News

The first round of applications for grants under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund is now open

Council is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the first round of grants under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund. The grants submission period will run between 7 April 2025 until 5 pm, 20 May 2025.

Eligible applicants can apply for individual grants to deliver initiatives that aim to protect or manage Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in Victoria. For this round, applicants must either be organisations that are controlled, led or directed by Victorian Traditional Owners or auspice organisations acting on behalf of Victorian Traditional Owners.

Grant funding is available under three categories:

• Category 1: Cultural heritage protection works (up to $250,000 plus GST)
• Category 2: Innovation, excellence and advocacy in cultural heritage management (up to $50,000 plus GST)
• Category 3: Awareness or training initiatives (up to $25,000 plus GST).

Information about eligibility and the application process is available on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund Grant Program page.

Council manages the Fund, which is established under Part 10A of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Any fees paid under the Act are paid into the Fund, as well as any other money borrowed or received by the Council.

Council is committed to empowering our People in the management and protection of their cultural heritage, and we look forward to working together with Traditional Owners across the State to keep our Culture alive and strong.

Russell Mullett, Council Chair

Apply now

VAHC Statement - Dyurrite Cultural Landscape

6 December 2024

Decisions by Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

8 August 2024

Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation approved as Registered Aboriginal Party on 7 August 2024

RAPs are the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria. This decision brings Council closer to its goal of RAP representation across the whole of the Victoria.

This Wednesday 7 August 2024, the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council appointed Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation (WWAC) as the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 for the area shown in the map below.

In making its determination to appoint WWAC as a RAP, Council had regard to a range of detailed anthropological, historical and cultural information.

WWAC is Victoria’s 12th RAP. The State’s RAP coverage now sits at 77.5% of Victoria, bringing Council closer to its goal of having RAP representation across the whole State. The decision provides greater clarity and certainty that the right people can speak on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters within their RAP area. This formal recognition of WWAC as the body representing Wamba Wemba Traditional Owners under the Act strengthens the State’s system for protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, for the benefit of all Victorians.

Council must appoint RAPs in accordance with the criteria under the Act and in line with the Council’s long established decision-making principles. RAPs are the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria and have crucial statutory functions for the protection of the cultural heritage in their appointed areas.

Appointing RAPs is one of Council’s highest priorities. This determination brings Council closer to its goal of RAP representation across the whole of the Victoria. I want to acknowledge the hard work of Traditional Owners to help us arrive at this historic decision.

Russell Mullett
Council Chair

Media Contact
vahc@dpc.vic.gov.au
03 9922 7002

The Decision Area is shown in the map below.