Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney has this week spoken in Parliament about the importance of Barwon’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Ms Tierney highlighted the work of Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP), including local RAP the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation, in supporting this rich heritage and history, and asked Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins for an update on current work.
This week marks the anniversary of the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 coming into effect.
The Act was a Victorian first in providing for the preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage places and objects.
The Act has since been replaced by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, which recognises Aboriginal people as the primary guardians of Victoria’s Aboriginal cultural heritage and strengthens the protection initiated in 1972.
The Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation was registered as the Registered Aboriginal party in 2009, and manages cultural heritage preservation, management and awareness for areas including Geelong, Queenscliff and the Surf Coast.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“This week marks the anniversary of the first Victorian legislation that recognised the importance of protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage.”
“The Barwon region has a strong Aboriginal history and I am proud that our community
actively celebrates and embraces this heritage.”
“I look forward to the Minister’s update on her work with Registered Aboriginal Parties across the state, including locally.”
