First Peoples reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation is a united, equitable community where First Peoples (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples) voices, experiences and ideas are heard and respected. Where there is a deep understanding of the wrongs of the past and their impact.

Statement of commitment

The City of Stonnington acknowledges that the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations are the Traditional Custodians of this land who have strived to retain their identity and cultures through more than two hundred years of dispossession and colonisation.

We recognise and accept our responsibility to learn from and promote the intrinsic value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, heritage and contemporary aspirations to the wider community. Understanding that this enriches Australia's heritage and our community.

We acknowledge the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to live according to their values and customs in our diverse community. We respect the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples' special relationship with the land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites and significant places. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we acknowledge their living connection to Country and their relationship with the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.

Council recognises the valuable contributions to Victoria made by all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and will work together towards a future of mutual respect and harmony.

Acknowledgement statement

Council's Reconciliation Acknowledgement Statement is read at all Council meetings, Citizenship ceremonies, Mayoral and Civic receptions, and official occasions.

We acknowledge that the City of Stonnington is located on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.

We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge their living connection to Country, their relationship with the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.

For more information about Registered Aboriginal Parties and maps, visit the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council website.

Treaty for Victoria

Victoria’s Treaty is about First Peoples developing and delivering solutions at the local level to ensure their community has a say over the policies that impact them and their families. 

You can find more information on the Treaty Victoria website.

Reconciliation Action Plan

The City of Stonnington has developed it's latest Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027 which outlines Council’s vision, actions and commitment to reconciliation.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-27 has been developed in consultation with local First People communities and Traditional Custodians, as well as the wider community.

Read the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027.(PDF, 17MB)

Reconciliation Protocol

The Reconciliation Protocol includes information about:

• Acknowledgement of Country
• Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies
• Registered Aboriginal Party (Traditional Custodian) boundaries
• Council-owned Wurundjeri and Bunurong sites
• Reconciliation event calendar
• Sorry business
• Men's and Women's business
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags
• Terminology.

Read the Protocol(PDF, 12MB) .

Reconciliation events

Indigenous history for schools

Indigenous Histories and Cultures of Stonnington has been developed for local primary and secondary schools in the City of Stonnington.

The curriculum has been revised by First People educators, with the support of traditional owners, to assist teachers, students and their families in learning about the local histories, cultures and stories from a First Peoples perspective.

The resource is comprised of Educational Resources for schools (Teacher Guide) and a Student Guide and Learning Journal.

The resource guide for teachers is for Grade 3 through to Year 10, in line with the Australian Curriculum, to further their connection, appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, knowledge and perspectives of the Stonnington area.

You can download the Student Guide(PDF, 5MB) and Teacher Guide(PDF, 6MB).

Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP)

Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) are Traditional Owner groups legally recognised under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 as having responsibility for managing and protecting cultural heritage.

RAPs for the City of Stonnington (July 2021):

Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation

Phone: 03 9416 2905
Email: reception@wurundjeri.com.au
Visit the website

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation

Phone: 03 9770 1273
Email: admin@bunuronglc.org.au
Visit the website

For more information about Registered Aboriginal Parties and maps, visit the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council website.

Reconciliation Stonnington

Reconciliation Stonnington is a community group promoting a deeper understanding and respect for First Peoples cultures, while also advocating for justice and equity.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month (except January) from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Grattan Gardens Community Centre. New members are always welcome.

Phone: 03 9819 9106
Email: kgove@ozemail.com.au

Reconciliation Victoria

More information can be located at Reconciliation Victoria. Throughout both metropolitan and regional Victoria, Reconciliation Victoria supports and works with an independent network of Local Reconciliation Groups. Maggolee, developed by Reconciliation Victoria, supports engagement and partnerships between local government and First People communities.

View an animation by The Healing Foundation