Greater Dandenong's Official Acknowledgement of Country
Our Vision for Reconciliation
"We are a safe, unified, and respectful community that values truth- telling and celebrates local Aboriginal history, Culture, and experiences. We value our continued partnerships and strive to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to lead self-determining lives by listening, respecting, and working together to advance inclusive policies and practices."
Aboriginal Cultures are central to the municipality's identity. We acknowledge, respect, and embrace this by collaborating with Traditional Custodians, Bunurong Land Council and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members towards a shared vision for reconciliation.
Council is committed to truth-telling and acknowledges the significant and enduring trauma of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities due to colonisation and past government policies. We acknowledge the wrongdoings of the past and support healing for all community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community have and will continue to be supported to fully participate in the social, economic and political fabric of the city.
We aim to create a more inclusive community for all by coming together in mutual respect and working with the whole community. We will do this work by engaging meaningfully with Traditional Custodians the Bunurong people – and wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to support self-determination across all Council matters and business. We will listen and learn, seeking genuine understanding of their wishes and aspirations while respectfully elevating their knowledge.
Why is it important to include an Acknowledgement of Country in documents, meetings, and events?
Incorporating an acknowledgement recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of land. It promotes an ongoing connection to place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and shows respect for Traditional Owners.
Formal acknowledgement (for meetings, gatherings, workshops)
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Bunurong People, and pay respects to their Elders past and present.
We recognize and respect their continuing connections to climate, Culture, Country and waters and we also pay our respects and acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their Elders present here today, in acknowledging their journey.
The Statement is read at the start of all Council meetings, Citizenship Ceremonies, Mayoral and Civic receptions, openings of Council buildings and all official occasions. The Statement appends to Council staff for emails and is inserted at the beginning of official Council documents such as the Council Plan, Annual Report, Strategies and Plans.
The Statement should also be read at the start of staff meetings, internal events and meetings facilitated by Council officers and attended by external parties.
Personalized acknowledgement Note: Anyone can make an acknowledgement. At informal meetings and events (e.g. staff meetings and internal events), the acknowledgment can be customized or personalized by the presenter.
This must be respectful and authentic and recognize the correct Traditional Custodians, Elders (past and present) and connection to land, water and culture.
More information
Visit the Bunurong Land Council website for more information.