Culture and Heritage

The Mallee has been occupied for thousands of generations by Aboriginal people, with human activity dating as far back as 23,400 years ago. The region’s rich and diverse Aboriginal heritage has been formed through the historical and spiritual significance of sites associated with this habitation, together with the strong connection Traditional Owners continue to have with the Mallee’s natural landscapes.

 The Traditional Owner groups of the region (within the parameters of the Mallee CMA consultation and engagement processes) include, but are not limited to: Latji Latji; Wadi Wadi; Wamba Wamba;Tati Tati; Jari Jari; Nyeri Nyeri; Ngintait; Ngarkat; and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation – Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Yupagalk, and Wergaia.

Within the Mallee CMA region there is:

• One Native Title determination by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation;
• Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) by the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
• Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) by the First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation; and
• The First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation under Victoria’s Traditional Owner Settlement Act (2010).

The Mallee CMA acknowledges that there may be further claims and applications in process, and will ensure that the Reconciliation Action Plan is updated as required in order to acknowledge the procedural rights of those involved.

The Mallee CMA would also like to acknowledge the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people living in the Mallee whose traditional land may be outside the Mallee region and those whose families have lived in an area for many generations, who are not part of Traditional Owner groups.

The Mallee CMA would like to thank the many Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities and organisations it has worked with over many years who have helped implement a range of plans, projects and programs to improve and protect our natural resources.

The Mallee CMA greatly values these partnerships and will continue to work collaboratively in the future.