The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging Traditional Owners to apply for positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
Up to three positions are currently available on the 11-member council, which is made up exclusively of Victorian Traditional Owners.
The council's role is to strengthen understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage and to ensure responsibility for heritage remains with Traditional Owners.
The responsibilities of Council include:
- being the central coordinating body responsible for ancestral remains in Victoria
- providing advice to the ministers for Aboriginal Affairs and Planning
- providing advice to the Secretary of the Department of Premier and Cabinet
- determining applications from Traditional Owner groups seeking to become Registered Aboriginal Parties
- promoting public awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage
- managing the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund
- facilitating research into Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria.
Victorian Traditional Owners who reside in the state, have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage and its regulatory environment and have time to commit to council duties are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit aboriginalheritagecouncil.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams
"Self-determination means supporting Victorian Traditional Owners to manage, protect and control their cultural heritage across Country and generations - this work is incredibly important."
"The council continues to set the benchmark for Aboriginal-led decision-making and I encourage any interested Traditional Owners to apply."
As stated by Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Chair Rodney Carter
"I am proud of what the council has done over the last 14 years to empower Traditional Owners and resolve the injustice to our people by appointing Registered Aboriginal Parties as custodians and managers of their cultural heritage."
