- Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
The Andrews Labor Government is inviting Victorian Traditional Land Owners to apply for positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
It is the first Victorian statutory body for Traditional Owners, with all members being Traditional Owners. The work of the 11-person council is to ensure Victoria moves towards a place of understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural heritage and ensures this heritage responsibility sits with Traditional Owners.
There are six positions to be filled this year, with an expression of interest process currently open.
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 are residents of Victoria, have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage and time to commit to Council duties are encouraged to apply.
For more information or to submit an application, visit or email [email protected].
As stated by Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gavin Jennings
“Self-determination means empowering Traditional Owner Groups to make decisions – and the Council has been instrumental in clearing a path to this transition.”
“The Council is unique in its make-up and invaluable in preserving Aboriginal heritage for generations to come – I urge Traditional Owners wanting to make a difference to apply and make their voices heard.”
As noted by Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Chair Rodney Carter
“I am proud of what Council has done over the last decade to empower Traditional Owners and resolve the injustice to our people by appointing Registered Aboriginal Parties as custodians and managers of their cultural heritage.”
