Nillumbik Shire Council is committed to creating a fair, equitable and inclusive community where human rights are respected, participation is facilitated, barriers are addressed and diversity is celebrated. We support the rights of all people regardless of age, gender, ability or background. We value the diverse and changing nature of our community and understand that some groups and individuals experience more barriers than others.
Council's Access, Equity and Inclusion Policy outlines our commitment to equitable and inclusive practice across all Council activities.
If you need access to this content in another format, please contact community@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or call 9433 3111 to speak to customer service.
More information and resources can be found at Reconciliation.
Principles of Reconciliation
Acknowledgement – Recognition – Respect – Action
Nillumbik Shire Council has a long-standing commitment to Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, recognising the need for an inclusive inter-related community. Information on how you can be an ally to the indigenous community and play a part in reconciliation through your group or organisation, please see the resources at the reconciliation link below.
Acknowledgement of Country
Local history
The area now comprising the Shire of Nillumbik has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Wurundjeri-willam clan of the Woi-wurrung speaking people.
The Woi-wurrung people belong to the confederacy known as the Kulin who reside in areas surrounding Melbourne, and whose collective territory extends across much of Victoria.
Nillumbik is located within the clan boundary of the Wurundjeri-willam (‘white gum tree dwellers’). Wurundjeri is the clan name, willam refers to a subsection of the clan associated with a specific land area recorded as the Yarra and Plenty.
The Wurundjeri name for the region is ‘nillumbik’, meaning 'shallow earth'.
Local Indigenous history and heritage sites
Grants
Grants up to $1,000 are available annually to support community-led projects that promote truth-telling, recognition, community connection, cultural and social inclusion and access and participation for First Nations People. This grant supports community to implement projects that contribute to Reconciliation and the process of healing in Nillumbik. Usually open from January to May, visit our Grants page to see if the Reconciliation grant is open for applications.
Visit the past Successful grant recipients page for inspiration!
Resources
There are many ways to appropriately Acknowledge Country or Welcome to Country, so it is key to learn and understand the differences between them, and why they are important.
Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country - Reconciliation Australia
In the early 1980s a small group of passionate Wurundjeri Elders, the Traditional Owners of Greater Melbourne, developed a shared vision for themselves and future generations of Wurundjeri people. By 1985, their vision had crystalised and the Wurundjeri-woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, a representative body, was born. Visit their website to find amazing resources, services and information.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDN) is a national human rights organisation of and for Australia's First People with disability, their families and community.
FPDN Home - Network for Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with disabilities
Kinaway is from the Gunnai language meaning "exchange". Kinaway Chamber of Commerce is the leading Victorian organisation dedicated to supporting Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners. Their focus is on changing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s lives through a strength-based model of business ownership and participation in the Victorian economy. Use this website to search for Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to use for your next purchases.
Kinaway Business Directory | Kinaway
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 focusing on the history of the Aboriginal people in the Yarra Valley region during the time of European settlement. Compiled by Mick Woiwod, historian and writer, with support from the NRG, these databases are a valuable resource, especially for anyone with an interest in the history of the area and reconciliation. More information can be found on the NRG website.
Nillumbik Digital Heritage Guide(PDF, 13MB)
More information and resources can be found at Disability, accessibility and inclusion.
Here you will find:
- Resources
- Information
- Disability Action Plan
- Disability Inclusion Network
- Assisted Listening Systems to help with meetings and events.
- Many more useful resources
Community data
Nillumbik community data is available at Community profile (id.com.au).
First Nations
0.6% of Nillumbik population identify as First Nations which is similar to the First Nations population for Greater Melbourne (0.7%).
People with a disability, chronic disease, mental illness (physical, invisible, communication)
According to the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers Australia: Summary of Findings, 2018, one in five people (or 11,494 people) in Nillumbik are estimated to have disability. This number is forecast to rise significantly given Nillumbik’s population is ageing. By 2026, the number of residents over 65 will be 12,171 – a 67% increase from 2016. (NSC, Disability Action Plan 2020-2024).
Four per cent of the Nillumbik population need assistance due to disability.
Cultural identities including refugees and asylum seekers (language, tradition, background)
In Nillumbik Shire, 9.6% of people (an increase of 444 people) used a language in addition to English at home in 2021.
The largest changes in the spoken languages of the population in Nillumbik Shire between 2016 and 2021 were for those speaking:
Accessibility options for members of our community who may need them to access information
Nillumbik Shire Council Disability Inclusion Team - 0438 277 428 or email inclusion@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.
Nillumbik Shire Council is National Relay Service (NRS) friendly. If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can access the following services through NRS:
Once connected to the NRS, ask to be transferred to the Disability Inclusion Team on 0438 277 428.
