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 in supporting programs during Reconciliation Week and a community flag raising ceremony during NAIDOC Week.
Find information about First Nations Programming & Resources here.
Find out about the First Peoples of Hobsons Bay and Council's commitment to Reconciliation here.
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.
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.
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.
Other programs and projects
Rivers to Recognition
The Rivers to Recognition campaign aimed 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) partnered to deliver the campaign.
For more information contact Hobsons Bay City Council on 1300 179 944.
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.
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)
*Please note that there are multiple spellings of ‘Yalukut Willam’ and ‘Wominjeka’ due to the contemporary evolution and revitalisation of the Boon Wurrung language.