Aboriginal Heritage Council Applications Now Open

18th May 2022

Victorian Traditional Owners are invited to apply for positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and play a key role in strengthening the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ros Spence today opened applications for four positions on the council, which oversees the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage across Victoria, ensuring responsibility for this heritage remains with Traditional Owners.

The role of the 11-person council includes:

providing advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria making decisions on applications from Traditional Owner groups seeking to become Registered Aboriginal Parties overseeing the reporting and return of Ancestral Remains and Secret or Sacred Objects promoting public awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Victorian Traditional Owners who are resident in Victoria and have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage, as well as time to commit to council duties, are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to apply, email vahc@dpc.vic.gov.au or visit aboriginalheritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/become-member-aboriginal-heritage-council.

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ros Spence

“The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council plays an important role in protecting the cultural heritage of the world’s oldest continuous culture, now and for future generations.”

“When Traditional Owners use their experience and their culture to manage, protect and control cultural heritage across Country, we all benefit from this protection long into the future.”

Quote attributable to Aboriginal Heritage Council Chairperson Denise Lovett

“The council’s work is vital to strengthening the inherent rights of Victorian Traditional Owners to enjoy and be in control of their heritage, and I encourage interested Victorian Traditional Owners to apply.”