Progress of Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy 2022–26

• Following the adoption of the Strategy in March 2022, acknowledgements were included in staff email blocks and on Council’s website.

• Guidelines have been uploaded on Council’s staff intranet for written acknowledgements in key strategic documents, as well as other print and digital collateral.

• A new inclusive language and practice resource to support staff was launched in 2023-24 to respectfully engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Internal guidelines developed in 2023-24 are available to staff about the meaning and purpose of giving an Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and/or including a Welcome to Country at meetings and events.
• Internal briefings and presentations continue to be conducted across Council to raise awareness of the Strategy and the meaning of reconciliation amongst staff.

• A Boroondara Sport and Recreation Inclusion Guide was developed in consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the Aboriginal Programs team at Sports and Recreation Victoria. The guide was made available on our website in September 2024. For more information and to download the Guide, visit our Resources for sports clubs page.

• The Boroondara Library Service, in consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, has created a First Nations collection showcasing titles created by First Nations authors. The collection was launched in October 2024.

• The Naming Policy, which was adopted on 27 February 2023, includes supporting naming in Traditional Owner language and the need to consult with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC). To download the Naming Policy, visit our Policies, plans and strategies page.
• We are now developing an internal naming framework, in consultation with WWCHAC, to outline the internal procedures and processes to guide the policy. 

• In response to community feedback, we installed new flag poles at Hawthorn Arts Centre in December 2024 to permanently fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
• Flag poles are scheduled to be installed adjacent to the St James Park War Memorial, Hawthorn in 2025-26, as part of the St James Park Masterplan.
• We will continue to explore other opportunities for flying the Aboriginal flag in permanent locations in Boroondara.

• Scheduled for 2025-26.

• Aboriginal Cultural Introductory Training was delivered by local Aboriginal consultant, AJ Williams from Girraway Ganyi Consultancy to Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre organisation members on 12 May 2022.
• School holiday sustainability program ‘Indigenous Perspectives’ was delivered on 13 April and 21 September 2022 to help children aged 9 - 13 years understand, acknowledge and learn the ancient knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and beliefs.
• Koorie Engagement Support Officer from Department of Education, as well as local leader and Wiradjuri man, Uncle Glenn Loughrey, presented to the Early and Middle Years Partnership Forum on 6 September 2023.  
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultural awareness raising workshop was delivered on 14 May 2024 for seniors clubs.
• Aboriginal Cultural Awareness hybrid workshop was delivered by Yorta Yorta woman and Aboriginal Consultant, Karen Milward on 6 August 2024.
• The Program Manager from Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency presented at the Early and Middle Years Partnership Forum on 20 August 2024.
• Ricki Spencer, First Nations Advisory Committee Chair at Volunteering Victoria, presented to the Volunteer Leaders Network meeting on 3 September 2024.
• Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services delivered an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Guidelines workshop for volunteer leaders and volunteers in Boroondara on 2 June 2025.

Staff from across Council worked together to deliver key community events.

National Reconciliation Week

• The Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy was launched at the Balwyn Community Centre on 2 June 2022. The event included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, presentation from Aboriginal consultant Karen Milward and performances from Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group and Yeng Gali Choir from Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place.
• Brooke Wandin, Wurundjeri woman and Woi-wurrung language researcher gave a presentation on her language journey in reconstructing the Traditional Owner language, Woi-wurrung, at the Kew Library on 29 May 2023.
• Professor John Evans, Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Engagement at Moondani Toombadool Centre, Swinburne University presented on the work of the Centre on 20 June 2023 at the Camberwell Library.
• ‘Lipwurrunga’ community exhibition was held at the Town Hall Gallery from 30 April to 14 June 2025. Through vibrant oil paintings, traditional wood carvings and didgeridoos, this exhibition connects ancient knowledge and practices with contemporary creativity and expression.
• Reconciliation Week Yarning Circle with Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place was held at Camberwell Library on 27 May 2025.  
• Sound Healing event with Les Lipwurrunga, renowned Aboriginal artist, spiritual healer, and master didgeridoo maker and player was held at Hawthorn Arts Centre on 31 May 2025.
• A collaborative performance held at Town Hall Gallery on 28 May 2025 featured Aboriginal artist and spiritual leader, Lipwurrunga (Les Huddleston) and the acclaimed Inventi Ensemble, Melbourne’s leading innovative music ensemble.

