Reconciliation Victoria defines meaningful reconciliation through five key interrelated dimensions which can be viewed here. These five dimensions were based on Reconciliation Australia’s State of Reconciliation in Australia Report but have been edited by Reconciliation Victoria to better reflect the unique context, histories and cultures of our state.

Local government has a large role to play in the third dimension - A New Statewide Identity - as identity is so closely tied to place. Your municipality must showcase the deep and rich First Peoples histories and cultures that enrich each community. Taking steps towards building an inclusive identity that celebrates First Peoples will strengthen your local government area.

Why is this important?

A New Statewide Identity means a Victoria in which the sovereignty of First Peoples is recognised by all, including through the establishment of a Treaty. Treaty will be complemented by a process of truth-telling led by the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission.

Councils can begin to act now to shape a new, inclusive identity for Victoria. This can be through establishing Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owner Protocols, Flying the Flags or reconsidering the way you acknowledge 26 January.

Through this, we can recognise the significance of self-determination, provide all Victorians the opportunity to connect with a shared sense of place, and better understand our histories so we can share a better understanding of our futures.

Case Studies

Darebin City Council are working to create a new, shared identity within their municipality. Council has held a Local Treaty Conversation supported by Reconciliation Victoria, they permanently fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags and no longer hold events on 26 January. Darebin has also renamed council meeting rooms with Woiwurrung language names and some councillors have gained permission from local Traditional Owners to deliver an Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners in language.

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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