Glenelg Aboriginal Partnership Agreement 2011- 2020

Glenelg Aboriginal

Partnership Agreement

2011 - 2020

Adopted by Council on 24 May 2011

Cover artwork:

Walatha Keetawanta (Embrace Futurity) by Daniel Joseph

“This painting depicts the Glenelg Shire area, from the Glenelg River and the ‘Nelson Endeavour’ cruise boat that weaves and winds, into the creator serpent in the sky. This joins into the tail of McNaught’s Comet, which was visible during the painting of this image.

Travelling through to the Casterton area with the Warrock Homestead and the Granite Boulders, we join into Kelpie Country and the Avenue of Honour.

It is the sentinels of Aboriginal culture, our Diggers, and the lighthouse, which all represent a united front offering protection to our sacred land. It is the arrival of whaling ships in our bay around this period of time, which completes the circle of change.

For the future and harmony between people, may this image be a flicker of hope in the void of Eternity.”

Daniel Joseph 2007

Adopted by Council on 24 May 2011

Table of Contents

1. Draft Preamble ...... 1

2. Introduction ...... 3

3. Glenelg Shire Map with Traditional Owner Place Names and Clans ...... 8

4. Statement of Commitment ...... 9

5. Profile of the local Aboriginal Communities ...... 11

6. Evaluation, reporting and updating ...... 13

7. Signatories ...... 14

Appendix No. 1 – Historical Setting ...... 19

Adopted by Council on 24 May 2011 1. DRAFT PREAMBLE

Glenelg Aboriginal Partnership Agreement 2011- 2020

The Glenelg Shire Council (the Council) and Aboriginal organisations have worked together to develop this [Agreement] in order to promote Recognition, Healing and Reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents.

This Agreement supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in resetting the relationships between Aboriginal peoples, the broader community and governments and mapping out a path for the Aboriginal peoples of the Glenelg Shire to be free from discrimination and secure in their identities and life choices.

This document acknowledges the hurt and suffering endured by local Aboriginal communities since European settlement. The consequences of European arrival has led to the dispossession of Aboriginal peoples in terms of culture, belief systems, history, language, land and its abundant wealth, and a complete ‘way of being’ that served Aboriginal peoples in this area for many thousands of years. In addition, the processes of colonisation marginalised Aboriginal people to the extent that they had become outcast in every sense of that word, with grave consequence to their social, physical and emotional health, their capacity to achieve their education aspirations, earn incomes and be proud and productive members of either society.

This Agreement seeks to facilitate and nurture the healing processes necessary to address and alleviate that hurt and to rectify the economic, legal, social and cultural disadvantages placed on Aboriginal peoples over the last 181 years, living in the area now known as a part of the Glenelg Shire.

This Agreement recognises that Glenelg Shire encompasses the traditional lands and waters of the Gunditjmara, Bunganditj and Jardwadjali people.

It acknowledges that Gunditjmara, Bunganditj and Jardwadjali members of Glenelg Shire’s Aboriginal community have a unique and deeply spiritual relationship with those lands and waters. The Agreement also recognises that there are people from other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities living in the Shire.

This document reflects on the rich and diverse contribution that Aboriginal people have made and continue to make toward the identity, wellbeing and prosperity of Glenelg Shire. It seeks to foster mutual respect and harmony between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents, both now and in the future by encouraging an understanding of Aboriginal history and culture among non-Aboriginal residents in parallel to and through the processes of ameliorating the systemic and structural disadvantages of exclusion and by creating opportunities for Aboriginal peoples to regain their cultural meaning, wealth and place in both societies.

Adopted by Council on 24 May 2011 1

1. DRAFT PREAMBLE (continued)

This document advocates collaborative forward planning between Council and the Aboriginal community organisations in order to achieve social and economic development outcomes that will benefit all Glenelg Shire residents.

Despite the disadvantages faced over the past 181 years, Aboriginal peoples have continued to strive for a better life for their communities. Many have and continue to achieve, succeed and build better lives, communities and enterprises intended to contribute to the wider community’s knowledge, understanding and pleasure, as well as the economic wellbeing of everyone in the Shire.

However, this document acknowledges that because of the very uneven playing field, Aboriginal peoples require additional resources to support them to participate fully in the community and meet and overcome adversity.

This Agreement is written in two parts:

• The first part sets out the broad principles that underpin the agreement and frame the purpose and context of the Agreement.

