Council Spaces and Places

why is this important?

It is crucial that council spaces and places reflect the needs and values of their local community. Councils oversee so many different spaces - art galleries, parks and museums. There are huge opportunities to work with the local First Peoples community members to improve the cultural safety and relevance of these spaces to ensure that communities feel comfortable there and that the cultures and histories of First Peoples are publicly celebrated.

Recommended Strategies

Support and fund the establishment of an Aboriginal Gathering Place in your municipality.

Consider the cultures and languages of local Traditional Owner groups when designing new public spaces and parks.

Conduct audits of council’s library collection and remove outdated, racist works.

Provide a dedicated fund to ensure your library’s new acquisitions include works by First Peoples.

Support the exhibition of artworks by First Peoples in your local galleries.

Case Studies

Banyule City Council support the Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place along with Aborginal and Torres Strait Islander community partners. Barrbunin Beek, which means “happy place” in the local Woiwurrung language, is a dedicated community space where people can come together to create a connection to Country by establishing a place of community ownership where knowledge can be shared and culture celebrated.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria, and recognise First Peoples continuing connection to lands, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present who carry the memories, traditions, cultures and aspirations of First Peoples, and who forge the path ahead for emerging leaders.

We dedicate ourselves to working respectfully with and guided by First Peoples, and to listen and amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in all areas of work