Campaspe Shire Council and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation are working together following the discovery of historical ancestral remains during works at the Victoria Park upgrade project in Echuca.
All construction works at the site were immediately ceased once the discovery was made. The remains were referred to the Coroner in Melbourne and have been confirmed as historical. Further material has since been identified and is currently being assessed by qualified cultural heritage advisors. This assessment process will guide the appropriate next steps, in line with cultural protocols and legislative requirements.
These discoveries are an important reminder of the deep cultural history of Yorta Yorta Country and the shared responsibility to approach works on Country with care and respect. The name Echuca itself comes from a Yorta Yorta word meaning "meeting of the waters", reflecting the long‑standing cultural significance of this place as a site of connection and gathering for thousands of years.
Campaspe Shire Council and Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation remain committed to working together constructively and respectfully throughout this process. Matters of cultural heritage require careful consultation, appropriate cultural oversight and thoughtful decision‑making to ensure the right outcomes for Country, community and future generations.
The construction area is within a landscape that has experienced significant previous development, and earlier assessments and risk analysis indicated a low likelihood of cultural heritage material being present based on the information available at the time. These assessments were undertaken in accordance with Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation. The recent discoveries reinforce the importance of pausing works and responding respectfully when new information emerges, guided by cultural expertise and partnership with Yorta Yorta representatives.