• The second part lists specific agreed tasks, to be completed within the agreed time frame and allocates responsibility for the completion and reporting on the work, as well as requiring an independent evaluation of what is being done to ensure that the aims of the Agreement are being best met.

This Agreement builds on past agreements and is intended as a living document that, while having specific actions and outcomes, allows for ongoing mutually agreed changes.

The situation that this Agreement is aiming to alter has taken over 180 years to evolve and will require many years and progressively more challenging agreements to rectify. It is acknowledged that all signatories to this Agreement are willing to accept this challenge.

Adopted by Council on 24 May 2011 2

2. INTRODUCTION

There are a number of Government Policies and Plans that underpin the development of this Agreement. They include;

Commonwealth Government - Closing the Gap

In 2008 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) set specific and ambitious targets for Closing the Gap:

• To close the life-expectancy gap within a generation • To halve the gap in mortality rates for Aboriginal children under five within a decade • To ensure access to early childhood education for all Aboriginal four years olds in remote communities within five years • To halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade • To halve the gap for Aboriginal students in Year 12 (or equivalent) attainment rates by 2020 (amended to 2015 in April 2009) • To halve the gap in employment outcomes between Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal Australians within a decade.

Victorian Government - Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework

The Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework (VIAF) 2010 - 2013 outlines a clear plan to guide government action to address the gaps between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal Victorians. Delivering better outcomes for Aboriginal people experiencing, or at risk of disadvantage, is the focus of their efforts. They will do this by continuing to develop partnerships with communities, delivering effective services and advocating for Aboriginal Victorians.

Glenelg Shire Council

Council is committed to involving the shire’s diverse community in decision making to improve processes, services, and infrastructure that will positively impact their lives and wellbeing. In particular, Council is committed to working with the Aboriginal people, youth, older adults and people with a disability in the community to address current and future needs (Council Plan: Embracing the Future 2009-2013).

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2. INTRODUCTION (continued)

Glenelg Shire Council (continued)

Furthermore, Council has agreed to develop and implement with the Aboriginal community a document outlining how to acknowledge and respect the Aboriginal heritage of the shire and work together to achieve the goals of Council and the Aboriginal community.

Previous Agreements

This Agreement is the third document developed between Council and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to facilitate recognition and healing.

The first Memorandum of Understanding was finalised and signed in January 2002. The key achievements from that agreement include: • Flying the Aboriginal flag whenever the Council flag is flown • Handing back of the mission bell to the Aboriginal community • Council meeting at Lake Condah on 29 June 2004 • Cultural tours for councillors and staff in November 2003 • Successful negotiation of Heywood property maintenance contract with Winda-Mara • Participation of an Aboriginal leader in Australia Day event • Community Dreaming, Youth Suicide Prevention Program, Somebody’s Daughter Theatre Company • Participation in and support for the Lake Condah Project.

A second Memorandum of Understanding was developed and endorsed by Council in October 2005. The key achievements from that agreement include: • Council acknowledges the Aboriginal ownership of and spiritual relationship to the land at key Council meetings and most civic ceremonies • Recognition of Gunditjmara Country on appropriate shire entry signs • Inclusion of related commitments and strategies in the Council Plan • In principal agreement by Council to transfer the ownership of the land at Lot 3 93- 96 Julia Street to Dhauwurd – Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Services Inc (DWECH) • Lake Condah Sustainable Development Project included in the Tourism Strategy • Events organised to celebrate Reconciliation Week, and officers and Councillors attend NAIDOC Week events and celebrations • Key officers have attended Cultural Awareness Training • Cultural Heritage Study (Stage 1) completed May 2007.

Adopted by Council on 24 May 2011 4

2. INTRODUCTION (continued)

Glenelg Aboriginal Partnership Plan 2011-2020

Council endorsed the Terms of Reference for an Aboriginal Agreement Steering Committee in June 2009, and the Committee was endorsed in October 2009. The Steering Committee was responsible for providing advice to Council on the development, contents and form of an Aboriginal Agreement between the Aboriginal communities in the Glenelg Shire and the Glenelg Shire Council. This includes identifying goals, strategies and actions that are relevant, sustainable and achievable.

The Committee comprised representatives from the following organisations: • Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation (2) • Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (2) • Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service Inc. (2) • Glenelg Shire Council (5).

Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation

The Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation aims to improve the physical and social well being of Aboriginal people within the Shire of Glenelg. The Corporation delivers a range of services including health, education, housing, employment and training, family services, small business development and the strengthening of Aboriginal culture.

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

The Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation administers land on behalf of the Gunditjmara people. The Gunditjmara’s ownership of the land was recognised in the Gunditjmara Native Title determination of March 2007.

The determination includes Crown land and waters, including state forests, national parks, recreational reserves, river frontages and coastal foreshores in the Glenelg Shire. This includes the rights to visit and temporarily reside on these land and waters, to use and enjoy the land and waters, as well as their resources, for domestic and ordinary use and to protect places and areas of importance on the land and waters.

Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service Inc

Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service Inc. provides a range of services to Aboriginal people within the Portland area. These services include a medical centre, health programs, home and community care (HACC) and early childhood programs.

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2. INTRODUCTION (continued)

The role of the Committee was to: • Guide the development of an Aboriginal Agreement between the Glenelg Shire Council and the Aboriginal communities in the Glenelg Shire • Review the Memorandum of Understanding between the Glenelg Shire Council and the Aboriginal community 2005-2008 • Provide advice on the development of goals, strategies and actions for the next agreement • Provide advice on the roles and responsibilities of parties to the Agreement • Provide advice on the development of a communication and engagement strategy • Provide input into the data, information and research that will inform the contents of the agreement • Provide advice on the form of the agreement (e.g. MOU, Reconciliation Action Plan, Treaty, etc.) • Promote active stakeholder and community participation in the development of the Agreement • Actively consult with communities across the shire as the Agreement is developed.

The Committee held (7) seven meetings in 2010-2011, (6) six meetings facilitated by Frank Hytten (ANTaR).

An assessment was undertaken of municipal Aboriginal health data for the Glenelg Shire to inform the development of the Agreement. As a consequence, the Aboriginal Health Profile Report was completed in 2010 (see www.glenelg.vic.gov.au).

Consultation with the community was also undertaken in 2010, commencing during Reconciliation Week (May 27 – June 3) with the distribution of surveys to attendees at the event. Surveys were also distributed to community organisations and agencies, schools and businesses and were made available for download via the Council website. Follow up meetings were also held with these groups to seek comment and input. In addition to the consultation with the broader community, Richard Franklin, a local Gunditjmara man, conducted interviews and focus groups with the Aboriginal community on behalf of Council and the Aboriginal Agreement Steering Committee. Focus Groups or forums were held at Winda-Mara and Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Services and over twenty interviews were conducted with community elders.

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2. INTRODUCTION (continued)

The Aboriginal Partnership Agreement and Aboriginal Partnership Plan were finalised in late 2010 and early 2011 respectively. The Steering Committee agreed to use the key platforms of the ‘Closing the Gap’ strategy of the Federal Government as the basis for the Glenelg Aboriginal Partnership Plan. The building blocks of this strategy are: early childhood, schooling, health, economic participation, healthy homes, safe communities and governance and leadership.

The timeframe for the finalisation and signing of this Agreement is as follows:

- Public Exhibition April 2011 - Presented to Boards of Gunditj Mirring, Winda-Mara and Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Services in April – May 2011 for approval - Signed and launched in Reconciliation Week 2011 (May 27 – June 3).

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3. GLENELG SHIRE MAP WITH TRADITIONAL OWNER PLACE NAMES AND CLANS

Disclaimer: This map has been produced for the Glenelg Council, based on information provided by local Aboriginal community members. It is not intended nor should it be relied on for use in Native title claims or any other land claims.

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4. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT

The commitments, strategies and actions in this document are aligned to the principles and rights in the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities – basic rights that belong to all of us just because we are human beings. These rights include civil and political rights; economic and social rights; environmental and cultural rights (www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au ). The Charter recognises specific human rights of Victorian Aboriginal people to maintain their relationship with the land and waters.

The signatories to this Agreement: • Are committed to the right of all Australians to enjoy equal rights and be treated with equal respect, regardless of race, colour, creed or origin • Are committed to the process of reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in the context of redressing their profound social and economic position • Are committed to maintaining Australia as a culturally diverse, tolerant and open society, united by an overriding commitment to our nation and its democratic institutions and values • Denounce racial intolerance in any form as incompatible with the kind of society we are and want to be.