National Sorry Day

• Performance by Mutti Mutti performer and Stolen Generations survivor, Kutcha Edwards was held on 26 May 2024 at the Balwyn Community Centre. The event included a presentation from Vanessa Scales from Connecting Home and Stolen Generations survivor.
• Documentary ‘Servant or Slave’ was screened at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn on 26 May 2025, together with a Q&A session with a Stolen Generations survivor and descendant and the CEO of Connecting Home. 

NAIDOC Week

• A Native Cooking Workshop for young people aged 10-25 years was held on 29 June 2022 at the Boroondara Youth Hub. The workshop was delivered in collaboration with Mullum Creations, a social enterprise promoting Indigenous culture by Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place.
• A ‘Connecting to Country’ in-person guided walk with Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) woman, Alana Marsh took place at Maranoa Gardens in Balwyn on 2 July 2023.
• A Boomerang Painting workshop was held with young people on 2 July 2024 by Boroondara Youth, in collaboration with Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place and Blue Tongue Management.

• We continue to promote local opportunities to staff and the community through the Boroondara Reconciliation e-newsletter, Boroondara Bulletin, our Boroondara website and social media channels, internal staff communications channels and stakeholder networks.

• Funding is provided through the 2023-26 Triennial Operational Grant and our 2023-2024 Annual Community Strengthening Grant programs to support the establishment and activities of the new Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place (MFPGP).
• The Community Grants Program continues to engage local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders to inform and enable them to apply for Council grant opportunities.

• The Boroondara Arts and Culture team is working with Moondani Toombadool Centre   at Swinburne University in Hawthorn to support the progression of this action in 2025-26.

• Chris Hume, Bunurong and Yorta Yorta man, the Men’s Cultural Worker at Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, provided a recipe for Council’s Men’s Health Week recipe cards in June 2022 and 2023.
• Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) woman Alana Marsh featured in Council’s online International Women’s Day Council communications campaign in March 2022.
• The Bourke Road underpass mural was designed in consultation with WWCHAC and in collaboration with artist, Tom Civil. The mural, which was completed in November 2023, pays tribute to the underwater ecosystem of Gardiners Creek, showcasing species like short-finned eels, yabbies, tadpoles, and aquatic plants.
• We collaborated with Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place and EACH Ngarrang Gulinj-al Boordup - Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing service to hold a Community Golf Day event at the Freeway Golf Course in Balwyn North on 10 May 2024 for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Hays Paddock playground in Kew East was redeveloped incorporating Aboriginal sculpture, language and stories created by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Aunty Kim Wandin and Chris Joy from Murrup Bilk Public Art, with fabrication by Sculpture Co. Timber panel carvings were also created by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung artist Lewis Wandin-Bursill. Council delivered this in consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. The newly developed playground was launched to the community on 17 August 2024.
• We collaborated with Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) woman Alana Marsh to develop a guided mindfulness walk titled ‘Connecting to Country’ with audio recordings at Maranoa Botanic Gardens in Balwyn. The recordings were launched in September 2024 and are available on the Victoria Walks website.

• On-hold until action 8 is completed to guide this work.

Major exhibitions

• ‘Tell me a Story’ was held between 1 October and 17 December 2022. The exhibition featured artworks by Tradition Owners including Aunty Kim Wandin and Lewis Wandin-Bursill, both Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung representatives. Curator-led exhibition tours were also delivered for community members, the internal Boroondara Reconciliation Advisory Committee​ and community groups including the Inner East Local Aboriginal Network. Guest speakers included Aunty Kim Wandin and curator Chris Joy.
• ‘Light Sensitive’ featuring Jazz Money, artist of Wiradjuri and Irish heritage was exhibited from 26 April to Saturday 15 July 2023.
• ‘20 Years of the Town Hall Gallery’ held between 1 November 2023 to 20 January 2024 featured art works from Lin Onus, as well as a boomerang created and signed by Bill Onus. The boomerang donation was facilitated by Arts and Culture in 2023.
• 'Seasonal Shifts' featuring First Nations artists Brian Robinson and James Tylor was displayed from 5 February - 26 April.

