Aboriginal Community
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this page contains images of a person who is deceased.
Council is committed to promoting awareness of Indigenous history and celebrating contemporary Aboriginal culture, creating opportunities within its arts and cultural program, like Boon Wurrung Ngargee, through contemporary performers and production inclusion in programs such as Summer Sounds and Arts At Your Doorstep, and in supporting programs during Reconciliation Week and a community flag raising ceremony during NAIDOC Week.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has endured as the name of the week itself.
NAIDOC Week is a national celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and an opportunity to highlight and support Hobsons Bay's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Rivers to Recognition
The Rivers to Recognition campaign aims to raise awareness about the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Australians.
Six western region councils under the banner of the Western Region Local Government Reconciliation Network (WRLGRN) are partnering to deliver the campaign.
The program includes a major Western Region forum in Footscray about the Constitutional referendum, smaller community forums across the western region including Hobsons Bay, and a live music event at Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown to celebrate culture and recognise First Australians.
Headline acts at the concert were be highly acclaimed and award winning artist Archie Roach with Radical Son, Frank Yamma, SKIN CHOIR and Nancy Bates.
A series of free workshops and community forums, hosted by ANTaR and Reconciliation Victoria, examined what constitutional recognition means and why it is important. A diversity of views regarding the proposed changes was be presented and discussed as part of the forums.
Western region councils are also supporting conversations about the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by developing a local resource guide which is available at libraries and secondary schools across Melbourne’s west.
Council is partnering with Reconciliation Victoria and the Western Region Local Government Reconciliation Network (WRLGRN) including Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham City councils.
For more information contact Hobsons Bay City Council on 9932 1000.
Reconciliation Week
Council, in partnership with other western councils through the Western Region Local Government Reconciliation Network, helps deliver an events calendar in celebration of Reconciliation Week. Events can include performance, music, storytelling, sports and recreation, walks, exhibitions and more.
Hobsons Bay City Council presents a National Reconciliation Week calendar of events celebrating the rich culture and history of the first Australians.
Take part in National Reconciliation Week with a calendar of events celebrating the rich culture and history of the first Australians. In 2017, we reflect on two significant anniversaries in Australia’s reconciliation journey – 50 years since the 1967 referendum, and 25 years since the historic Mabo decision.
Blak Out Day
During 2013 a regular weekend program was presented at Woods Street Arts Space to share stories and culture.
Find out more about Woods Street Arts Space.
The Yalukit Willum - The First People of Hobsons Bay
A short history of the first people of Hobsons Bay is available here to download.(PDF, 5MB) The booklet was reprinted in 2011 with contemporary images curated by Bindi Cole, and featuring the work of artists Ben McKeown and Megan Cadd.
Boon Wurrung Ngargee
Council, in partnership with The Boon Wurrung Foundation and Idja Dance Theatre, presented Boon Wurrung Ngargee at Point Gellibrand in October 2011. The first pilot program held in Hobsons Bay involved Grade 5 and 6 children from Laverton P-12 College as part of the 2011 Mayoral program.
The Boon Wurrung Ngargee brings a new element to the arts and culture program of Hobsons Bay consistent with the Reconciliation Statement of Commitment and Policy and supports Council objectives of Civic Leadership, Community Wellbeing, and Arts, Recreation and Culture.
Download the Boon Wurrung Ngargee information booklet.(PDF, 4MB)
Western Region Local Government Reconciliation Network (WRLGRN)
Council is a member of the Western Region Local Government Reconciliation Network (WRLGRN) that represents six western region councils across inner and outer Melbourne. The Network was first established in 2007 and the network meets bi monthly.
The Network exists to enable regional discussions about existing and emerging needs and issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people across the western region. The network works to strengthen the capacity of local government to partner and carry out Reconciliation and Indigenous strategies and plans and undertake shared regional actions.
*Please note that there are multiple spellings of ‘Yalukut Willam’ and ‘Wominjeka’ due to the contemporary evolution and revitalisation of the Boon Wurrung language.