Nillumbik Shire Council respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the Country on which Nillumbik is located, and we value the significance of the Wurundjeri people’s history as essential to the unique character of the shire. We pay tribute to all First Nations People living in Nillumbik, give respect to Elders past, present and future, and extend that respect to all First Nations People.
We respect the enduring strength of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of past trauma and injustices from colonial invasion, massacres and genocide committed against First Nations People. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people hold a deep and ongoing connection to this place. We value the distinctive place of our First Nations People in both Nillumbik and Australia’s identity; from their cultural heritage and care of the land and waterways, to their ongoing contributions in many fields including academia, agriculture, art, economics, law, sport and politics.
Nillumbik Shire Council has a long-standing commitment to Reconciliation between First Nations People and other Australians, recognising the need for an inclusive community.
Nillumbik Shire Council’s commitment to Reconciliation was formally outlined in the Nillumbik Shire Council Reconciliation Charter 2008. This Charter is now outdated and currently being updated, the new version will be incorporated into the Reflect RAP and shared later in 2024.
Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Nillumbik Shire Council is currently developing its first Reconciliation Action Plan, a Reflect RAP. A RAP is a formal commitment to support First Nations people's rights, culture, heritage, needs and aspirations. It will outline the shared approach Council will take to progress reconciliation and work alongside all Aboriginal people in Council’s services.
Extensive community consultation was completed throughout 2023 to inform the development of the RAP. The draft RAP will be available for public comment in May 2024. Following this, the RAP will be submitted to Reconciliation Australia for endorsement.
To read more about the RAP development and sign up to stay informed, visit Participate Nillumbik.
Nillumbik Reconciliation Group (NRG) is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit incorporated group committed to furthering the process of reconciliation with Australia’s Indigenous peoples, especially people traditionally from the Nillumbik area.
The group grew out of an advisory committee delegated by Nillumbik Shire Council to arrange a ceremony promoting reconciliation. As a result of the committee's recommendations, a formal document of Acknowledgement, Apology and Commitment was presented by Council to Wurundjeri elders at a Gayip (Woi-wurrung word for inter-clan gathering or ceremony) in May 1998 at Wingrove Park, Eltham.
In 2008, Council unanimously passed a charter setting a reconciliation framework for all Shire initiatives and activities (link at bottom of page). NRG continues to work with Council on an action plan promoting reconciliation in Nillumbik.
See the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group website.
Email enquiries via the website.
PO Box 1017
Research VIC 3095
Contact the President on 0407 682 177 or by email info@nrg.org.au.
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NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia from 7 to 14 July 2024 to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
NAIDOC Week is celebrated not only in First Nations communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. This week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The theme for 2024 is ‘Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud'. The theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
To learn more visit: NAIDOC.org.au
Nillumbik Shire Council is proud to participate in NAIDOC Week each year, and contribute to creating a fair, equal and inclusive community.
If you’re running an event that you’d like added to this list, please email us at reconciliation@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.
Wurundjeri Resource Kit(PDF, 542KB)
This resource kit about Wurundjeri people from the Yarra Valley and surrounding areas is currently unavailable as it is being updated. Email Diana Warrell at dcwarrell@bigpond.com for more information.
Coranderrk and Birrarung Databases(PDF, 778KB)
Compiled by Mick Woiwod. These databases are compilations of research notes, photos, anecdotes, legends, quotes as well as notes on culture, language and events focussing on the history of the Aboriginal people in the Yarra Valley region during the time of colonial settlement. Compiled by Mick Woiwod, historian and writer, with support from the NRG, these databases are a valuable source, especially to anyone with an interest in the history of the area and reconciliation. More information can be found on the NRG website.
Reconciliation grants
Nillumbik Shire Council is committed to creating connected and inclusive communities. Our Reconciliation grants can support community-led projects that promote truth-telling, recognition, celebration, community connection, cultural and social inclusion, and access and participation for First Nations people.