The heritage and culture of Aboriginal Victorians will be recognised, celebrated and protected, under new measures announced by the Andrews Labor Government.
The Victorian Budget provides a $53.1 million package that includes funds for the UNESCO world heritage listing of Budj Bim, better protection of Aboriginal Ancestral Remains and progressing Aboriginal self-determination.
Funding will also be provided to help Aboriginal women and children facing family violence, and communities dealing with the Ice epidemic. These measures will be community-led and developed in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal community, including:
- $25.7 million to work with Aboriginal communities in addressing family violence, including prevention and early intervention programs, new approaches to dispute resolution, and expanding programs for Aboriginal women
- $8 million to assist the Gundij Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation advance the Budj Bim UNESCO World Heritage listing. Located in south west Victoria, Budj Bim is the world’s first engineering project and dates back at least 6600 years, making it older than the Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge. By funding stages one and two of the Budj Bim Master Plan, we will ensure the area can accommodate visitors and support tourism, while providing economic opportunities for the Traditional Owners
- $6.6 million for the Koori Business Strategy, promoting the diversity and entrepreneurship of Victoria’s Aboriginal business sector
- $4 million for a culturally specific pilot project to respond to the Ice epidemic
- $3.8 million towards self-determination for the Victorian Aboriginal community. Over the next year we will back Aboriginal leadership, self-determination, and a review of the Aboriginal Lands Act 1970
- $2 million to provide specific grants for upgrades to a range of Aboriginal community controlled properties that are run and operated by Aboriginal organisations.
- $1 million to upgrade the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club, to strengthen participation, grow the membership base and continue the Club’s critical community outreach
- $1 million to protect cultural heritage with support for Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) Heritage Officers, an Aboriginal land management pilot project, a Country mapping program and funding towards better storage and analysis facilities for Aboriginal Ancestral Remains
- $875,000 for a new Aboriginal Youth Mentoring Program to help young Aboriginal people develop relationships and networks that keep them connected to their culture, families and friends
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins
“Governments have been lecturing Victoria’s Aboriginal community for too long. It hasn’t worked, and it’s time for community-led solutions.”
“Aboriginal families and communities know what is best for their heritage and their future. We will work alongside them in delivering real change.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020