Glenelg Shire Council will give practical effect to the above commitments by: • Actively promoting the benefits of a cohesive, multicultural society • Supporting Reconciliation Australia’s vision of a united Australia, and local declarations of Reconciliation with our Aboriginal people • Promoting access and equity in service provision for all members of our community • Addressing wherever possible, the special needs of disadvantaged groups • Assisting wherever possible the voice of Aboriginal people as a distinct cultural group • Developing and maintaining partnerships with the Aboriginal community, particularly in relation to the Lake Condah Sustainable Development Project • Contributing to and working with the Aboriginal community to mark significant days (e.g. Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, Australia Day, etc.)

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4. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT (continued)

Aboriginal communities represented by the signatories to this document will give practical effect to the above commitments by: • Actively participating in the implementation of the Aboriginal Partnership Agreement • Continuing to work collaboratively with the Glenelg Council in the following areas: Health and Home and Community Care Tourism Cultural heritage protection Managing the natural environment • Continuing to make a positive contribution to social and economic development within the Glenelg Shire • Providing statutory services including managing Native Title rights on public lands within the shire and assisting with the development and review of Cultural Heritage Plans • Continuing to provide cultural awareness programs within the shire • Contributing to and working with the Council to mark significant days (e.g. Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week, Australia Day, etc.) • Continuing to represent the Aboriginal community on all appropriate Council committees and provide appropriate and timely advice.

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5. PROFILE OF THE LOCAL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES

The Aboriginal population of the wider Western Districts prior to European settlement is variously calculated between 3,000 and 7,000 people. This population declined dramatically with European settlement and by 1850 had reduced, according to an official census, to just 442 people. The 2006 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census figures recorded 369 Aboriginal people in the Glenelg Shire.

The Aboriginal community experiences significant disadvantage compared with all residents in the Glenelg Shire. Most significantly different are the young age profile of the Aboriginal community, the high proportion of single parent families, the lower rates of dwelling ownership and the high unemployment rate.

The Glenelg Shire has more than three times the average proportion of Aboriginal residents compared to the Victorian average. The proportion of Aboriginal people in the Glenelg Shire has continued to increase from 1.2% of population in 2003 to 1.9% in 2006 and is increasing at a greater rate than the Aboriginal Persons Victoria Average of 0.1% increase over the same period.

Since the 2001 Census there was an increase of 63% in the number of people identifying as Aboriginal throughout the Glenelg Shire.

The Aboriginal population has a median age of 19 years. The median age of all persons in the Glenelg Shire is 41 years ( ABS 2006 Census QuickStats: Glenelg ). The age profile for Aboriginal residents in the Glenelg Shire is much younger compared with the total population. Of significance is the high proportion of Aboriginal persons in the Glenelg Shire in the 25 – 54 years age group and the low proportion of Aboriginal persons in the 55 – 64 years age group.

In terms of dwelling tenure of Aboriginal residents a very high proportion of houses (61.7%) are rented for Aboriginal households than the Victorian average for Aboriginal persons (46.4%). The most common family type for Aboriginal persons in the Glenelg Shire is single parent families (51.2% of all families). This result is significantly higher than the Aboriginal Persons Victorian Average (37.8%).

Aboriginal persons in the Glenelg Shire experience an unemployment rate significantly higher than the Aboriginal Persons Victorian Average, with 28.8% of the Aboriginal residents in the Shire unemployed. The proportion of Aboriginal residents in the Glenelg Shire with a non-school qualification is lower than the average for the Shire with 22.8% of Aboriginal residents having a non-school qualification in comparison to 34.1% for all residents in the Glenelg Shire.

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5. PROFILE OF THE LOCAL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES (continued)

At a broader level, the most telling indicator of disadvantage and hardship identified in the Department of Human Services Aboriginal Services Plan Jan 2008 – Dec 2010 is that “… on average the life expectancy of Aboriginal people is around 17 years less than non-Aboriginal people.” The ongoing social disadvantage of Aboriginal persons will manifest in other indicators including hospitalisation, imprisonment, unemployment and homelessness.

The key challenge faced by all levels of government, the Council and local Aboriginal community is to improve the coordination of effort to generate better outcomes for the Aboriginal people.

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6. EVALUATION, REPORTING AND UPDATING

This Partnership Agreement has been developed for the period 2011-2020. It is understood by all signatories to this document that the signing of the document does not complete the process embarked on, it merely marks the commencement. Further, we live in a constantly changing environment, with changing needs. For this document to have ongoing relevancy to both the Aboriginal communities and the Glenelg Shire Council, it must be regularly reviewed and updated.

