Aboriginal Inclusion Charter

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 peoples as the First People of Australia
• the Wurundjeri-willam as Traditional Custodians 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
• the requirement to act within the provisions and rights set out in the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 on matters of cultural heritage
• the right of Aboriginal peoples 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 peoples to be free from any form of discrimination; especially on the base of identity, religion, race, gender, age and/or disability
• the right of  Aboriginal peoples 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 peoples as legitimate stakeholders who 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 peoples in a way that affirms and values their worth and respects their dignity
• that we – including all councillors, staff, volunteers and Council services – have a duty of care to Aboriginal peoples, families and communities who may be reasonably affected by their actions.