Performers

• Emma Donovan and The Putbacks performed at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on 12 July 2023.
• Mutti Mutti songman, Kutcha Edwards performed at Council’s National Sorry Day event on 26 May 2024 at Balwyn Community Centre.
• Deans of Soul performed at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on 8 November 2024.
• Pirritu, Ngiyampaa man and First Nations singer-songwriter performed at Maranoa Botanic Gardens as part of the Summer in the Parks Series on 22 February 2025
• Troy Cassar-Daley, Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung musician, performed at the Hawthorn Arts Centre on 6 March 2025. This event was a special preview of the 2025 Port Fairy Folk Festival.  
• Pirritu, Ngiyampaa man and First Nations singer-songwriter in collaboration with Loz Irwin-Ray performed at Kew Court House on 21 May 2025.
• Collaborative performance at Town Hall Gallery was held on 28 May 2025 featuring Aboriginal artist and spiritual leader, Lipwurrunga (Les Huddleston) and the acclaimed Inventi Ensemble, Melbourne’s leading innovative music ensemble.
• Sound Healing event at Hawthorn Arts Centre Library Lounge was held on 31 May 2025, with Les Lipwurrunga, renowned Aboriginal artist, spiritual healer, and master didgeridoo maker and player.

Other

• Taungurung artist, Cassie Leatham’s item from the Town Hall Gallery collection was on display in the foyer of the Hawthorn Arts Centre from January - April 2022.
• My Arts, My Culture - feature article and video of local Wiradjuri man, Uncle Glenn Loughrey, has been on display on our website from March 2022.
• Community exhibition ‘Through Our Eyes’ at Hawthorn Arts Centre, which featured Wurundjeri artist Mya Wilson from the QArt Studio, was held in December 2022.  
• The Young Curators Development Program is an annual education and mentoring series led by curators from the Town Hall Gallery for aspiring arts workers in Boroondara between 16 and 25 years old. For the first learning module in 2023, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre was invited to speak on the ethics and protocols of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural materials in collections on 6 April 2023.
• A film screening of ‘Ablaze' about Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta leader William ‘Bill’ Onus was shown at Hawthorn Arts Centre was held on 8 November 2023.
• Community exhibition ‘NAIDOC 2024 - Keep the Fire Burning’ was shown at Hawthorn Arts Centre in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists between October - November 2024.
• ‘Lipwurrunga’ community exhibition at the Town Hall Gallery was held from 30 April to 14 June 2025. Through vibrant oil paintings, traditional wood carvings and didgeridoos, this exhibition connects ancient knowledge and practices with contemporary creativity and expression.
• ‘NAIDOC 2025’ by Moondani Toombadool Centre community exhibition at Town Hall Gallery is scheduled from 13 August to 27 September 2025. Presented in partnership with Moondani Toombadool Centre, this exhibition showcases works from the Swinburne 2025 annual NAIDOC Design Competition. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student artists from Swinburne University present works responding to this year’s NAIDOC theme.

• Woi-wurrung word blocks made by Wurundjeri artist Lewis Wandin-Bursill were displayed at Kew Library throughout October to November 2023.
• Monthly Wurundjeri Storytimes for children aged 0 to 5 and 5 to8 have been delivered in-person and online since 9 December 2020 in collaboration with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
• An online summary was created of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and picture books.
• Community presentations from the following Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and speakers were held at Boroondara’s Libraries:
  • Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri Women’s Dance Group held 2 interactive dance workshops for children aged 3 to 8 years at Camberwell Library for NAIDOC Week on 29 June 2022.
  • Brooke Wandin, Wurundjeri woman and Woi-wurrung language researcher gave a presentation on her language journey in reconstructing the Traditional Owner language, Woi-wurrung at the Kew Library on 29 May 2023.
  • Professor John Evans, Vice Chancellor of Indigenous Engagement at Moondani Toombadool Centre, Swinburne University presented on the work of the Centre on 20 June 2023 in Camberwell Library.
  • A film screening of ‘The Last Daughter’ was shown at Ashburton Library on 10 July 2023.
  • Debra Dank, Gudanji/Wakaja woman gave an online author talk on 9 September 2023 about her book ‘We Come with This Place’, which is a tribute to her family and the Gudanji Country in the Northern Territory.
  • Uncle Glenn Loughrey, Wiradjuri man and founder of the Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place, gave a NAIDOC week presentation on ‘Keep the Fire Burning’ at the Kew Library on 9 July 2024.
  • A Reconciliation Week Yarning Circle with Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place was held at Camberwell Library on 27 May 2025. 

