The Allan Labor Government is inviting Victorian Traditional Owners to apply for positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and play a key role protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage for all Victorians.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins today announced 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,
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 our history and identity, and ensuring its protection for all Victorians is a priority for the Labor 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, please visit: aboriginalheritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/become-member-aboriginal-heritage-council.
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins
"The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council plays a vital role in protecting the cultural heritage of the world's oldest continuous culture."
"Through the Council, Victorian Traditional Owners are empowered to use their knowledge and experience to manage and protect cultural heritage delivering benefits to the entire Victorian community."
As stated by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Chair Denise Lovett
"The Council's work is central to the inherent rights of Victorian Traditional Owners to protect and make decisions about their own heritage, and I encourage all interested Victorian Traditional Owners to apply."
