Who can become a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council?
Under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples can appoint Aboriginal people who:
- are Victorian Traditional Owners
- live in Victoria
- have relevant experience and knowledge of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in Victoria.
Application rounds for appointment to Council are currently 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 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 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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