New Traditional Owner boundary now in place

Knox City Council acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to elders both past and present.

On July 1 2021, new boundary variations came into effect following a decision made by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council (VHAC) in relation to Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs).

The new boundary line runs from east to west across the city. It impacts the city of Knox with the majority of the municipality located on the traditional lands of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, and the Southern section surrounding Wellington road area located on the traditional lands Bunurong.

The decision comes after four years of consultation between the affected RAPs, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWWCHAC) and Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC). Care has been taken to discuss the complexities of Traditional Ownership of Country as sensitively as possible. However, it must be acknowledged that even while taking this care, there is deep sorrow and pain involved for our Traditional Custodians and families.

The VAHC emphasise its understanding of the traditional Countries of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Peoples in this way:

"In large part, these traditional Countries were defined by natural and environmental features, significantly by water. The direction of water flow provides a clear indication of the shape of Country and reflects the cultural understanding of the Bunurong as "salt-water People" and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People as the "people of the Birrarung" (Yarra River)".

A searchable map of the boundaries to see where you live, work and play in relation to the announcement of Victorian registered Aboriginal parties (RAPs) can be found here: https://achris.vic.gov.au/weave/wca.html.

This link enables you to enter a specific address in the top right-hand corner to determine who the relevant RAP is for that area.

For more information regarding our Aboriginal heritage, visit https://www.knox.vic.gov.au/our-council/culture-and-diversity/aboriginal-community-knox/our-aboriginal-heritage

To learn more about Wurundjeri and Bunurong visit:

https://www.wurundjeri.com.au/

https://www.bunuronglc.org/

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