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Aboriginal Inclusion Charter

The purpose of our Aboriginal Inclusion Charter is to continue the process of reconciliation between Council and Aboriginal people living, working or visiting the City of Whittlesea.

The Charter affirms any rights Aboriginal people hold within the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and stipulates our commitment in putting these rights into practice.

The City of Whittlesea recognises:

  • Aboriginal people as the First Peoples of Australia
  • The Wurundjeri Willum Clan as traditional owners with a spiritual, social, cultural and economic relationship with their traditional lands and waters within the City of Whittlesea
  • The distinct cultural rights and practices of all Aboriginal people who live within the City of Whittlesea
  • On matters of cultural heritage, the requirement to act within the provisions and rights set out in the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006
  • The right of Aboriginal people and families to live, work, play, prosper and belong - with equity of opportunity to all residents - within the City of Whittlesea
  • The unique and important role Aboriginal Elders play within contemporary and historical Aboriginal communities and culture
  • The right of Aboriginal children and young people to learn, grow and play in safe environments that respect and promote their cultural identity, free from discrimination
  • The right of Aboriginal people to be free from any form of discrimination; especially on the base of identity, religion, race, gender, age and or dis/ability
  • The right of Aboriginal men and women, boys and girls to the same health and wellbeing outcomes as all residents within the City of Whittlesea
  • The importance of mutually respectful and beneficial partnerships between Aboriginal communities and Council to achieve the best possible outcomes for the whole community
  • Aboriginal people as legitimate stakeholders that have rights to representation in Council decision-making processes, especially in matters that directly affect them
  • The need for individuals, systems and processes to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal people in a way that affirms and values their worth and respects their dignity
  • The whole-of-Council - including all Councillors, staff, volunteers and Council services - has a duty of care to Aboriginal people, families and communities who may be reasonably affected by their actions.