Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney has congratulated Lismore resident and prominent member of the Wergaia people, Eleanor Bourke, for her reappointment to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.
The Council is Australia’s only statutory decision-making authority with membership comprised exclusively of Traditional Owners.
Ms Tierney said that Council members provided advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on cultural heritage matters, appointed Registered Aboriginal Parties and promoted awareness and understanding of Victoria’s rich Aboriginal heritage.
Ms Bourke has had a career in Aboriginal Affairs spanning 40 years, and is a member of the Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Traditional Owners are encouraged to consider applying for one of two remaining positions available on the Council.
Victorian residents with traditional or familial links to an area in Victoria, extensive knowledge of Aboriginal cultural heritage, and time to commit to council duties are encouraged to apply before 26 October 2015.
For more information, please visit www.dpc.vic.gov.au/EOIforVictorianAboriginalHeritageCouncil
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP
“The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council is, comprised entirely of Victorian Aboriginal Traditional Owners, is only one of its kind in Australia.”
“Through the Council, Eleanor Bourke has done important work in protecting and promoting Aboriginal cultural heritage and I congratulate her on her reappointment.”