According to the 2021 census, over 66,000 Aboriginal people live in Victoria. This is a 0.8% increase from 2016.

Victorian councils work alongside Aboriginal Victorians to build respect, recognition and promote reconciliation.

Over the past 10 years, councils have increased their activities and engagement with their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

While activities vary from council to council, they may include:

• Flying the Aboriginal flag
• Developing a Reconciliation Action Plan
• An Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country in partnership with Traditional Owners
• Inviting Traditional Owners to participate in council activities and events
• Promoting respect and recognition of Traditional Owners through acknowledgement on municipal signs and council buildings
• Engaging Aboriginal people in local planning, decision-making, employment, programs and services
• Formalising council’s relationship with Traditional Owners through an Agreement, Memorandum of Understanding or protocol
• Protecting and celebrating Aboriginal heritage through council’s arts, culture and public space initiatives, programs and events
• Encouraging Aboriginal people to stand for council election
• Establishing an Aboriginal Advisory Committee
• Improving access to and participation in community services by Aboriginal people and communities.

Learn more about

• MAV resources – improving Aboriginal relationships
• MAV Aboriginal employment project
• Maggolee – councils and Victorian communities working together
• Reconciliation Victoria – local government reconciliation activities
• First Peoples - State Relations (Victoria)