It is agreed that a Glenelg Aboriginal Advisory Committee will be established to: • Report on the implementation of this Partnership Agreement and the accompanying Partnership Plan to all stakeholders annually • Review and evaluate this Partnership Agreement and the accompanying Partnership Plan at least annually, negotiating major changes with all signatories (minor changes with key signatories) before presenting them for inclusion in the Agreement or the Plan.

It is also agreed that an independent assessment will be undertaken on an annual basis to evaluate the implementation of the Plan. The results of this assessment will be reported back to the signatories of this Agreement.

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7. SIGNATORIES

We embrace the Strategic intent of this Partnership Agreement, wanting to deal with the unfinished business of the past and to lay an ethical foundation for moving forward in a genuine partnership based on mutual respect – a journey together.

In signing this document, we commit to working together to achieve recognition, reconciliation and healing for and with the Aboriginal communities of the Glenelg Shire.

THE COMMON SEAL of the GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL ) was hereunto affixed ) this day of in the) presence of: )

……………………………………………………………….. Cr Bruce Cross, Mayor / Councillor

……………………………………………………………….. Cr Ken Saunders, Councillor

………………………………………………………………. Sharon Kelsey, Chief Executive Officer

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7. SIGNATORIES (continued)

In signing this document, we commit to working together to achieve recognition, reconciliation and healing for and with the Aboriginal communities of the Glenelg Shire.

Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation Limited

THE COMMON SEAL of the WINDA-MARA ) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION LIMITED was hereunto ) affixed this ) day of in the ) presence of:

……………………………………………………………… Wendy Lovett, Chairperson

……………………………………………………………… Roslyn Pevitt, Director

……………………………………………………………… Candice Day, Treasurer

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7. SIGNATORIES (continued)

Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation

THE COMMON SEAL of the GUNDITJ MIRRING ) TRADITIONAL OWNERS ABORIGINAL CORPORATION ) was hereunto affixed this ) this day of in the ) presence of: )

………………………………………………………………… Joseph Saunders, Chairperson

………………………………………………………………… Laura Lovett-Murray, Secretary

………………………………………………………………… Lucas Bannam, Treasurer

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7. SIGNATORIES (continued)

Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service

THE COMMON SEAL of the DHAUWURD-WURRUNG ) ELDERLY & COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICE was hereunto affixed this ) this day of in the) presence of: )

………………………………………………………………. Maxine Risk, Chairperson

……………………………………………………………… Nicole Hudson, Secretary

……………………………………………………………… Ros Alexander, Public Officer

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7. SIGNATORIES (continued)

The following individuals and organisations have jointly embraced the strategic intent of this Agreement, wanting to deal with unfinished business of the past and to lay an ethical foundation for moving forward in a genuine partnership based on mutual respect – a journey together. In signing this document, we commit to working together to achieve recognition, reconciliation and healing for and with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the Glenelg Shire.

Name / organisation Signature

…………………………………….. ………………………………………………………

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APPENDIX NO. 1

HISTORICAL SETTING

Australia’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture is today widely regarded as the oldest continuously surviving culture in the world. It is generally accepted that the Aboriginal presence on the Australian continent dates back over 60,000 years and there is evidence to suggest that the Gunditjmara people had established permanent settlements in the southern section of the Shire up to 30,000 years ago. The Jardwadjali people have lived in the northern section of the Shire for up to 30,000 to 40,000 years. European history in the Glenelg Shire is comparatively recent, beginning in the early 1800s with the arrival of whalers and sealers. This timeline integrates both histories and provides a broader perspective incorporating both European and Aboriginal historical views.

Gunditjmara 20,000 – Mount Eccles eruption. Lava flow created Lake Condah 30,000 and stones country. Gunditjmara traditionally constructed ago aquaculture system along lava flow. Gunditjmara established permanent settlements and villages along lava flow. Gunditjmara population believed to be in the thousands.

Jardwadjali 30,000 – The Jardwadjali people have lived in the area north of the 40,000 Wannon river for up to 30,000 to 40,000 years. years ago

Early European 1800s – Early contact between coastal Gunditjmara and Contact 1830s European whalers and sealers.

