Indigenous reconciliation
Stonnington sits on the land of the Kulin Nations.
Our vision for Reconciliation
Our vision for reconciliation is a united, equitable community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices, experiences and ideas are heard and respected; and where there is 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 own values and customs in our diverse community, subject to Australian law. We respect the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples’ special relationship to 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; 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 the people of the East Kulin Nations and 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 we are meeting 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, present and emerging.
We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge their living connection to Country, 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.
Reconciliation Action Plan
Our Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024 has been developed in consultation with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Traditional Owners, as well as the wider community.
The two year update on the previous plan, 2018 - 2020 Summary is available here(PDF, 1MB).
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
Website: www.wurundjeri.com.au
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 03 9770 1273
Email: admin@bunuronglc.org.au
Website: bunuronglc.org
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, respect and justice for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month (except January) from 6pm - 7:30pm at the Grattan Gardens Community Centre. New members are always welcome. You can find more information on their Facebook page.
Phone: 03 9819 9106
Email: kgove@ozemail.com.au
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 Aboriginal educators, with support of traditional owners to assist teachers, students and their families to learn about the local histories, cultures and stories from a First Nations 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 and Teacher Guide .
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.