Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a unique place in Australia as the original inhabitants of the land.
Across the country, many individuals and communities maintain strong connections to their culture, language and traditional lands, while also contributing to the environmental management, economic development and cultural identity of our nation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold distinctive rights as Australia’s First Peoples, set out in international law.
Despite some improvements in recent years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be one of the most vulnerable groups in Australia.
Hepburn Shire Council is on Dja Dja Wurrung Country. In the 2016 Census, 150 Hepburn Shire residents, one per cent of the population, identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
Our Reconciliation Advisory Committee provides a forum for Hepburn Shire to consult key stakeholders and seek advice regarding the process, development, and implementation of the next Reconciliation Action Plan.
Local, specific support services are available for Hepburn Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents:
Visit our Reconciliation and Recognition page, which covers some of the work Council is doing in the area of reconciliation. For more information contact Council's Reconciliation Officer, Carolyn Sanders 0457 348 689.