Traditional Owners

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.