Banyule Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Australians

In 2009 Banyule Council adopted the Banyule Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Australians. This statement was developed in partnership with Wurundjeri Elders and marked the start of Council’s commitment to working alongside the Traditional Custodial Owners of the land on which we live, work, meet and play, to advance the aspirations of our local Aboriginal communities.

Commitment

Acknowledges and values the Wurundjeri Wandoon people of the Greater Kulin Nation as the first people of this land. It commits to assist to promote, protect and preserve their identity and culture.

Apology

Apologises for the laws and policies of successive governments that have afflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these, our fellow Indigenous Australians.

Respect

Commits to respecting and promoting the customs and traditions of all Indigenous Australians, especially the local custodians, the Wurundjeri Wandoon people.

Recognition

Recognises and values Aboriginal society and culture as an important part of Australian history.

Rights

Supports the rights of all Indigenous peoples, as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as ratified by the Commonwealth of Austral.

Participation

Supports the rights of the Wurundjeri willam people, the traditional custodians of this land, to provide advice and participate in Council planning and decision making.

Reconciliation

Commits to encourage the Banyule community to achieve just and respectful relations between Indigenous and non Indigenous Australians in the spirit of reconciliation.

Access and equity

Commits to providing equity in, and access to, services provided by Banyule City Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in, or with links to the Banyule community.

Advocacy

Advocating, in partnership with the Wurundjeri Wandoon people, and others to address the gap in social and health inequalities experienced by many Indigenous Australians.