Acknowledgement, Welcome to Country and Land Councils

Recognised Land Council in Monash

Monash is situated on the traditional lands of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong people.

Traditional owners are represented by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the Bunurong Land Council.

You can find the Traditional Owners of the land where you live, work and play by entering your address into the search function at https://achris.vic.gov.au/weave/wca.html

What is a Welcome to Country?

Welcome to Country has been part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways for thousands of years to welcome visitors and to show respect for Country.

Welcome to Country is delivered by Traditional Owners, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have been given permission from Traditional Owners to welcome visitors to their Country.

Welcome to Country occurs at the beginning of a formal event and can take many forms including singing, dancing, smoking ceremonies, yidaki (Digeridoo performance) and/or a speech.

A Welcome to Country is not an Acknowledgement of Country.

www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/welcome-country

What is an Acknowledgement of Country?

An Acknowledgement of Country can be performed by anyone and is a way of showing awareness of, and respect for, the Traditional Owners of the land on which a meeting or event is being held.

Monash Council acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Organisations, groups and individuals are encouraged to use an Acknowledgment of Country and can in insert their name in place of ‘The City of Monash’. Alternatively, organisations and groups can develop their own Welcome to Country.