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
Decision to decline the application from Jaithmathang Traditional Ancestral Bloodline Original Owners First Nation Aboriginal Corporation to become a Registered Aboriginal Party
Date of decision: 7 August 2024
On 7 August 2024, the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council made a decision to decline the Jaithmathang Traditional Ancestral Bloodline Original Owners First Nation Aboriginal Corporation’s application to become a Registered Aboriginal Party.
The Decision Area is shown in the map below.
The Statement of Reasons for Decision are outlined in this document:
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