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Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register (VAHR) established by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 is an important administrative tool for the successful management of Aboriginal cultural heritage. The VAHR holds the details of all known Aboriginal cultural heritage places and objects within Victoria, including their location and a detailed description.

Aboriginal heritage places and objects are irreplaceable, non-renewable resources and can also include traditional and spiritual sites of significance. These places or objects are normally identified during archaeological surveys, and are recorded by cultural heritage advisors on forms which are approved under the Act.

Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) play a key role in the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage. The Register holds information of each Registered Aboriginal party, their area of responsibility and contact details.

The quality information available to users of the Register, allows for effective management of Aboriginal heritage now and for the future. To date, over 30,000 Aboriginal objects and places have been recorded on the VAHR and many of these places and objects are located on private property. There are still many aboriginal places and objects yet to be discovered. To learn more read:

• Reporting a possible Aboriginal place or site


• Information for landowners


• Information for Planners and Developers

The VAHR is recorded proof of the great diversity in Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria. Find out who may access the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register?

What documents are kept on the Register?

The Register holds information on object collections, discoveries of Aboriginal human remains, as well as all documents prepared in relation to the Act. The following documents are kept on the Register:

• Cultural heritage permits
  
• Approved cultural heritage management plans
  
• Cultural heritage audits and Stop Orders. Information sheet: Audits and Stop Orders (PDF 445 kb)
  
• Aboriginal heritage protection declarations
  
• Cultural heritage agreements
  

Find out who may access the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register?

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