Key decision makers in the Aboriginal cultural heritage system

A Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) represents the recognised Traditional Owners of an area of Country in Victoria.

RAPs go through a rigorous registration process, carried out by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council. It includes proving their knowledge, lore, cultural responsibilities and authority, and considering their relationship to Country and common Ancestors.

RAPs have an important role as the decision makers for cultural heritage in an appointed area of Victoria.

Responsibilities include:

• being the primary source of advice and knowledge on Aboriginal cultural heritage
• evaluating and deciding on cultural heritage permit applications, cultural heritage management plans and cultural heritage agreements
• providing advice on protection declarations
• undertaking compliance actions.

Read about Registered Aboriginal Parties.

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council is an advisory body of 11 Traditional Owners. Council members are appointed by the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples for their extensive knowledge of Victorian Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Responsibilities include:

• appointing Registered Aboriginal Parties to manage and protect cultural heritage on Country
• providing advice to the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples and the Secretary, Department of Premier and Cabinet, about the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria
• protecting and managing Ancestral Remains
• protecting Ancestors’ resting places and returning Ancestors to Country
• promoting awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage
• managing the Victorian Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Fund, which can be used to protect and manage important Aboriginal heritage.

Read about the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.

The Secretary leads the Department of Premier and Cabinet, which includes the First Peoples - State Relations branch. Staff in this branch support the Act by running administrative systems and processes.

Responsibilities include:

• establishing and maintaining the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register
• evaluating and deciding on cultural heritage management plans for areas where there is no Registered Aboriginal Party (about 22% of Victoria)
• determining cultural heritage permit applications for areas where there is no Registered Aboriginal Party
• investigating compliance issues and taking enforcement actions
• developing guidelines and information to support the operation of the system.

First People of Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation representing First People of the Millewa-Mallee, being Latji Latji and Ngintait Traditional Owners.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation representating Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk Nations.

Gunditji Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation representing Gunditjmara People.

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation representing Eastern Maar People.

Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation representing Wamba Wemba People.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation representing Wadawurrung People.

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation representing Dja Dja Wurrung People.

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation representing Bunurong People.

Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation representing Yorta Yorta People.

Tanugurung Land and Waters Council Aboriginal Corporation representing Tanugurung People.

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation representing Wurundjeri People.

Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation representing Gunaikurnai People.