AAV News
AAV Regional Teams take part in Elmore Field Day
(Posted 30/10/2009)The theme for the 2009 Annual Elmore Field Days was 'Capitalising on a Climate of Change’. In response to the theme, staff of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria's Loddon Mallee and Barwon-Grampians Regional Teams encouraged people to visit the AAV display and talk about the management and protection of Victorian Aboriginal places and objects.
A range of activities introduced people to Aboriginal cultural heritage issues, archaeology and the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Activities over the three days included: a demonstration excavation; stone knapping demonstrations, colouring in competition for children; information and artefact displays and identification; and a yarn-up corner.
Over 50 children aged between 18 months to 14 years had a dig in the archaeological dig box. Children were shown how archaeologists excavate and were thrilled to have a dig themselves. The dig box had four different soil layers, salted with a stone hearth and ‘artefacts’ representing Aboriginal and historic levels of past occupation.
Seven hundred exhibitors were represented at this year’s field days and around 43,000 visitors from Victoria's farming communities and across the country attended. The Team came back hoarse from lots of talking but felt much rewarded by the experience!
See the entries for the colouring in competition and the Elmore photos on
AAV Loddon Mallee Elmore Field Day - flickrFurther Information
Elmore Field Days websiteContact AAV Regional Offices
Managing in Two Worlds - Governance Training Program
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria in partnership with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations and Consumer Affairs Victoria, are delivering a series of three-day governance training workshops, specifically tailored for Indigenous community organisations.
Delivered by Indigenous facilitators, the culturally appropriate workshops build on existing knowledge and provide essential training for new and current board members and other staff in community organisations.
Topics covered at the workshops include:
- board member roles and responsibilities
- identifying conflict of interests
- understanding legal obligations and terms relating to boards
- effective operation and documentation of board meetings and
- understanding your organisation’s constitution/business plan.
To find out more read the Managing in Two Worlds brochure (PDF 364 kb) or (Word 211 kb) which includes the nomination form or contact our Community Agent on Phone: (03) 9208 3252 or 0427 533 109
See also Continuing your Governance Training.
Hands-on experience for participants of the ‘Past and Present’ workshops
(Posted: 27/08/2009)Participants of the first ‘Past and Present’ workshops in Aboriginal cultural heritage came together at Beechworth and Kalorama to enhance their practical and analytical skills in cultural heritage management. They braved the cold weather to identify and record Aboriginal cultural heritage places and material. This included the detailed recording of scarred trees and analysis of stone artefacts.
This hands-on experience promoted greater understanding of industry requirements and working with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (the Act) and Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007. Students were also encouraged to think about cultural heritage significance by analysing the context and components of Aboriginal places.
Run by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) in partnership with LaTrobe University (LTU), attendees represented Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs), Traditional Owner groups, land managers and state Government agencies. The workshops provided participants opportunities for networking within the industry, strengthening of relationships and resulted in further learning.
Completion of the workshop is a prerequisite into Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management which is set to start later this year.
For further information Contact us.
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Workshops 2009.
Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register Survey
(Posted: 10/08/2009)
Do you use Aboriginal cultural heritage information in your work?
Do you prepare Cultural Heritage Management Plans?
Do you need Aboriginal cultural heritage information for research?
If you do - then we encourage you to complete the
AAV is working to improve heritage systems and we wish to know how you utilise and record Aboriginal Cultural Heritage information.
Please complete this online
Charcoal Lane – sustenance for the body and mind
(Posted: 19/07/2009)
A $1.4 million Victorian Government redevelopment of an iconic Fitzroy property into a café and catering training centre will boost training and create jobs for Indigenous Victorians, Premier John Brumby said today.
The 120-seat café will be run by Mission Australia and will serve mainstream and Indigenous cuisine. A full kitchen and training facilities will offer an integrated training program that includes personal skills development and accredited training in hospitality.
The training program will focus on young Indigenous people who are at risk of missing out on educational and employment opportunities and is designed to ultimately transition students into mainstream employment.
Charcoal Lane opens to the public for lunches on Tuesday the 14th of July - with full service expected in August. Visit the
Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework
(Posted: 05/06/2009)
Native title claims will be settled faster out of court in Victoria in one of the biggest shake-ups to native title since the Mabo judgement.
The Brumby Labor Government today announced it had agreed to a new way of settling native title claims which would save taxpayers money and lead to better outcomes for Indigenous communities.
Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Rob Hulls said the Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework would become the preferred method for negotiating native title settlements in Victoria.
“This is a landmark day not only for Victoria but for Australia as this state becomes the first to negotiate – in partnership with traditional owners in Victoria – a comprehensive alternative pathway for resolving native title claims,” Mr Hulls said. Read the full media release.
Want more information about the Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework?
