What you need to know
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.
Bagarru Bagarru Djerring Reconciliation Plan & 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 people 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 people.
- our commitments and our protocols for recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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.
Participate in Victoria's historic truth-telling process by making a submission to the Yoorook Justice Commission.
Learn about Council's Reconciliation commitments
Click on the cover images below to explore Council's Reconciliation Plan and Policy in depth.
Council's Statement of Commitment
Our Statement of Commitment reaffirms the partnership between Council and the Wurundjeri Council and renews our commitment to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung as the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which Moonee Valley is located, we pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Western Regional Local Government Reconciliation Network
We are a member of the Western Regional Local Government Reconciliation Network (WRLGRN). The network consists of five other local councils who meet bi-monthly to address the needs and issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the western region.
Ceremonial rock circle
Our ceremonial rock circle (called Babepal Paen-mirring, meaning “Mother’s tear” in Woi wurrung) is at Five Mile Creek Reserve in Essendon.
The site on which the rock circle sits recognises a registered site of Aboriginal significance.
After consulting with the Wurundjeri Land Council and the Wurundjeri Narrap team, it was decided to place rocks in the shape of an eye so that the tears of Mother Earth could flow down into Five Mile Creek. The rocks were placed in groups of three representing the three main family groups of the Wurundjeri.
Programs and Activities
- Check out Deadly Western Connections events and activities.
- Rail Projects Victoria - Aboriginal Talent Pool PDF
Welcome to Country and our Elders
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. Auntie 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.
Bunjil's Marroun Healing Ceremony
Moonee Valley City Council’s annual Bunjil's Marroun Healing Ceremony was held at Djerring Flemington Hub on Friday 26 January 2024.
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
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