Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation facts for kids
The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation is an important group for the Wurundjeri people. They are an Aboriginal Australian community from Victoria. This group helps look after their culture and land. It used to be called the Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council. They are known as a Registered Aboriginal Party.
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History of the Wurundjeri Corporation
The Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council started in 1985. It was created by the families of the Wurundjeri people. These people are the traditional custodians of the land around Melbourne. Three main family groups were part of the Council: the Nevins, Terricks, and Wandins. There were 30 elders and about 60 other members.
All members of the Council are descendants of a Wurundjeri man named Bebejan. He was a leader, called a Ngurungaeta, of the Wurundjeri people. Bebejan was present when John Batman signed a "treaty" in 1835.
Around 2003, there were some questions about how the group's money was being managed. The Wurundjeri Land Council mainly earned money from renting buildings. They also received fees from developers. These fees were for checking cultural sites. This was to make sure important Aboriginal places were not disturbed.
In 2006, the Victorian government brought in a new law. It was called the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. This law made the Council a Registered Aboriginal Party. This meant they could keep making decisions about their cultural places.
What the Wurundjeri Corporation Does
The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation has many important jobs. They work to:
- Teach everyone about Wurundjeri culture and history.
- Take care of old archaeological sites. These are places with cultural meaning.
- Improve the lives of Wurundjeri people and their families today.
- Perform Welcome to Country ceremonies. These can include speaking in language. They might also feature traditional dancing, gum leaf, and smoking rituals.
The Victorian Government has given the Land Council land to manage. These lands are very important culturally. Some of these sites include:
- The Sunbury earth rings, which is a special ceremonial place.
- The Coranderrk Aboriginal Station Cemetery in Healesville.
Understanding Land Boundaries and Disputes
Sometimes, different Aboriginal groups have had disagreements. These were about the exact borders of their traditional lands. This happened with the Wurundjeri and other groups. These included the Wathaurong people to the west. Also the Dja Dja Wurrung to the north-west. The Taungurong people were to the north. The Gunai/Kurnai were to the east. And the Boon wurrung/Bunurong people were to the south.
In June 2021, the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung groups agreed on their land boundaries. These two groups are traditional owners in greater Melbourne. The new border goes across the city from west to east. The CBD, Richmond, and Hawthorn are now on Wurundjeri land. Albert Park, St Kilda, and Caulfield are on Bunurong land.
They also agreed to share management of Mount Cottrell. This site was where a massacre happened in 1836. At least 10 Wathaurong people died there.
Wurundjeri Office Location
In 2007, the Land Council opened an office. It is at the renovated Abbotsford Convent. This office helps them connect with the wider community. It also provides a space for their members.
The office is on the Yarra River Dreaming Trail. This trail is a big part of the Wurundjeri people's creation story. There are important Wurundjeri camping sites nearby. People have used these sites for thousands of years. Close by is where the Merri Creek and Yarra River meet. This is near Dights Falls. It is also where Billibellary was buried. This area was once the headquarters for the Native Police Corps. It was also home to the Merri Creek Aboriginal School.
