The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is committed to reconciliation – actively pursuing our vision for a respectful and embracing society since 2011. Our journey has included two Reconciliation Action Plans, the return of the National Trust owned Ebenezer Mission to the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, the creation of our Aboriginal Advisory Committee to the Board, and undertaking Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Surveys at our sites.
The Board of the National Trust feels strongly that a healthy and engaged community is one that embraces its shared heritage and can work together to respectfully celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage. Through the Reconciliation Action Plan our goals include providing pathways for joint custodian land management; increasing the democratic participation of Aboriginal Australians; and real reconciliation based on agreed principles of engagement and mutual respect.
Our vision for reconciliation is a community that recognises and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage. Our third Reconciliation Action Plan identifies actions that the National Trust will undertake to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage values are incorporated into programs, projects and places.
In light of recent examples of the destruction of Aboriginal cultural heritage, and continuing threats to recognised sites, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is reaffirming its commitment to reconciliation, as we strive to support the rights of Traditional Owners, and build a mutual understanding of our shared heritage.
In 2013 the National Trust embarked on the road to reconciliation. See what we've achieved.
The strategic and operational reconciliation of the National Trust is shepherded by our Aboriginal Advisory Committee to the Board.
In 2013 the National Trust returned the Ebenezer Mission Antwerp to the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
