Stonnington sits on the land of the Kulin Nations.
Our vision for reconciliation
Our vision for reconciliation is a united, equitable community where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices, experiences and ideas are heard and respected. Where there is a deep understanding of the wrongs of the past and their impact.
Statement of commitment
The City of Stonnington acknowledges that the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations are the Traditional Custodians of this land who have strived to retain their identity and cultures through more than two hundred years of dispossession and colonisation.
We recognise and accept our responsibility to learn from and promote the intrinsic value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, heritage and contemporary aspirations to the wider community. Understanding that this enriches Australia's heritage and our community.
We acknowledge the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to live according to their values and customs in our diverse community, subject to Australian law. We respect the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples' special relationship with the land and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sacred sites and significant places. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we acknowledge their living connection to the Country and their relationship with the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.
Council recognises the valuable contributions to Victoria made by all the people of the East Kulin Nations and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and will work together towards a future of mutual respect and harmony.
Acknowledgement statement
Council's Reconciliation Acknowledgement Statement is read at all Council meetings, Citizenship ceremonies, Mayoral and Civic receptions, and official occasions.
We acknowledge we are meeting on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.
We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge their living connection to the Country, their relationship with the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.
For more information about Registered Aboriginal Parties and maps, visit the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council website.
Reconciliation Action Plan
The City of Stonnington is seeking the community’s feedback on its draft Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027 which outlines Council’s vision, actions and commitment to reconciliation.
Visit Connect Stonnington to share your ideas on how we can continue to plan and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-24 has been developed in consultation with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Traditional Owners, as well as the wider community.
View the 2018-20 update on the previous plan(PDF, 1MB).
Reconciliation Protocol
The Reconciliation Protocol includes information about:
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies
- Registered Aboriginal Party (Traditional Custodian) boundaries
- Council-owned Wurundjeri and Bunurong sites
- Reconciliation event calendar
- Sorry business
- Men's and women's business
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags
- Terminology.
Read the Protocol(PDF, 12MB) .
Reconciliation events
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Healing Ceremony
26 January
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The City of Stonnington hosts a Healing Ceremony in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
The first Healing Ceremony was held at Malvern Cricket Ground in 2022 and is now an annual event.
The ceremony allows the community to learn what the day means to Traditional Custodians and supports Council's reconciliation journey.
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National Sorry Day
26 May
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National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all share in the healing process. The inaugural National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998. |
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National Reconciliation Week
27 May to 3 June
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The dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the anniversaries of the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision.
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Mabo Day
3 June
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Mabo Day is named after Eddie Mabo, the activist who led efforts to reform rights for Indigenous Australians. Mabo Day celebrates Aboriginal people’s unique connection to the land and the legal claims that led to the Australian parliament passing the Native Title Act 1993.
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NAIDOC Week
(first week in July)
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NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.
Each year, a theme is chosen to reflect the important issues and events for NAIDOC.
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Indigenous history for schools
Indigenous Histories and Cultures of Stonnington has been developed for local primary and secondary schools in the City of Stonnington.
The curriculum has been revised by Aboriginal educators, with the support of traditional owners, to assist teachers, students and their families in learning about the local histories, cultures and stories from a First Nations perspective.
The resource is comprised of Educational Resources for schools (Teacher Guide) and a Student Guide and Learning Journal.
The resource guide for teachers is for Grade 3 through to Year 10, in line with the Australian Curriculum, to further their connection, appreciation and understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, knowledge and perspectives of the Stonnington area.
You can download the Student Guide(PDF, 5MB) and Teacher Guide(PDF, 6MB).
Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP)
Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) are Traditional Owner groups legally recognised under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 as having responsibility for managing and protecting cultural heritage.
RAPs for the City of Stonnington (July 2021):
Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 03 9416 2905
Email: reception@wurundjeri.com.au
Visit the website
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 03 9770 1273
Email: admin@bunuronglc.org.au
Visit the website
For more information about Registered Aboriginal Parties and maps, visit the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council website.
Reconciliation Stonnington
Reconciliation Stonnington is a community group promoting a deeper understanding, respect and justice for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month (except January) from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Grattan Gardens Community Centre. New members are always welcome.
Phone: 03 9819 9106
Email: kgove@ozemail.com.au
Reconciliation Victoria
More information can be located at Reconciliation Victoria. Throughout both metropolitan and regional Victoria, Reconciliation Victoria supports and works with an independent network of Local Reconciliation Groups. The Maggolee website, developed by Reconciliation Victoria, supports engagement and partnerships between local government and Aboriginal communities.