We acknowledge the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters, now known as the City of Greater Dandenong. We honour their enduring connection to Country, their Cultural knowledge, and their sustainable stewardship of these lands and waterways over thousands of generations.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present, recognising their vital role in preserving and protecting the sacred lands and waterways of their Ancestors, their places, Traditional Cultural practises, and stories. We also acknowledge the Bunurong Land Council as the Registered Aboriginal Party, responsible for caring for the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage of this area.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we value the opportunity to learn from and work alongside Bunurong peoples, as Traditional Custodians.
Our Third Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2026-28 (RAP) embodies Council’s commitment to advance the process of Reconciliation and strives to embed Reconciliation across policy, business, and community structures. is shaped around five core themes:
- Truth – Acknowledging Australia’s true history and its impacts and supporting healing through recognition of past injustices.
- Communication – Engaging with transparency and Cultural sensitivity, supported by ongoing Cultural awareness learning for staff.
- Engagement – Building long lasting, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and Bunurong Land Council, as Traditional Custodians.
- Cultural Awareness and Cultural Safety – Deepening our understanding of Cultural protocols, practices and connection to Country, and ensuring our workplaces are Culturally safe and free from discrimination.
- Respect – Valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, beliefs and Traditions, and creating an environment where everyone is treated equally and respectfully.
