Mornington Peninsula Shire is proud to join the rest of the nation in celebrating NAIDOC Week (8 – 15 November*) and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture. The theme this year is Always Was, Always Will Be which recognises First Nations people as occupants and carers for this continent for more than 65,000 years.
With restrictions still in place, this year NAIDOC events will move online. The Shire will promote local and interstate events on our website for everyone to enjoy.
The Peninsula community will celebrate and pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who call Mornington Peninsula home. We acknowledge the traditional owners and lands, the Boon Wurrung / Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, covering the coast from the Werribee River in the north-west down to Wilson's Promontory in the south-east, taking in the catchments of the Old Carrum swamp, Tarwin River and Western Port and including Mornington Peninsula, French and Phillip Islands.
The Shire has an important role to play in advocating for local Aboriginal heritage, arts and culture as part of the intrinsic identity and value of this land.
One of the ways the Shire supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is through our Warringinee group which strengthens cultural diversity across the Shire and understanding of the issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The group is working to deliver the actions in our Reconciliation Policy and Action Plan including meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes.
This NAIDOC Week the nation comes together to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture.
Happy NAIDOC!
*Due to COVID-19 restrictions the nation-wide celebration was rescheduled from July to 8 – 15 November.
To learn more visit:
To view Council's Reconciliation Action Plan Innovate 2020-2022 visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/strategiesandplans
