The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council has announced the appointment of three new members who will continue the council's work in protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage across the state.
It comes after the Victorian Government called for Traditional Owners from across Victorian to apply for the vacant positions in April.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Natalie Hutchins, announced the appointment of Dylan Clarke, Daniel Ross, and Annette Xiberras, with each bringing their own experiences and expertise to the council.
Mr Clarke, the current chairperson of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC), has a long history in cultural heritage management.
The Wotjobaluk man is also a reserved seat holder in the First Peoples' Assembly for BGLC and has been outspoken towards misinformation around cultural heritage.
Mr Ross, a Wurundjeri man, has more than 20 years of experience in the cultural heritage management and construction space, and has worked as a Field Representative and Aboriginal Heritage Officer for Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Wurundjeri Elder Annette Xiberras has worked in the cultural heritage space for 38 years.
This includes as chair of the City of Melbourne's Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee and Chair of the City of Yarra Cultural Heritage Advisory Committee, as well as Co-chair of the Victorian Traditional Owners Land Justice Group and on the Board of directors for Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Chair Russell Mullett said he welcomed the three new appointees, and encouraged Victorian Traditional Owners to "apply to join the Council and continue the work of First Peoples in controlling and protecting their own heritage".
Minister Hutchins said Hutchins the three new members on the council will "continue the organisation's vital work, ensuring Victorian Traditional Owners are central to protecting cultural heritage across the state".
The 11 person-council oversees the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage across Victoria.
The functions of the council include advising the Minister on cultural heritage in Victoria; making decisions about applications from Traditional Owners about becoming Registered Aboriginal party's (RAPs); overseeing the return of Ancestral Remains, and Secret or Sacred Objects; and promoting an awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage to the public.
Council members serve three-year terms, and recruitment is now open for additional upcoming vacancies, with Traditional Owners who reside in Victoria and have extensive knowledge and experience of Aboriginal Victorian cultural heritage management encouraged to apply.
Applications can be made via the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council website.
