Who can become a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council?
As of 1 May 2026, under the Statewide Treaty Act 2025, the powers to appoint and remove regular, alternate and acting members of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council transferred from the Minister for First Peoples to the First Peoples Assembly of Gellung Warl.
Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, the First Peoples' Assembly of Gellung Warl must appoint the members of the Council as each office of member becomes vacant or is required to be filled and is responsible for the appointment of members.
Each member of the Council must be an Aboriginal person who:
(a) is a traditional owner or can demonstrate traditional ownership of an area in Victoria; and
(b) is resident in Victoria; and
(c) in the opinion of the First Peoples' Assembly, has relevant experience or knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria.
Applications for appointment to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council are now closed.
What is the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council?
The Council protects Aboriginal Cultural Heritage for the enjoyment and benefit of all Victorians.
The Council’s principal functions are:
- advising the Minister for 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 awareness and understanding of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
The Council was created under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. The Act protects Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in Victoria, just as other forms of heritage are protected under Victorian law.
The Council is comprised entirely of Traditional Owners, in line with the principle of self-determination.
I encourage Victorian Traditional Owners to apply to join the Council and continue the crucial work of First Peoples in protecting their own heritage.”
Russell Mullett, Chairperson
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