The Aboriginal Heritage Council was created in May 2007 as part of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Before the act was amended, only groups with Traditional Owner Settlement Agreements were able to make decisions on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage for an area of country.
Council appoints Registered Aboriginal Parties to manage and protect Cultural Heritage on their country.
11 Traditional Owners, chosen by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, form the Council. All members live in Victoria and have knowledge of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Responsibilities of Council
As an independent statutory body, Council can:
- make decisions on Registered Aboriginal Party applications
- oversee Registered Aboriginal Party operations
- protect Ancestors’ resting places and return Ancestors to Country
- manage reporting of Ancestral Remains
- manage reporting of Secret or Sacred Objects
- manage the Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund
- promote awareness and understanding of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
- provide advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Secretary
The Office of the Heritage Council supports the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council history
A timeline of the history of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council members
Find out more about each member of Victoria’s Aboriginal Heritage Council.
Become a member of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council
Victorian Traditional Owners on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council play a key role in strengthening the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Meeting Dates
Council meets regularly to realise Traditional Owner led management, protection, education and enjoyment of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage for the benefit of all Victorians.
Policies, guidelines and fact sheets
Council has a responsibility to support Traditional Owners through the publication of policies and guidelines
Discussion papers and submissions
Legislation discussion papers and submissions.
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Supporting the survival, dignity and wellbeing of Our People through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Strategic plans
Council’s strategic plans guide its work to ensure Traditional Owner led management, protection, education and enjoyment of Aboriginal cultural heritage for the benefit of all Victorians.
Engagement and Initiatives
A long-standing statutory function of Council is to promote public awareness and understanding of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in Victoria.
Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council
The Office of the Aboriginal Heritage Council can help you to contact a Council member, submit a question to Council or request access to the Aboriginal Heritage Register.
Our Logo
Council’s logo of four shields, protecting the state of Victoria, is our commitment to supporting, respecting and celebrating our Country, Culture and Life.
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