First Nations community information
Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land, the people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge and uphold their continuing relationship to this land.
Traditional owners
The formally recognised Traditional Owners of the lands of the City of Port Phillip are the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples’. They are represented by:
- The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
Click to view an online map that shows the areas that the RAPs cover. Note this link shows a Victoria-wide view. Zooming in shows boundaries in Port Phillip.
We also recognise and work with the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council on reconciliation initiatives.
A commitment to reconciliation
We have a longstanding commitment to reconciliation with plans and strategies that help us advance to this goal. This ongoing commitment is outlined with our third Reconciliation Action Plan. Reconciliation Action Plans are a structured framework for an organisation’s commitment to reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our first Reconciliation Action Plan was adopted in 2012, our second ran from 2017-2019 and our latest Action Plan was recently certified by Reconciliation Australia. Reconciliation Australia is an independent not-for-profit organisation which promotes and facilitates reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our past and current Reconciliation Action Plans were developed in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council, Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, and our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, strengthens our journey towards reconciliation.
Our latest Reconciliation Action Plan Innovate 2025-2027 sets out the steps we will take to advance those things we do well and, improve our services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.
Our vision for reconciliation:
"Our Vision for reconciliation is a City of Port Phillip that prioritises the voice of First Peoples, enables self-determination, and ensures equity, cultural inclusiveness, and culturally safe"
Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-2027 (PDF - 2.3MB)
Our statement of commitment
‘The Council of the City of Port Phillip acknowledges that Indigenous Australians were the first people of this land and have survived European settlement for more than two centuries.
The City of Port Phillip values its diverse and multicultural community and encourages tolerance and respect for all.
The arrival of Europeans brought massive change to the land and to its indigenous peoples.
For its part, Port Phillip City Council acknowledges and grieves for the loss by the indigenous people of their land, their children, their health and their lives.
We acknowledge the right of indigenous Australians to live according to their own values and customs, subject to law and we commit ourselves to respecting Aboriginal sacred sites and significant places.
The Council recognises the valuable contribution to the Port Phillip region made by indigenous people and looks forward to a future of mutual respect and harmony.
The Council supports the indigenous and non-indigenous people of Australia working together for the development of a formal instrument of reconciliation.’
This statement was endorsed by the City of Port Phillip on 27 August 1997 and re-endorsed by Council in 2012 and 2017.
We-akon Dilinja – a mourning reflection event
The annual We-Akon Dilinja mourning reflection is a partnership event between the Boon Wurrung Land and Sea Council and the City of Port Phillip.
Supported by the National Australia Day Council, this event brings people together to commemorate and celebrate the rich diverse culture of the First Peoples of this land as the sun rises on the 26 January.
Visit We-Akon Dilinja to view previous events.
First people's history
We worked with the Boonwurrung Foundation to develop Yalukit Willam: The River People of Port Phillip, a suburb-by-suburb account of historical events through the point of view of descendants and contemporaries of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung.
Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation
Port Phillip Citizens for Reconciliation Inc. is a local community group that supports awareness of reconciliation and promotes the history of First Peoples in Port Phillip. The group formed in 1997 and maintains a strong presence in the community including regular meetings, a monthly newsletter and hosting special events and forum. New members are welcome.
Community Support Services
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service
VAHS have established a free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Yarning SafeNStrong (YSNS) is available to people and families who need to have a yarn with someone about their wellbeing. Visit Yarning SafeNStrong | VAHS
Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation
Ngwala Willumbong is a State-wide Community Controlled Organisation serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria. Visit Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation - Ngwala