More information

Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations

Is the peak body facilitating a collective voice for Traditional Owners to self-determine their future, focusing on shared interests and strategies for broadening political engagement, informing policy, and increasing economic and caring for Country opportunities.

• Website: www.fvtoc.com.au
• Phone: 03 9321 5388

First Nations Legal & Research Services

Is the native title service provider for Victorian Traditional Owners. First Nations offers Traditional Owner claimant groups in Victoria legal and mediation expertise to process claims and to make associated agreements. It also provides historical and anthropological research to establish the basis for native title claims.

• Website: fnlrs.com.au
• Phone: 03 9321 5300

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

Is a statutory body of Traditional Owners working with the community to promote respect for and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage and the cultural responsibilities of Traditional Owners. It appoints and oversees Registered Aboriginal Parties. Guidelines for submitting a RAP application can be found on their website.

• Website: aboriginalheritagecouncil.vic.gov.au
• Phone: 03 7004 7198

Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC)

Supports and regulates corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). ORIC advises Aboriginal entities on how to incorporate and offers directors and members training in all aspects of good governance. ORIC also monitors corporations’ compliance with the law and intervenes as needed.

• Website: oric.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 622 431

Right People for Country Program

Supports Traditional Owner groups in the process of making agreements, between groups – about boundaries and extent of Country, and within groups – about group representation and membership. The Program also runs negotiation skills training for Victorian Traditional Owners.

• Website: aboriginal.vic.gov.au/rightpeopleforcountry
• Phone: 03 8392 5385

Native Title Unit

Is responsible for administering and implementing the state’s responsibilities under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic). This includes leading agreement-making with Traditional Owner groups to resolve native title and address land justice.

• Website: justice.vic.gov.au/contact-us/native-title-unit
• Phone: 03 8684 7523

Traditional Owner Self Determination Scheme

Resources foundational activities to support strong self-determining Traditional Owner groups, and engagement with formal recognition processes.

• Phone: 0437 946 083

Victorian Treaty Advancement Commission

Is an independent office, tasked with maintaining momentum for the treaty process, and setting up the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (formerly known as the Aboriginal Representative Body) which will establish the ‘ground rules’ for treaty. The Commission is not negotiating a treaty, and will cease to exist once the Assembly is set up in 2019.

• Website: victreatyadvancement.org.au
• Phone: 1800 TREATY (1800 873 289)