• A NAIDOC Week ‘Connecting to Country’ in-person guided walk with Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) woman, Alana Marsh at Maranoa Gardens was delivered in Balwyn on 2 July 2023.
• Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) woman Alana Marsh developed a guided mindfulness walk titled ‘Connecting to Country’ with audio recordings at Maranoa Botanic Gardens in Balwyn. The recordings were launched in September 2024 and are available on the Victoria Walks website.

• Most of Council’s plantings are native or indigenous and are being progressively increased across the municipality.
• Environmental Sustainability and Open Spaces Council staff undertook training in March and April 2023 to better understand the balance of plants that will grow successfully in Boroondara, so that native plants can be integrated appropriately.

• In late 2023, we joined the regional First Nations Arts Trail project led by Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place (MMIGP). This collaborative initiative with neighbouring councils will digitally map First Nations outdoor art, galleries​ and cultural experiences across Melbourne’s east. Introduced to the public with a July 2024 exhibition at ArtSpace in Ringwood, the digital map is in development. Council is working with MMIGP on next steps. Once launched, the map will promote cultural tourism and support future heritage markers in Boroondara.

• The Boroondara Youth Hub signage installed in June 2022 has ‘welcome’ in 11 languages, including Woi-wurrung language.
• In April 2024, we consulted Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders on City of Boroondara’s internal signage standards and style guides. In response to the feedback, the updated internal guide now includes new signs that have been designed to recognise Traditional Owners across the municipality including on signage in all Council buildings and facilities such as municipal signage, building entry signage, welcome statement, parks and gardens signage and interpretive signage. Implementation of new signs will begin in 2025-26. 

• A survey to assess staff understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture s will be disseminated to all Council staff during NAIDOC Week 2025. The outcomes will help to identify learning needs and improve workplace culture and practices, which is referred to as cultural safety.

• Boroondara Youth Hub hosted a Native Cooking Workshop with Mullum Creations during NAIDOC Week in 2022.
• Boroondara Youth delivered a Boomerang Painting workshop for young people in collaboration with Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place and Blue Tongue Management on 2 July 2024.

• This action will be progressed in 2025-26.

• Girraway Ganyi Consultancy delivered cultural education to the Children, Young People and Families Department on 27 April 2022.
• Aboriginal consultant and Yorta Yorta woman Karen Milward delivered a cultural safety workshop to Council’s Leadership Roundtable, which includes all Council leaders, on 22 June 2022.
• Alana Marsh, Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) delivered a cultural immersion session on 10 November 2022 at St Oswald’s in Glen Iris to help staff understand how to meaningfully acknowledge the earth and traditional custodians of the land in everyday life.
• Uncle Glenn Loughrey, Wiradjuri man, a led a guided gallery tour for Council staff of the exhibition ‘Visions of Hope’ at Murnong Gallery in Glen Iris on 2 February 2023.
• Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr, delivered cultural awareness training to councillors and Council staff members of the internal  Boroondara Reconciliation Advisory Committee on 3 May 2023.
• Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr delivered a NAIDOC Week cultural awareness event for all staff on 28 June 2023.
• Aboriginal consultant and Yorta Yorta woman Karen Milward delivered an online cultural safety workshop to Council staff on 4 July 2024.
• Koorie Heritage Trust delivered Aboriginal Cultural Competency Training to Council staff on 24 September 2024.
• Aboriginal consultant and Yorta Yorta woman Karen Milward delivered a cultural safety workshop to all councillors, Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team on 14 April 2025.

• This action will be progressed in 2025-26 following the adoption of the renewed Boroondara Community Plan.

