The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to progress self-determination for Aboriginal Victorians by supporting Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs).

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins joined members of the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation to announce a boost in funding for RAPs to continue their important work protecting local Aboriginal heritage.

Each RAP will receive funding to protect Aboriginal culture and be the voice of Aboriginal people in the management of their local heritage.

Wathaurung will use the funding to manage their cultural heritage from western Melbourne through to Geelong, Ballarat and the Surf Coast.

Along with base support for managing Aboriginal cultural heritage, today’s funding will also support a member of staff to monitor compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 in Wathaurung’s area.

Victoria has the strongest laws in the nation to protect its Aboriginal cultural heritage. This ranges from rock art, artefacts and the 6,600 year-old Budj Bim cultural landscape, which has been nominated for world heritage protection by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins

“By boosting funding to Registered Aboriginal Parties we’re ensuring Aboriginal Victorians are front and centre in the management of their cultural heritage. This is self-determination in action.”

“Registered Aboriginal Parties in Victoria, like the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation, are key in protecting Victorian Aboriginal cultural heritage now and into the future.”