Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation

Evidence suggests that Aboriginal people have lived in the Macedon Ranges for at least 26,000 years. The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung lived in clearly demarcated territories defined by tribal language, and bounded by geographical features such as mountain ridges, creeks or rivers. These three communities, along with the Wathaurung and Boonerwrung, make up the federation of the Kulin Nation.

Each community in the Kulin Nation is distinct and is made up of smaller land-owning communities (or clans) but they all share a defining social moiety (totem) either Bundjil—the eagle, or Waa—the crow. An individual’s moiety traditionally dictated behaviour, social relationships and marriage partners.

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung communities continue to be active today, working to manage and care for Country and develop strong and resilient communities.

Council recognises that there are local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the Macedon Ranges who are not from the Traditional Owner groups.

Council aims to support and reflect the interests of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, who are key stakeholders in the development of Council's Reconciliation Action Plan.

Download a map of the Traditional Owners land area(PDF, 748KB)

The Dja Dja Wurrung Country stretches from Woodend, to the west side of the Campaspe River in Kyneton, north east to Rochester, Boort in the north, Donald in the north west, St Arnaud and Mount Avoca in the west, and Creswick in the south west.

The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation are the Registered Aboriginal Party that are the voice of the Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples in the management and protection of cultural heritage.

On 28 March 2013, the State of Victoria and the Dja Dja Wurrung People signed a Recognition and Settlement Agreement which formally recognises the Dja Dja Wurrung as the Traditional Owners of their land. The agreement also marked the commencement of a new and permanent relationship between the Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples and the State of Victoria.

The agreement gives the Dja Dja Wurrung People greater rights in relation to the land, the opportunity to have a say on certain activities on Crown land, joint management of selected national state parks and freehold title to some land.

For contact details and more information, visit Dja Dja Wurrung clans Aboriginal Corporation

*It is important to note that different groups have a particular preference to being referred to as either ‘Traditional Owners’ or ‘Traditional Custodians’.

Dja Dja Wurrung tribal land map(PDF, 1MB)

Taungurung Country includes Kyneton and Carlsruhe on the east side of the Campaspe River in the Macedon Ranges, towards Mount Beauty in the east, Benalla in the north and the top of the Great Dividing Range in the south.

Taungurung Land and Waters Council are the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) that represents the interests of the Taungurung Peoples with respect to culture and country.

The Taungurung Peoples signed a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the Victorian Government in 2018.

For contact details and more information, visit Taungurung Land and Waters Council website

*It is important to note that different groups have a particular preference to being referred to as either ‘Traditional Owners’ or ‘Traditional Custodians’.

Taungurung tribal land map(PDF, 2MB)

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country covers a large area around Melbourne and extends northwards in include Gisborne, Lancefield, Macedon, Riddells Creek and Romsey in the Macedon Ranges. 

The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation are the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) that represent the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples and engages in cultural heritage, educational services and land management.

For contact details and more information, visit Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation website

*It is important to note that different groups have a particular preference to being referred to as either ‘Traditional Owners’ or ‘Traditional Custodians’.

Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung tribal land map(PDF, 2MB)

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples make up 0.6% (298) of the total population in Macedon Ranges Shire. Many are not from the three Traditional Owner groups, but they also contribute to the diverse culture of our community.

Council's Reconciliation Action Plan is a roadmap towards reconciliation. For Macedon Ranges Shire Council, reconciliation is about recognising and respecting the rights of Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It is about understanding and accepting the wrongs of the past, including dispossession, violence and upheaval of the land and waters and the impact of this on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Council sees reconciliation as strengthening Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ right to self-determination and working together for a more just, equitable and reconciled Australia.

Genuine reconciliation involves everyone in our community and Council has a key leadership role in driving this work. In establishing the RAP, Council can:

• enhance community understanding of our shared history
• promote and support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples culture
• provide opportunities for everyone to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ connection to Country
• directly empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to participate equally in all areas of life.

In developing the RAP, Council has:

• focused on strengthening relationships and creating meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
• focused on building a deeper understanding of reconciliation within Council staff and the broader community so that everyone sees themselves as having a responsibility for advancing reconciliation
• reflected the reconciliation priorities of Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

The RAP is designed to enhance relationships with Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples and support their right to self-determination. It identifies ways for Council to respect and recognise Traditional Owners’ cultures, rights and histories and share these with the broader community. It provides opportunities for Council and the community to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ connection to Country and it aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to participate equally in all areas of life.

The RAP’s purpose is also to reflect the reconciliation priorities of Traditional Owners, local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Council and the broader community. 

A range of significant Aboriginal sites existing in Macedon Ranges.

All Aboriginal cultural places and artefacts are protected by law in Victoria under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. It is illegal to disturb or destroy a place and artefacts. If you believe you have found an artefact or a site of significance, report your find to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria  

Mount William/ Wil-im-ee Moor-ring

Mount William, north of Lancefield, is one of the most important cultural sites of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, with highly-prized green stone being extensively quarried for use as axe tools. Mount William was recently added to the National Heritage List in recognition of its national significance.

Hanging Rock

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.

Mt. Macedon/Geboor

At the base of Mount Macedon is an axe-grinding site important for the Gunung willam-balluk clan part of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung community. The stone from Mt. William was shaped and sharpened on the rock. Some of the finished axe heads were traded during night-time ceremonies held around Hanging Rock.

Yelka Park

Yelka Park was named after the word for this section of the Campaspe River which features heavily in local Aboriginal history as a major meeting and trading place between local Aboriginal Clans.

An Acknowledgment of Country recognises and pays respect to the Traditional Owners of the land on which they are gathering.

An Acknowledgement of Country should be given at the opening of meetings, formal events, public forums and functions.

It can be given by any non-Aboriginal person or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person not from the Traditional Owner group on whose land the gathering is on.

The Acknowledgment of Country that Macedon Ranges Shire Council uses is as follows:

Macedon Ranges Shire Council acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and waterways. Council recognises their living cultures and ongoing connection to Country and pays respect to their Elders past, present, and emerging. Council also acknowledges local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander residents of Macedon Ranges for their ongoing contribution to the diverse culture of our community.

It is important when conducting an Acknowledgment of Country that you identify the correct Traditional owner/Custodian for site in which the gathering is taking place. Below is a table of townships and the relevant Traditional Owners whose land it is on.

A virtual smoking ceremony led by Djaara Elder Uncle Rick Nelson of Dja Dja Wurrung launched Council's celebrations in the lead up to NAIDOC Week 2020. The smoking ceremony including didgeridoo, clapsticks and singing took place at Hanging Rock. 

Macedon Ranges Shire Council acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples as the Traditional Owners and custodians of this land and waterways.

27 May to 3 June

 National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Find out more

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life.

Find out more

This Positioning Statement on The Voice to Parliament was endorsed at the 26 July 2023 Council Meeting. Watch a recording of the meeting.

Council acknowledges the Australian Government’s proposal for constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through a Voice to Parliament.

Through actions in our Reconciliation Action Plan and Council Plan, Council is committed to delivering improved outcomes for – and recognition of – First Nations People, including strengthening their right to self-determination.

Our shire is in the unique position of being situated across Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country. We fully embrace our role and responsibility as a key organisation to work collaboratively with our Traditional Owner groups, to acknowledge our First Nations history and help shape our shared future.

We respect the diversity of opinion within our community and that Macedon Ranges residents will get the opportunity to express their views when they vote in the referendum.

Council will endeavour to share information on the Voice Referendum to support healthy democracy and allow residents to make a considered and informed decision.