Reconciliation Charter

The Reconciliation Charter demonstrates the commitment to reconciliation between the Wurundjeri and Nillumbik Shire Council with an emphasis on relationship development, respect and recognition. Development of this Charter was undertaken in consultation with Wurundjeri Elders of the Wandoon Estate Aboriginal Corporation, the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Inc. and the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group.

Nillumbik Shire Council has made a strong commitment to reconciliation with the Wurundjeri-willam clan of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation.

This commitment has been demonstrated through the development of Council’s Policy Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Australian’s 1998, and the Nillumbik Shire Council Reconciliation Charter 2008.

The Policy Commitment includes an Acknowledgement Statement and Apology, as well as an ongoing commitment to reconciliation based on relationship development, respect and recognition.

Nillumbik Shire Council continues to work towards reconciliation, in partnership and consultation with Wurundjeri Elders and the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group.

Civic Statement of Acknowledgment

The following words are read at the beginning of each Council meeting:

“Nillumbik Shire Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri as the traditional custodians of the land now known as the Shire of Nillumbik and values the significance of the Wurundjeri people’s history as essential to the unique character of the Shire.”

A formal acknowledgement statement aims to respect and give recognition to the culture, language and practices of the people of the Wurundjeri-willam clan of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

A formal acknowledgement statement also provides support and encouragement to their remaining Wurundjeri descendants, especially in their efforts to restore, maintain and reassert their culture and values and overcome the many problems which have stemmed from the dispossession of their land, the separation and displacement of their family members and the marginalisation of their culture.