillor Belinda Coats described it as "disappointing" that a majority of councillors did not support the full five recommendations from KEAG.

"It would have been a simple act as part of coming to the table in the spirit of reconciliation.

"Instead, it was met with defensiveness and unwillingness to commit to meaningful change."

In a statement, the City of Ballarat said it would continue to work respectfully with KEAG and the wider community around January 26 activities and to achieve reconciliation in the community.