Victorian Traditional Owners invited to play key role protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage

The Victorian Government is inviting the state’s traditional owners to apply for positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and play a key role protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage for all Victorians.

Applications are open for four positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, which oversees management and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage across Victoria.

The Council’s principal functions include:

• advising the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples on Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria;

• making decisions about applications from Traditional Owners to become Registered Aboriginal Parties;

• overseeing the reporting and return of Ancestral Remains and Secret or Sacred Objects; and

• promoting public awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The eleven-person Council comprises Traditional Owners, ensuring Aboriginal people are making decisions about their own heritage in line with the principle of self-determination.

Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage is a vital part of the state’s history and identity, and ensuring its protection for all Victorians is a priority for the State Government.

Victorian Traditional Owners who live in Victoria, who have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage, and who have time to commit to Council duties are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to apply visit aboriginalheritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/become-member-aboriginal-heritage-council

Image. Aboriginal Rock Art Credit: Parks Victoria