Eumeralla Wars Convincing Ground massacre of Gunditjmara occurred and ignites the Eumeralla Wars between Gunditjmara people and European squatters. Native Police Corps deployed from Melbourne to assist.

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HISTORICAL SETTING (continued)

European 1803 Lieutenant David Collins, landed on the shores of Port Settlement Phillip (near Sorrento) and a short-lived colony called Victoria was established . 1834 Henty family arrive and establish Portland settlement. 1835 John Batman establishes a settlement in Port Phillip Bay and Melbourne is founded. 1836 Major Mitchell passed through the lands of the Jardwadjali and Gunditjmara and names many geographical features 1840 Charles Tyers surveys township of Portland Bay. First Land Scales in Portland Bay (October 1840) 1841 David Edgar and W. Thomas arrive at Lake Condah. 1842 Native Police Corps deployed using Aboriginal men from the Melbourne district.

Gunditjmara people refused to move to Purnim Mission (now Framlingham) because of traditional lands being on western side of Eumeralla river. 1847 Melbourne is declared a City by Queen Victoria.

European 1849 The County of Follett is proclaimed comprising an area Settlement bounded by the Glenelg River to the east, South Australia (continued) to the west, and to the north beyond Casterton. 1849 The County of Dundas is proclaimed, comprising an area bounded by the Glenelg River in the west and north, Casterton in the south and the Grampians in the east. 1851 Separation of Port Phillip District from New South Wales and the establishment of the Colony of Victoria. 1851-57 Over 11,000 assisted immigrants first set foot on Australian soil at Portland Bay. 1853 The County of Normanby is proclaimed comprising an area bounded by the Glenelg River in the west, Eumeralla River in the East, Casterton in the north and Portland Bay in the south. 1854 Municipalities Act allows for the formation of municipal districts in Victoria. 1855 Portland proclaimed a municipality (17.12.1855) 1856 Heywood proclaimed a municipality (25.1.1856) 1861 Land reserved for an Aboriginal Mission at Lake Condah.

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HISTORICAL SETTING (continued)

European 1863 Heywood proclaimed a Shire (8.12.1863) Settlement (continued) Local Government established in the Casterton District with the creation of the Glenelg District Roads Board (2.9.1863)

Foundation stone laid for the Portland Town Hall

Portland proclaimed a Borough. 1864 Shire of Glenelg proclaimed by Sir Charles Henry Darling, Governor and Commander–in–Chief of the Colony of Victoria (29.6.1863).

First meeting of the Shire of Glenelg held at Sandford (14.7.1864).

1867 70 Aboriginal people moved onto mission reserve at Lake Condah.

1868 Jardwadjali people formed the nucleus of the Australian Aboriginal cricket team in England in 1868, although efforts were made by the Central Board for the Protection of Aborigines to stop the tour. The team played 47 matches, winning 14, losing 14, and drawing 19 games.

1868 Aboriginal reserve gazetted and Anglican Mission for Aboriginal people established beside Darlots Creek near Lake Condah.

1869 Reserve for Aboriginal people proclaimed covering 2 043 acres in the Parish of Condah. Aboriginal people living on mission in bark clad buildings and mia mias. 1870s Construction of slab huts, mission house, school, dormitory and planting of orchard. 1880 By this time 22 permanent buildings of bluestone, timber or limestone had been constructed forming a quadrangular town plan.

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HISTORICAL SETTING (continued)

European 1885 St. Mary’s Church was constructed at Lake Condah Mission. Settlement Much of the 450 pounds for the construction was raised by a (continued) touring Aboriginal choir. 1885 A further 1710 acres was added to the Aboriginal reserve safeguarding hunting grounds of the Gunditjmara. 1886 Government legislation to remove part-Aboriginal people under the age of 35 years. Aboriginal reserve extended to include more stone country and frontage to Lake Condah. 1889 Revocation of stones country around Lake Condah Mission. 1896 Lake Condah Reserve revoked. 1901 Federation of Australia – six independent British colonies form one nation – the Commonwealth of Australia (1.1.1901) 1913 Lake Condah Reserve taken over by Board of Protection of Aborigines and ceased to be a Mission. 1914 -1918 First World War – Five Lovett brothers served overseas 1918 Lake Condah Mission formally closed. Aboriginal people unsuccessful in applying for land at Mission. Some families sent to Lake Tyers Aboriginal Mission (far east Gippsland). 1920s Lake Condah School and Lake Condah Church still servicing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families. 1930s Aboriginal families (about 70 people) still living at former Mission in tents and remaining cottages. 1939 - 1945 Second World War – four of the five Lovett brothers that served overseas in World War I enlisted for World War II.

