Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans CEO Rodney Carter said it was vital for Indigenous locals to be empowered and have their say.

“Otherwise we are stuck in this paternalistic frozen moment in time,” Mr Carter said. 

“For the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, it gives them a change to have a say in how they are part of the community in a constructive, meaningful way.”

“The Reconciliation Action Plan is probably the first step in a structured partnership. We just need to give it a bit of air to work.” 

He said the plan could help support families, which in turn could help educate and employ youth. 

“As with any disadvantaged area or alienated group, if it is a cycle it need to be broken,” Mr Carter said. 

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Peter Cox said he expected the motion to enact the Reconciliation Action Plan to pass unanimously. 

Although traditional owners were acknowledged in ceremonies and the flag was flown, Cr Cox said the general population had little understanding of cultural sites and traditions. 

“A reconciliation plan will better describe the history of Aboriginal people, their position in the community today, the challenges they face in health, education, and income,” Cr Cox. 

“At the moment we probably don't have enough understanding in how we go forward.”

He said it was “absolutely imperative” to hear the voices of Aboriginal people in decisions that would impact their fate. 

“It’s only by connecting with Aboriginal people that we can all have a better understanding that I hope will lead to stronger relationships.”

The move bucks a national decision by Tony Abbott to dismiss a plan to achieve Indigenous consensus on a referendum question.

Some of the most respected Indigenous leaders were disappointed there has been a push back on their advice on how to proceed towards constitutional recognition. 

But the Prime Minister said consulting Indigenous people separately to the broader community "jars with the notion of finally substituting 'we' for 'them and us'."

But Mr Carter, on a purely personal level, said it was a shame Mr Abbott didn’t support Indigenous leaders’ attempts to get consensus, but ultimately it was most important to get a “yes” vote. 

“It is extremely difficult to get any group on any issue to agree, and there is really good intent for what (Indigenous leaders) are proposing,” he said. 

“It's a shame the Prime Minister doesn't support that.”

“It really should go to the traditional owners, but if it doesn't it can still can be a good thing, if it got a yes vote. It would be a terrible thing if it got a “no” vote.”