• Organisations working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people were invited to be members and present at the quarterly Early and Middle Years Partnerships Forum. Organisations invited and that presented include Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA), Victorian Government Department of Education Koorie Engagement Support Officers, and Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place.

• A sold-out Cultural Walk at Wurundjeri Trail in Kew was held on 22 August 2024. Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Dave Wandin led the event, providing an in-depth Welcome to Country, a smoking ceremony, and opportunities to connect with Country on the trail.
• Two more Cultural Walks at Wurundjeri Trail led by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung representatives are scheduled for NAIDOC Week 2025 to be delivered on 17 and 15 July 2025.

• We meet regularly with Elders from Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation through their Cultural Consultation sessions to consult with them on relevant Council projects and keep them informed about the progress of the Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy 2022-26. Consultations have been held on the following projects:
  • Gardiners Creek Masterplan
  • Burke Junction Placemaking Project
  • Burke Road Underpass Mural
  • Sports Club Inclusion Guide
  • Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre - meet and greet
  • Libraries update
  • Above the Canopy Art Installation at Hawthorn Arts Centre
  • Council’s Tree Canopy Strategy
  • Management of large dead River Red Gum at Hope Court, Kew
  • Naming Policy 2023, including Traditional Owner naming
  • Update on progress of Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy 2022-26
  • Naming process consultation
  • St James Masterplan
  • Urban Biodiversity Strategy
  • Ashburton Wayfinding Signage
  • Koonung Creek Reserve
  • Canterbury Community Precinct Heritage Centre Naming
  • Boroondara Signage Guidelines
  • First Nations Library Catalogue Project
  • Myrtle Macleay Park Masterplan
  • Draft Boroondara Heritage Strategy
  • Pronunciation of Boroondara
  • Community Planning Renewal (BCP)
  • Winton Road Reserve Playground renewal
  • Hays Paddock Playground Signage
  • Proposed MAV Pilot Treaty Project
  • Draft Camberwell Civic precinct Master Plan
  • Draft Circular Economy Strategy

The following key strategic documents were developed in consultation with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. They identify opportunities for sharing and applying traditional knowledge to Natural Resource Management in Boroondara:

• St James Master Plan, which was adopted 9 September 2024, includes historical information about the Traditional Owners and new recommendations to:
  • Investigate using local Aboriginal languages on new signage, in consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
  • Investigate the representation of the pre-settlement history of the park through interpretive signage and installations, in consultation with representatives of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and working with Aboriginal artists.
  • To read our Master Plan visit our St James Park Master Plan Your Say page.
• The Boroondara Tree Canopy Strategy 2024–2034 and Action Plan 2024-26, which was adopted by 9 September 2024, includes the following actions:
  • engage with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung to self-determine their involvement in Boroondara’s management of large, old, or culturally significant trees
  • develop staff knowledge and awareness of the significance of land and trees to Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people.
  • To read our Tree Canopy Strategy and Action Plan visit our Tree Canopy Strategy page.
• Gardiners Creek (KooyongKoot) Masterplan 2022-2032, which was adopted on 10 October 2022, includes historical information about the Traditional Owners, as well as a new site-specific initiative ‘Recognition and celebration of Aboriginal histories, cultures and knowledges’. It incorporates:
  • new interpretative signage to be implemented to provide insights into the Aboriginal histories and cultures of the area and/or indigenous flora and fauna
  • integrating indigenous plants into garden bed planting
  • new interpretive public art
  • new spaces to gather such as circular seating spaces made from natural materials.
  • To read our Master Plan visit our Gardiners Creek (Kooyongkoot) Master Plan Your Say page.
• Urban Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2034 and Action Plan 2025-26, which was adopted on 9 September 2024, includes strategic actions to:
  • engage with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Corporation (such as the Narrup team) and other Aboriginal groups in revegetation projects
  • engage with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Corporation to provide education and engagement opportunities to the community with an Indigenous focus
  • participate in knowledge sharing with other councils and expert bodies, for example, through participation in groups such as the Yarra Collaboration Committee and Gardiners Creek (KooyongKoot) Regional Collaboration, and collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Corporation.
  • To read our Urban Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, visit our Protecting our biodiversity page.

