Acknowledging the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation

Council has revised its Acknowledgement of Country to recognise the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council’s recent appointment of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation as the Registered Aboriginal Party and traditional owners of the City of Bayside.

Acknowledgement of Council is based on guidance provided by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council and approval from the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

Over 25 years Council has acknowledged the Boonwurrung people as traditional owners and has established a longstanding and very respectful relationship with the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Foundation.

We will continue to maintain our connection with the foundation given their contribution and involvement with the municipality.

Registered Aboriginal Party’s (RAPs) are Traditional Owner Groups, legally recognised under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 with responsibilities for managing and protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage relating to Country. As part of the process of recognition, RAPs are formally acknowledged as being able to speak on behalf of Aboriginal people with connections to defined areas

An acknowledgement of Country is a protocol delivered at the opening of meetings, conferences, special events and official functions, it is also a formal written statement contained in policies, plans and other printed material. It is a way for non-Aboriginal people to acknowledge and pay respects to the traditional owners of the land.