Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council
The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council was created under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 to ensure that Aboriginal people throughout Victoria play a central role in the protection and management of their heritage. The Council works with key partners to influence policy and build a better understanding and appreciation of Victoria’s rich Aboriginal heritage.
The Aboriginal Heritage Council Strategic Plan for 2008-2011 (PDF 569 kb) was launched on the 28th of May 2008.
Who are the Aboriginal Heritage Council Members?
The Council is made up of eleven Traditional Owners appointed by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. All members are resident in Victoria, and have extensive knowledge and experience in cultural heritage management. Learn about the individual members by reading the Council Member Biographies (PDF 43 kb) or (Word 39 kb). For other information about the Council itself, see the Council’s fact sheet (PDF 164 kb).
The Council is currently recruiting for two new members. Please see the update (PDF 48 kb) or (Word 41 kb) for further information and download the nomination form (PDF 82 kb) or (Word 439 kb).
What does the Council do?
The Council plays an important role in the implementation of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. The Council:
- appoints Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs)
- provides advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
- provides advice to the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Community Development
- evaluates Cultural Heritage Management Plans prepared by the Secretary
- promotes public awareness about Aboriginal cultural heritage
- manages dispute resolution
Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs)
The Council’s initial priority is to appoint Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) throughout the state. RAPs will be responsible for cultural heritage decisions at a local level.
- View a current table of Registered Aboriginal Parties.
- To learn the status of a RAP application, see the table of applications currently before Council.
- The table of RAP applications declined or withdrawn.
View maps of the Registered Aboriginal Parties and RAP Applications currently before the Council
Latest News and More Information
Read the latest news from the VAHC .
Need more information on Council’s decisions? Read the Council's General Principles for RAP decision making (PDF 43 kb) or (Word 400 kb)
Information sheet on the Aboriginal Heritage Council (PDF 164 kb) or (Word 737 kb).
Contacting the Aboriginal Heritage Council
To contact the Council please direct correspondence via the Secretariat:
Aboriginal Heritage Council Secretariat
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
GPO Box 2392
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
Phone: (03) 9208 3243
Email: vahc@dpcd.vic.gov.au
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