• The October 2023 meeting of the Inner East Local Aboriginal Network held at Hawthorn Arts Centre included a curator-led tour of the Tell me Story exhibition with Aunty Kim Wandin and art curator Chris Joy as guest speakers.
• We have an ex-officio role on the Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place Management Committee. Council’s involvement ensures we remain informed and engaged with the activities and needs of the Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place and are fostering a collaborative relationship.
• Staff across Council continue to develop relationships with key stakeholder organisations including Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place, Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place, Moondani Toombadool Centre, Oonah Health and Community Services, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and Boroondara Reconciliation Network.
• We held a session in March 2023 to bring local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders together to update them on the progress of the Strategy and thank them for their support.
• We attended the EMR NAIDOC Ball in Boroondara organised by Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services and a local NAIDOC committee on 5 July 2024. The event was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with our colleagues and local stakeholders contributing to reconciliation locally. It was also an opportunity to celebrate local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receiving NAIDOC awards.
• We attended the Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place in Glen Iris trivia night fundraiser on 15 March 2025 to show Council support.
   

• We hosted a sold-out Cultural Walk at Wurundjeri Trail in Kew on 22 August 2024. Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Dave Wandin led the event, providing an in-depth Welcome to Country, a smoking ceremony, and opportunities to connect with Country on the trail.
• Two more Cultural Walks at Wurundjeri Trail led by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung representatives are scheduled for NAIDOC Week 2025 to be delivered on 17 and 15 July 2025.
• The development of the digital flyer about the Wurundjeri Trail will be progressed in 2025-26.

• In collaboration with the Boroondara Interfaith Network, the ‘Journey towards Reconciliation’ event at the Wominjeka Garden at Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place in Glen Iris on 10 October 2022 featured local presenter and Wiradjuri man, Uncle Glenn Loughrey.
• The Boroondara Interfaith Network event ‘Pathways to Peace’ on Sunday 16 March 2025 at the Hawthorn Arts Centre included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

• The following issues of the Boroondara Reconciliation e-newsletter have been disseminated to subscribers:
  • Boroondara Reconciliation e-newsletter - Issue 1 (disseminated 29 June 2023)
  • Boroondara Reconciliation e-newsletter - Issue 2 (disseminated 12 December 2023)
  • Boroondara Reconciliation e-newsletter - Issue 3 (disseminated 2 July 2024)
  • Boroondara Reconciliation e-newsletter - Issue 4 (disseminated 14 November 2024).

To subscribe to the Boroondara Reconciliation e-newsletter, sign up to our mailing list.

• On 28 June 2022, we hosted a NAIDOC Week staff event beneath the flagpoles at Camberwell Civic Precinct to affirm our commitment to reconciliation and to celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This event featured a Welcome to Country from Uncle Colin Hunter and a presentation from Yorta Yorta woman, Karen Milward.
• On 10 November 2022, Alana Marsh, Meriam (Torres Strait Islander) delivered a cultural immersion session at St Oswald’s in Glen Iris to help staff understand how to better acknowledge the earth and traditional custodians of the land in everyday life.
• On 2 February 2023, Uncle Glenn Loughrey, Wiradjuri man, led staff in a guided tour of Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place Gallery’s exhibition ‘Vision of Hope’, which focused on hope, future and heritage.
• On 4 July 2024, Aboriginal consultant and Yorta Yorta woman Karen Milward delivered an online cultural safety workshop to Council staff.

• In June 2025, we shared the Inner East Aboriginal Knowledge resource pack to Council staff and mainstream community services within Boroondara. This resource guide was created and endorsed by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations servicing Boroondara, Monash, Whitehorse and Manningham, with the support from the Community Partnerships Team at Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Inner East Area. The purpose of this resource is to build the capacity, capability and cultural safety of mainstream organisations.

• Internal staff Child Safe Training Module is under review with proposed amendments to content related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

• We adopted an updated Procurement Policy 2021-25 and Procurement Guidelines on 24 April 2024. The updated policy places greater emphasis on social and environmental sustainability including promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enterprises.
• We collaborated with the Eastern Region Group members from all 7 councils in the Eastern Metropolitan Region to deliver a First Nations Procurement workshop on 13 November 2024.
• To read our Procurement Policy, visit our Procurement framework page.

