The West Gippsland region includes the traditional lands of the Gunaikurnai, Bunurong, Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples.
Gunaikurnai, Bunurong and Wurundjeri have legislated authority for the protection and management of their cultural heritage with Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) status. Gunaikurnai also hold Native Title and a Traditional Owner Land Management agreement., with legislated authority for the protection and management of their cultural heritage.
Traditional Owner groups have a deep obligation to care for and heal Country, and have traditional ecological knowledge and customs built over thousands of years of practice. These practices are critical in helping Traditional Owners to remain connected with Country and be empowered to care for Country.
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, is the Traditional Owner organisation that represents the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation. We aim to preserve and protect the sacred lands and waterways of our ancestors, their places, traditional cultural practices and stories. Over the last 35,000 years, Bunurong people have adapted to a range of significant changes within our country.
Our stories of the Bay flooding with water, asteroid impacts near Cranbourne, Arthurs Seat once being an island, volcanic activity in the western suburbs, the great floods, fires and earthquakes all speak of such events. Over 2,000 generations of our people have been here before us and we are still here.
The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, represents the Bunurong people today; the traditional custodians of the land and waters that stretch from the Werribee River to Wilsons Promontory. We work closely with many stakeholders including shire councils, government departments, schools, archaeologists, developers and politicians.
The Bunurong, support this Regional Catchment Strategy that aims to protect the environment of this land and bring people together to help care for this Country.
For more information, visit the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), is recognised as:
- Traditional Owner Body Corporate under Federal Native Title Act
- Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) within their area of determination
- Recognition and Settlement Agreement, executed under the Traditional Owner Settlement.
These responsibilities include site protection of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Values in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act (2006), including Aboriginal Heritage Regulations (2007).
We, the Gunaikurnai, are the recognised sovereign owners of our land and waters.
Our successful Native Title determination has gone a long way to achieving social justice, and our proper role in the management of our land and waters. We have a long way to go to make this work on the ground. The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) represents our rights and interests in protecting our land, waters, culture and people.
The GLaWAC Board and staff are committed to making our Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) work in the best interests of all Gunaikurnai and our land and waters.
The GLaWAC Board works under the guidance of our Elders, to implement our Native Title settlement outcomes, and to continue working towards self-determination and real social justice for our people. This includes, business outside of Native Title contexts that will build a strong, well governed corporation that can stand up for our people, and create opportunity for all, well into the future.
In April 2019, a memorandum of understanding between the partners, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority was resigned for the third time, after originally being signed in November 2013.
The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority commit to work in partnership to implement this document. This partnership being the protection, enhancement and recognition of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Natural Resources within the region.
The Gunaikurnai, support this Regional Catchment Strategy that aims to protect the environment of this land and bring people together to help care for this Country.
For more information, visit the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation was Victoria’s first Registered Aboriginal Party, with RAP status being granted in August 2008 with their RAP area was extended in October 2013 and July 2021 following successful negotiations with a neighbouring tribes.
Wurundjeri has over 30 years’ experience providing leadership in government negotiations, as well as protection of their cultural heritage. Wurundjeri culture, like other Aboriginal cultures is a welcoming one, and Wurundjeri have been welcoming and caring for everyone living on Country.
For more information, visit the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