In 1944 Reg Saunders becomes the first Aboriginal to be promoted to a commissioned rank in the Australian Army. He was later promoted to Captain during the Korean War. 1940s Aboriginal families living at Greenvale, Little Dunmore and Lake Condah. 1944 Shire of Portland supports the retention of the Lake Condah Mission for Aboriginal purposes.

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HISTORICAL SETTING (continued)

Aboriginal 1945 – 1950 Former Lake Condah Mission Reserve sub-divided for soldier Reserve & settlement. Herbert Lovett applied for a soldier settlement Mission at Lake block but was rejected and no returned Aboriginal soldiers Condah were granted land. (continued) 1945 Children living at former Mission Reserve taken from their families. 1948 Lake Condah school closed down. 1949 Portland proclaimed a Town (19.11.1949) 1950 -53 Korean War 1951 Lake Condah Mission Reserve further reduced to 23.5 acres. 1957 Lake Condah Church demolished amidst local protests. 1959 Lake Condah Mission Reserve further reduced. 1967 Australian Referendum recognising Aboriginal People. 1981 Onus & Frankland vs. State of Victoria and Others case heard in the High Court of Australia. 1984 Out of court agreement reached by State of Victoria and Gunditjmara people. 1985 Portland proclaimed a City (28.10.1985) 1987 Aboriginal Land (Lake Condah and Framlingham Forest) Act 1987 legislated.

53 hectares of former Lake Condah Aboriginal Mission returned to Gunditjmara people. 1991 The report of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody revealed a complex and devastating picture of the effects of dispossession, colonisation and institutional racism on Aboriginal peoples.

The formal reconciliation process started with the establishment of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.

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HISTORICAL SETTING (continued)

Aboriginal 1992 High Court decision on Mabo, which rejected the idea that Reserve & Australia was terra nullius (‘land belonging to no one’) at the Mission at Lake time of European settlement. Condah (continued) National commitment to improved outcomes in the delivery of programs and services for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments (7.12. 1992).

The position of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner was created by the federal parliament in December 1992 – a response to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the National Inquiry into Racist Violence. It was also a response to the extreme social and economic disadvantage faced by Aboriginal Australians . 1993 International Year of Aboriginal Peoples Native Title Act 1994 Shires of Heywood and Glenelg, and City of Portland amalgamate to form Glenelg Shire Council.

Glenelg Shire Aboriginal Consultative Committee formed. 1997 Bringing them home: the ‘stolen children’ report told the stories of many Aboriginal children and communities devastated by government policies and laws which allowed Aboriginal children to be taken from their families. The report estimated that between one in three and one in ten Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their families between 1910 and 1970.

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HISTORICAL SETTING (continued)

New 2002 Lake Condah Sustainable Development Project launched. Millennium & Beyond Memorandum of Understanding between Glenelg Shire and Aboriginal Community. 2004 Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape declared by Commonwealth Government. 2004 Glenelg Shire Council conducts a Special Council Meeting at Lake Condah. 2005 New Memorandum of Understanding between Glenelg Shire and Aboriginal Community. 2007 Gunditjamara People and State of Victoria sign in- principle Aboriginal land use agreement. 2007 Federal Court sits in Mt Eccles National Park and makes two consent determinations over 140 000 hectares of vacant Crown land, national parks, reserves, rivers, creeks and sea. This is Australia’s 100 th registered Native Title determination. 2007 Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council recognizes Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owner Corporation as a registered Aboriginal party (RAP).

The United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Aboriginal Peoples. 2008 Federal Parliament Apology to Aboriginal People by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd 2008 Lake Condah formally returned to Gunditjmara people by the State of Victoria. 2009 The Victorian Heritage Council extends the RAP of the Gunditj Mirring over a further area to include the Sea Country. This includes Coastal Waters to 3 nautical miles immediately adjacent to the current RAP area. 2009 Convening of Steering Committee to develop third Glenelg Shire Council Agreement with Aboriginal communities. 2011 Glenelg Aboriginal Partnership Agreement 2011-2020 is signed.

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Adopted by Council on 24 May 2011