MRSG Aboriginal Statement and Acknowledgement of Country

Hanging Rock is on the edge of several tribal boundaries and is believed to be a shared place which may have been used for gatherings. (https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Arts-Culture/Culture-Heritage/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Reconciliation#section-4)

Image from https://www.visitmacedonranges.com/tourism-listing/hanging-rock/

Several members of the Committee, of the action groups, and from the MRSG constituency in general, have in recent months indicated that much more could be done to recognise and engage with local Aboriginal culture and communities in our many sustainability activities and projects.

To address this, a sub-committee of the MRSG Committee was tasked with developing an Aboriginal Statement that would be enshrined in the MRSG Constitution and used as a key guiding principle for all future MRSG action groups activities and projects.

At the April meeting, the MRSG Committee approved the following:

Aboriginal Statement

Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group recognises that the Macedon Ranges has a strong and proud Aboriginal history with complex ownership and land stewardship systems stretching back many thousands of years. It pays respect to the Traditional Owners.

Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group recognises its shared commitment to protecting and enhancing the waters, land and air. We seek to enhance our knowledge of water, plants, animals, and the environment, by learning Aboriginal methodology, through engaging with representatives of the First Nations.

Acknowledgement of Country

Today we are gathered on the land of the <specific Traditional Owner group> People. I would like to pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who may be here today.

Table of townships and relevant Traditional Owners. See https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Arts-Culture/Culture-Heritage/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Reconciliation#section-7

Cf. https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Arts-Culture/Culture-Heritage/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-Reconciliation#:~:text=The%20Acknowledgment%20of%20Country%20that,specific%20Traditional%20Owner%20group)%20Peoples.