Telephone the Speak and Listen Relay Service: 1300 555 727 (if you use a regular handset but sometimes find it difficult for others to understand you).
Grants
Grants up to $1,000 are available to support events and activities celebrating and promoting disability inclusion in Nillumbik between November and January. This annual grant opens in July. Visit our Grants page to see if this grant is currently open for applications.
Visit the past Successful grant recipients page for inspiration!
Resources
Autism Connect is a free national autism helpline, providing independent and expert information over the phone, email and webchat. Autism Connect can provide information and support to event planners to assist with planning and delivering autism friendly events.
Amaze Autism Connect
The best way to ensure your event or activity is inclusive of all people is to think about things beforehand!
YDAS planning accessible and inclusive events for young people living with a disability resource
DHHS provides individual support and supported accommodation services, helping people with a disability to live independently and participate in community life.
Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Disability (dhhs.vic.gov.au)
Belonging Matters was developed in 2003 by individuals with a disability and families who believe that all people should be valued, included and contribute to their local community. Belonging Matters has a comprehensive range of resources covering a vast array of topics all aimed to assist you in your journey.
Resources | belongingmatters
Disability Inclusion and Accessibility for events - A beginners guide(DOCX, 18KB)
Tips for Inclusive Online Meetings(DOCX, 22KB)
More information can be found at Gender Equity
- Gender Equity Action Plan 2022-23
- International Women's Day in Nillumbik
- Community Leadership program
- Family Violence resources
- 16 Days of Activism of Gender-Based Violence
- Many more useful resources
Grants
Small grants up to $500 are available annually to support awareness-raising community led projects in Nillumbik that will be undertaken during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Visit our Grants page to see if this grant is currently open for applications or read about previously awarded 16 Days of Activism grants.
More information can be found at LGBTIQA+.
Pronouns
Council has put together this resource on what pronouns are, how to use them, and why it's important to use the correct ones. It emphasises the need to respect people's identities and shares tips on how to avoid making mistakes. Sharing your own pronouns can also contribute to creating a safe and inclusive environment, particularly for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Nillumbik Shire Council supports the use of pronouns to ensure trans, gender-diverse and non-binary staff and community members feel safe, supported and respected.
Resource - LGBTIQA+ Pronouns at Nillumbik(PDF, 304KB)
What are pronouns?
Pronouns are the words people use to refer to each other and themselves, when not using their name. Examples of pronouns include:
How to use pronouns
We have been using pronouns since we learnt to speak. For some people, using gender neutral pronouns might be new. Gender neutral pronouns (‘they’) are used in the same way as gendered pronouns (‘she’ and ‘he’). For example: ‘Do they need help with the report?’
Gender neutral pronouns are also useful if you don’t know the gender or pronouns of the person you’re speaking about. For example:
The easiest way is to ask. It can be helpful to share your own pronouns first, for example: 'Hi, my name is Sam and I use she/her pronouns. What are your pronouns?’
More useful information can be found in the How-to guide.
Pronouns: A How-To - The Diversity Center (diversitycenterneo.org)
Below is a brief guide to some of the terminology used by the LGBTIQA+ community. It is important to note that many of these terms are fluid, ever-evolving and may mean different things to different people.
Identities and Experiences - Zoe Belle Gender Collective
Resources
Looking to make your space more welcoming to the LGBTIQA+ community? You will find some fantastic and free posters to print at the Zoe Belle Gender Collective resource page.
ZBGC Resources - Zoe Belle Gender Collective
Free community resources for community including ageing and aged care, COVID-19, intersex, transgender and gender diverse, disability, mental health and suicide prevention and webinars.
Community Resources - LGBTIQ+ Health Australia
Rainbow Door is a free specialist LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Intersex, Queer, Asexual, BrotherBoys, SisterGirls) helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and family during and after COVID-19.
Rainbow Door
Minus18 is working towards creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia. They aim to prevent social isolation and promote mental health support through fun events and social activities. They also empower young people to drive change and become future leaders in the community.
Minus18
Resources | Minus18 - LGBTQIA+ resources and research, along with useful toolkits from our team and the wider community.
Midsumma Festival is an annual LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival held all over Melbourne. Being involved in Midsumma can offer a range of benefits for individuals and the community, including opportunities to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture, promote diversity and inclusion, connect with like-minded people, and support emerging and established artists. Participating in the festival can also provide a platform for individuals to express themselves creatively, develop new skills, and gain exposure and recognition for their work. Midsumma is a fantastic way to engage with the LGBTQIA+ community, embrace diversity and promote social change.
Midsumma Festival