The Victorian Government has called for Traditional Owners from the state to apply for positions on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
The council, which plays a role in protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage for the benefit of all Victorians, with registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) now covering 75 per cent of the state.
Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Natalie Hutchins announced on Tuesday applications were open for four positions on the eleven-person council - made up of Traditional Owners - which ensures Aboriginal people are able to make decisions about their own heritage in line with the principle of self-determination.
The functions of the council include advising the Minister on cultural heritage in Victoria; making decisions about applications from Traditional Owners about becoming 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 Chair and Gunditjmara woman Denise Lovett encouraged any Traditional Owners in Victoria to apply, noting the "Council's work is central to the inherent rights of Victorian Traditional Owners to protect and make decisions about their own heritage".
Minister Hutchins said the council plays a "vital role" in helping protect the cultural heritage of Indigenous people in Victoria.
"Through the Council, Victorian Traditional Owners are empowered to use their knowledge and experience to manage and protect cultural heritage delivering benefits to the entire Victorian community," Ms Hutchins said.
Currently, the seven members of the Council are: Chair Denise Lovett, Deputy Chair Jason Briggs, Rodney Carter, Melinda Kennedy, Monica Morgan, Russell Mullett and Nicholas Stewart.
Victorian Traditional Owners who live in Victoria, who have extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage, and who can commit their time to the duties of the Council are encouraged to apply.
More details can be found on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council website.
