A Welcome to Country ceremony held at the Kyneton Police Station last Tuesday served as a marker of friendship and respect between local police and the Traditional Owners of the land.
Taungurung elder, Auntie Joanne Honeyset, was invited to perform the smoking ceremony by Officer in Charge at Kyneton, Senior Sergeant Marty Kappel.
Sgt Kappel worked in the Northern Territory for two and a half years and spent time in Indigenous communities there.
“When I came to the Macedon Ranges I couldn’t find any existing relationships between police and the Traditional Owners so I contacted the local council and they got me in touch with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council,” he said.
“Everybody was impressed with Auntie Joanne and they thought it was a great way to initiate a relationship.”
Sgt Kappel was presented with a Taungurung flag by Taungurung Council executive manager of community and culture, Bonnie Cavanagh.
Police officers from Kyneton, Romsey and Malmsbury came together for the event, which preceded a combined professional development training day.
Representatives from Macedon Ranges Shire Council also attended, including CEO Bernie O’Sullivan, along with Superintendent Brad Dixon.