Visit the Department of Justice website for useful information provided by the Native Title Unit.
- Development of a Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework
- Key components of a Framework Agreement
- The Native Title Settlement Framework
Past and Present – Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Workshops 2009
(Posted: 27/05/2009)Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) has developed an innovative and exciting program of training for Indigenous Victorians with a role and interest in the State’s unique and irreplaceable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Currently, there are in excess of 32,000 Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and almost 1000 heritage places registered in Victoria.
Under the new Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 much of the protection and management of this enormous resource rests with Aboriginal community organisations. The training program will provide essential practical skills and knowledge for all people involved in Aboriginal cultural heritage management.
The program will begin with two three-day introductory workshops tailored for individuals involved in community based cultural heritage management. It is a prerequisite for entry into the Certificate IV course in Cultural Heritage Management.
Workshop Brochure (PDF 526 kb) or (Word 136 kb)
Workshop Nomination Form (PDF 1259 kb) or (Word 174 kb)
Course Outline (PDF 1308 kb) or (Word 270 kb)
Honouring Victorian Indigenous Returned Service Men and Women
(Posted: 22/05/2009)The Victorian Aboriginal community have actively sought acknowledgement of the contribution of Indigenous service men and women to the defence of Australia for many years and the Honouring Victorian Indigenous Returned Service Men and Women Shrine of Remembrance Service is now a permanent fixture on the Shrine of Remembrance calendar.
To further recognise the contribution of Indigenous Service Men and Women a plaque was unveiled by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Richard Wynne, following the 2008 Service – it is permanently positioned at the base of a well-established tree in the Shrine Gardens. Indigenous veteran Ricky Morris, who served in Australia’s peace keeping mission to East Timor from 1999 – 2000, assisted the Minister in unveiling the plaque.
“As a descendant of the Gunditjmara people and the 21st member of the Lovett family to see service, I am extremely proud to be here,” Mr Morris said. “I hope this plaque will be a source of comfort to the families and loved ones of Indigenous veterans who served as part of Allied forces in armed conflicts. We have a proud history as Aboriginal people.”
Joint hosts for this event include the Shrine of Remembrance, Returned Services League (RSL) Victorian Branch, Legacy Melbourne and the Victorian Indigenous Remembrance Committee. The remembrance service is a family friendly event – all are welcome.
The Ricci Marks Aboriginal Young Achiever Award 2009
(Posted: 17/02/2009)
The Ricci Marks Aboriginal Young Achiever Award recognises individual achievements and aspirations, and encourages and supports further development in training, education, arts, sport, culture and community leadership.
The Award is named in memory of Ricci Marks who in his short life made an outstanding contribution to his community in the cultural and sporting fields. Ricci, who won the 2002 Aboriginal Young Achiever Award, exemplified the strength of young Indigenous Victorians.
The Victorian Government recognises the difficulties and barriers many young Indigenous people must overcome in order to realise their true potential.
Each year, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs awards a $5000 bursary to two young Indigenous people who are role models in their community and have demonstrated leadership and initiative. In some circumstances the Minister may award one bursary of $10,000. The Award winner/s will receive a bursary to support their further development in their chosen field.
Last years joint winners were sportsman, artist and musician Leigh Saunders and post-graduate student Troy Walker. Youth leader Kasey Edwards also received an encouragement award.
Nominations closed on Tuesday 10 March 2009 and award recipients were announced on 21 April 2009 at the State Library. This is a public event and all are welcome to attend.
Want More Info?
Please contact the Executive Assistant at Aboriginal Affairs Victoria on (03) 9208 3240 or email Aboriginal Affairs Victoria using the subject line 'Ricci Marks'.
Victorian Government: Indigenous Affairs Report 2007-08
(Posted: 04/02/2009)
Victoria is leading the way nationally with its strategy to close the gap in life expectancy and break the cycle of Indigenous disadvantage.
Releasing the Victoria Government’s Indigenous Affairs Report 2007-08 today, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Richard Wynne, said that it would take a generation to close the unacceptable life expectancy gap between Indigenous Victorians and the broader community.
The Victoria Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2007-08 is the government’s report back to the community, allowing all Victorians to see what has been achieved, what the government will continue to work on and what the future plans involve.
Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2007-08 – Section A (PDF 1505 kb) or (Word 421 kb)
Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2007-08 – Section B (PDF 1776 kb) or (Word 421 kb)
Review of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007 - 27 January 2009
(Posted: 27/01/2009)
The review of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007 is now complete. During the course of the review, a number of changes to improve the operation of the Regulations were identified. These are discussed in chapter 3 of the review report. An exposure draft of the proposed amendments to the Regulations can be found at the back of the report (Appendix E).
Report on the Review of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007 (PDF 727 kb) or (Word 642 kb)
Public submissions on the proposed changes closed on 27 February 2009.
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