Warrnambool | A City for Living

Goal: 4
People

Warrnambool values local Aboriginal identity and culture

Warrnambool’s community acknowledges local Aboriginal history and respects and celebrates Aboriginal culture.

2040 Outcome

  • Aboriginal culture is respected and proudly celebrated by the local community and shared with visitors to the City.
  • Health, educational, economic and social disadvantage no longer exists for Aboriginal people.
  • Traditional Owners lead the City’s environmental and cultural heritage management and have direct involvement in whole of community decision making and governance.
  • Learning about Indigenous culture, history and local language is commonplace in schools and workplaces.
  • Most natural attractions and significant places are known by their Aboriginal names (where deemed appropriate by Traditional Owners).

The changes we want by 2026

  • All W2040 Partners are actively engaged in partnerships with the Aboriginal community and support a treaty.
  • Acknowledgement of Country is made at all community events, forums and functions including government and council/committee meetings, conferences and training, school assemblies, public performances and shows, committee and board meetings and official openings.
  • Where supported by Traditional Owners, new and existing places in Warrnambool will incorporate Aboriginal names and acknowledge Aboriginal cultural heritage in appropriate ways to increase community cultural awareness.
  • Warrnambool City Council will allocate a permanent place at the Council table for an Aboriginal representative.
  • Warrnambool has an Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
  • Warrnambool’s community services and public facilities are regularly audited and implement continuous improvement to ensure cultural safety and inclusion.
  • More young Aboriginal people will complete year 12 or equivalent than in 2017.
  • More Aboriginal people will achieve post-school vocational or tertiary qualifications than in 2017.

Short Term Initiatives

  • Commence all gatherings, meetings and events with an Acknowledgement of Country.
  • In partnership with Aboriginal organisations (ACCHOS) develop and deliver Aboriginal cultural training sessions to build cultural awareness and competency of all employees.
  • Engage with traditional owners on projects and activities to remove barriers to Aboriginal participation and inclusion and increase awareness of culture and heritage (including service and facility audits).
  • Develop Aboriginal Employment Strategies.
  • Increase Aboriginal employment and business opportunities through employment and procurement policies.
  • Host/support an annual roundtable forum/meeting between Aboriginal community representatives and Councillors.
  • Work together to support improved health, education, training and employment outcomes for Aboriginal young people.
  • Council and WAG will pursue the sustainability of the Maar Nation Gallery