Aboriginal community
The City of Kingston proudly acknowledges the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past and present and emerging. Read our full Acknowledgement of Country.
On Reconciliation and the Voice Referendum
Following the outcome of the 2023 Voice to Parliament Referendum, Kingston Council is not deterred from the importance of continuing on the path to reconciliation. The outcome of the Referendum does not hinder Council’s commitment to reconciliation through local action and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
It was pleasing to see local support for the Voice through Kingston’s electorate zones was strong. Kingston were proud to take an active role in educating the wider community on the Voice and were pleased to host an engaging and well-attended Forum with Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, Dr Rachel Joy and Rueben Berg at Moorabbin Town Hall in July, as well as smaller informational Q+A sessions at various community centres. View the recording of the Voice and Truth Telling Forum event.
Looking forward, Kingston remains on target to achieve the outcomes set out in our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, with redevelopment planning underway for the next iteration of the Reconciliation Action Plan.
Reconciliation Action Plan
The City of Kingston is committed to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and acknowledges that First Nations Australian people have a rich and continuous connection to the area that is the City of Kingston.
Kingston worked alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to develop our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024 (RAP)(PDF, 6MB).
An Innovate RAP has a key focus on creating and strengthening relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members through innovative strategies, as well as including staff and stakeholders in the spirit of Reconciliation.
Council works with our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to acknowledge and promote its rich history, enhance the Aboriginal community in Kingston, develop and implement Council Policy, and resource service networks and organisations.
Reconciliation Action Plan FAQs
What is a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)?
The RAP is a list of agreed actions to guide us toward reconciliation. Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians come together to develop the list.
What does Reconciliation in the phrase ‘Reconciliation Action Plan’ mean?
Reconciliation is about strengthening the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and working together to overcome the reasons there is division and inequality.
For further information see Reconciliation Australia's Framework for Reconciliation Action.
What is Reconciliation Australia and how is it involved?
Reconciliation Australia is a not-for-profit foundation that promotes a continuing focus on reconciliation. Their RAP Framework provides a structured approach for organisations. Reconciliation Australia has endorsed City of Kingston's RAP.
What is an Innovate RAP?
There are four RAP types, Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate. These four types allow organisations to develop their reconciliation commitments. An Innovate RAP focuses on growing the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, along with engaging staff and stakeholders, and developing strategies to empower Indigenous Australians.
You can read more about the four levels from Reconciliation Australia.
What is the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group?
The RAP Working Group includes key staff from a diverse range of departments at the City of Kingston. The purpose of the group is to oversee the implementation of the RAP and its proposed actions. The group leader identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group (RAG)
The City of Kingston Reconciliation Action Plan Advisory Group (RAG) acts as a conduit between the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, reconciliation stakeholders and the City of Kingston.
The RAG will guide the implementation of the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and provide advice to Kingston Council’s internal RAP Working Group between November 2021 and April 2024.
To learn more or to join an advisory group, see our Committees and Networks page.
What is the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place?
The Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place is a safe place for First Nations people to get together and develop ideas, enhance cultural identity, social inclusion and improve health and wellbeing.
Located at the Mordialloc Life Saving Club, the DWGP opened in 2017 and is:
- A place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to connect, learn skills and hear stories from Elders.
- Designed to build a better future, create opportunities through education, health and economic independence.
- Be an educational centre for our community to learn about First Nations Australian culture. Repair bridges, strengthen ties and connect with the Traditional Owners of our land.
For information, please contact derrimutweelamgp@gmail.com or connect via Facebook.
Aboriginal cultural heritage
Aboriginal cultural heritage in the City of Kingston is overseen by the following public authorities:
The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation is a Registered Aboriginal Party and incorporated association. The Land Council covers the traditional lands along the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, including Mornington Peninsula, Western Port and South Gippsland.
- The Bunurong Land Council provides cultural heritage and environmental land management advice and is the approval body for Cultural Heritage Management Plans.
- Aboriginal Victoria is the state government department responsible for administering the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and works with Traditional Owners to protect and manage Victoria's Aboriginal cultural heritage.
For more information about this process refer to the Victorian Government's Cultural Heritage Management Plans.
Learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Learn more about what life looks like from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’s perspective and increase your awareness of histories and cultures, by visiting Deadly Story.