• In 2023, we created an internal Inclusive Language Guide to ensure staff use respectful, strengths-based and inclusive language, and language that acknowledges the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

• In 2025, we will design a mechanism to capture ongoing workforce data, including understanding employees who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

• On 24 February 2025, Council resolved to endorse participation in the MAV Strengthening Councils’ Treaty Awareness and Information pilot project until 30 June 2025.  The MAV pilot aims to:
  • build awareness and understanding of the Victorian Treaty process for local government organisations and clarify what it may mean at the local level of government
  • facilitate informed and respectful conversations with local communities by providing facts about the Treaty process.

Key project deliverables include:

• an Aboriginal-led education session for councillors, Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership team to enhance awareness and understanding of the Victorian Treaty process and local government’s potential role within it on 27 February 2025.
• an Aboriginal-led Community Forum about Treaty at Hawthorn Arts Centre scheduled for Sunday 22 June 2025. 

• We continue to facilitate our internal Boroondara Reconciliation Advisory Committee on a quarterly basis to oversee the implementation of the Boroondara Reconciliation Strategy 2022-26. These meetings are attended by councillor members, Council managers and special guests, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders.

• Four meetings of the Boroondara Reconciliation Stakeholder Network have been held since November 2023, with strong interest and support from the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sector. These bi-annual network meetings provide an opportunity for sharing information about reconciliation programs, learning about stakeholders’ priorities​ and identifying opportunities for collaboration. 

• On 12 May 2022, Aboriginal Cultural Introductory Training was delivered for Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre (BVRC) organisation members by local Aboriginal consultant, AJ Williams from Girraway Ganyi Consultancy.
• In August 2022, the BVRC launched a video series titled 'Strengthening Diversity in Volunteering' and collaborated with the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place to produce a 5-minute video offering practical advice and insights on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander volunteers. The series features Vanessa Scales, a Barkindji woman and Coordinator at Mullum Pantry. The initiative aimed to help organisations make volunteering more inclusive and accessible for people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and new migrants. Find the video series on YouTube.
• On 13 June 2023, the BVRC hosted a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Awareness workshop for staff and volunteers from local community organisations and groups, delivered by Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson Jr.
• On 15 February 2024, the BVRC hosted a First Nations Cultural Awareness Workshop at the Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place for local volunteers and volunteer managers. The session included a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Colin Hunter and cultural awareness content delivered by Uncle Glenn Loughrey.
• On 3 September 2024, Ricki Spencer, First Nations Advisory Committee Chair at Volunteering Victoria presented to the Volunteer Leaders Network meeting on how volunteer-involving organisations can respectfully engage with First Nations communities and create more inclusive volunteering opportunities.
• In celebration of International Volunteer Day on 5 December 2024, the BVRC delivered a 10 day interactive display to inspire the community to get involved in volunteering by sharing stories of impactful volunteers and volunteer programs in Boroondara. This exhibition included content on First Peoples volunteering history and profiles on Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place and volunteers in Glen Iris.
• The Boroondara Volunteer Expo 2025 on 19 March 2025 featured a presentation and discussion with Eddie Betts about his personal journey of supporting the community through sport and volunteering, particularly through his work empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
• On 2 June 2025, the BVRC held an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Guidelines workshop for local volunteers and volunteer managers, delivered by Nikki Madgwick from Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services.
• On 18 June 2025, the BVRC is scheduled to host a Cultural Immersion session at the Wurundjeri Trail in Kew for local volunteers and volunteer managers. The Tour was delivered by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and featured a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

• The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre (BVRC) advertised volunteer positions for Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place on the BVRC Volunteer Portal in 2024, and 13 volunteers applied for these roles.   
• Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place in Glen Iris had a stall at the Boroondara Volunteer Expo 2025 showcasing their volunteering opportunities to interested community members.
• In the 2025 Boroondara Volunteer Awards, Murnong First People's Gathering Place was awarded a special commendation in the Volunteer Program Innovation Award category for providing a culturally safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to connect, create and support one another, and also educating the broader community about First Nations cultures

• Work has commenced on this action and will be progressed in 2025-26.