Councils have an important role to play in Reconciliation. Local governments provide services that are far reaching and impact many different parts of our lives. As the closest tier of government to the community, Council can build on our community connections to foster respect and recognition and support Aboriginal self-determination.
At the heart of Reconciliation, is giving a voice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, embedding Aboriginal priorities across all our work, strengthening our relationships with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and building on practical actions to further our Reconciliation journey.
Check the latest Reconciliation news
Welcome to Country
The Welcome to Country video was produced in collaboration with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the My Story and the Airport West Arts Recovery Initiative projects. Aunty Julieanne Axford worked with digital storyteller Ian Moorhead to record a Welcome to Country focussed on sites of significance to Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Peoples. Photographer and filmmaker Yask Desai developed visuals to accompany the audio. This video is captioned.
The project incorporates images of native plants found in the Green Spine Linear Park as well as photographs of papier mâché sculptures of insects that were once present in the area. These sculptures were created by local artist Jos van den Berg. Together these images offer a more material presence to the native flora and fauna of the area and attempt to recognise stories of Country that relate to the Traditional Owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Peoples.
Bagarru Bagarru Djerring Reconciliation Plan and Policy
Our Bagarru Bagarru Djerring (Shoulder to Shoulder Together) Reconciliation Policy is our commitment to respect, recognise and build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and encourage others in our community to do the same.
The Policy was developed in consultation with the Wurundjeri Council, our community and staff. It includes:
- our Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
- our commitments and our protocols for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Our Bagarru Bagarru Djerring (Shoulder to Shoulder Together) Reconciliation Plan 2022–25 maps out a localised pathway to self-determination, in line with the state government’s Victorian Aboriginal and Local Government Strategy.
In working towards self-determination, we recognise the four enablers needed to achieve self-determination: prioritise culture; address trauma and support healing; address racism and promote cultural safety; and transfer power and resources to communities.
Read First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria's Treaty Explainer for friends and allies to learn more about the shared journey to Treaty in Victoria.
Learn about Council's Reconciliation commitments
Click on the cover images below to explore Council's Reconciliation Plan and Policy in depth.
Bunjil's Marroun Healing Ceremony
Moonee Valley City Council host’s Bunjil's Marroun Healing Ceremony annually as a commitment to truthtelling and healing.
The ceremony is an opportunity for the Aboriginal community, Moonee Valley residents and visitors to come together to listen to Traditional Owner Elders and other Aboriginal voices as they reflect on the impacts of colonisation on their families and communities.
Council is committed to Respect (Gahgook), Recognition (Ngarngaith) and Relationships (Djerri) through Reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and acknowledges that this day can cause pain to members of the community.
Aboriginal Wellness Foundation Resources
Marra Wirrigirri First Peoples Advisory Committee
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples living, working, or playing in Moonee Valley or surrounding areas are invited to join Marra Wirrigirri First Peoples Advisory Committee.
Marra Wirrigirri (Community Messengers) First Peoples Advisory Committee provides Council with a forum to consult with key stakeholders and seek specialist advice regarding Aboriginal affairs and to oversee the development of Council’s First Peoples’ Self-determination strategy and to guide the implementation of initiatives during the lifespan of the strategy.
The Marra Wirrigirri First Peoples Advisory Committee objectives are to:
- Provide advice to Council on issues relating to the empowerment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people such as access, inclusion, communication, participation and advocacy.
- Identify issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the MVCC community and their families and to advocate and promote an awareness and understanding of these within Council and the community.
- Provide Council Officers with support and advice around the operational aspects of service delivery, future initiatives and overarching action plans and policies that relate to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and Council's MV2040 strategy as required.
- Assist with the coordination, planning and implementation of Council’s calendar of events which celebrate, commiserate and educate the wider municipality including, but not limited to, Aboriginal cultural days of significance, Bunjil’s Marroun Healing Ceremony, Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and Wurundjeri Week
Please email: firstpeoples@mvcc.vic.gov.au, if you are interested in joining Marra Wirigirri
Latest Reconciliation news
Wurundjeri Week 2025
Wurundjeri Week is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the Traditional Owners of greater Melbourne, including Moonee Valley. Join our community in celebrating Wurundjeri Week…
Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025 in Moonee Valley
This year’s National NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of the week-long celebrations. Held across the country from 6-13 July 2025, NAIDOC Week is a time…
Bunjil’s Marroun Healing Ceremony 2025
Moonee Valley’s annual Healing Ceremony returns to Queens Park sound stage on Sunday, 26 January 2025. The ceremony will commence at 5pm with an Acknowledgement…
Fund your next big idea with a Community Grant!
Turn your passion project into a reality as we open up our first round of our 2024-25 Community Grants program! Need funding to get your…
Wurundjeri Week 2024
Wurundjeri Week is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the Traditional Owners of greater Melbourne, including Moonee Valley. The Wurundjeri People take their name from…
NAIDOC Week 2024
NAIDOC week is a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The week is an opportunity for…
National Reconciliation Week 2024
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of…
Bunjil’s Marroun Healing Ceremony 2024
Our annual Bunjil’s Marroun Healing Ceremony will be held at Djerring Flemington Hub on Friday, 26 January 2024. The ceremony will commence at 4pm and…
Celebrating the Centreway’s new look
The Centreway business area in Keilor East has received new streetscape and park improvements. Join us to celebrate the recent upgrades to this lively community…
The Voice to Parliament: What you need to know
Citizens in Moonee Valley are being called to decide on the Voice to Parliament. Your vote has the power to change the Australian Constitution. We’re…
Ash Firebrace animal artworks
Ash Firebrace is a Wurundjeri artist who draws on traditional artmaking techniques to create contemporary art and design. Over the years, he has created many intricate pen and pencil drawings of native animals which have been transformed into graphic design works, welcoming signage, and public artworks all across Naarm/Melbourne. His artwork is currently featured on Moonee Valley's Bagarru Bagarru Djerring Shoulder to Shoulder Together - Reconciliation Plan (2022 - 2025).