July 1st, 2024Dollars to protect cultural heritage

The Victorian state government has announced backing for the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund in an effort to help Traditional Owners protect the state’s cultural heritage.

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) were recently joined by Treaty Minister Natalie Hutchins at Lake Boort, on Dja Dja Wurrung country, to announce more than $5 million in project funding through the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund.

DJAARA chief executive Rodney Carter: “At a time when processes to protect Cultural Heritage are under pressure and facing challenges, this is a welcome step, which will enable Traditional Owner Corporations to determine how Cultural Heritage is protected.”

The funding will support Traditional Owners undertaking initiatives to protect and manage Aboriginal cultural heritage sites across the state, including for the protection of significant Indigenous cultural landscapes or sacred archaeological sites.

The fund will be managed by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, to ensure Victorian Traditional Owners decide how the money is used in the spirit of self-determination.

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council chairperson Uncle Russell Mullett said the council looked forward to working with Traditional Owners.

“As custodians and managers of their cultural heritage, to decide on how we best use this fund to protect cultural heritage for future generations,” he said.

Minister Hutchins said the government was “proud to support Traditional Owners” in undertaking the work to “preserve and celebrate culturally significant and remarkable places — like Lake Boort”.