Indigenous Peoples

Hume City Council acknowledges the Gunung-Willam-Balluk people's living culture and unique role in the life of this region.

National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day has been held each year on 26 May since 1998, in commemoration of the 'Bringing Them Home' report. National Sorry Day was instituted to acknowledge the wrong that had been done to Indigenous families and so that the healing process could begin.
On 26 May this year, we held a smoking ceremony and morning tea with the Mayor, including local entertainment to mark the occasion. 

Council Initiatives include:
Social Justice Charter Action Plan

Hume City Council's Social Justice Charter Action Plan - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 2007/08 - 2009/10 is the leading document that guides our actions and programs. It acknowledges the journey towards reconciliation, demonstrates recognition and respect for the Indigenous community, and provides practical actions to assist with health, education and employment opportunities. Three tangible outcomes of the Social Just ice Charter Action Plan are the Linking Indigenous Women Project, the Indigenous Australians Employment Program and the appointment of an Aboriginal Liaison Officer for HACC services.

Download the Social Justice Charter Action Plan - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Linking Indigenous Women

In 2009, Council's Linking Indigenous Women project was a finalist in the Heritage and Culture category for the Sustainable Cities Awards. This project was run over a few months in 2008 and brought together women from Indigenous Australian and Assyrian Chaldean backgrounds to share their cultural practices through dance, art, cooking, stories and friendship.

Indigenous Australians Employment Program

We are currently in the process of developing this program, which will make it possible for a number of trainees from Indigenous background to work in a variety of Council departments.

HACC Aboriginal Liaison Officer

Council has secured the employment of an Aboriginal Liaison Officer for Home and Community Care (HACC) to assist our community elders and to run a disability respite holiday program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families who have a member with a disability.

For more information about Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week events contact our Access and Equity Planner on 9205 2200. For Home and Community Care contact our HACC Aboriginal Liaison Officer on 9205 2200.

Visit the Share Our Pride website for more information about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their culture and to building respectful relationships.

Reconciliation Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures, and to the elders both past and present.