Our Indigenous Faciltator, Bambi Lees works with Indigenous stakeholders across the region to ensure Aboriginal knowledge, cultural values and perspectives are incorporated into natural resource management (NRM).

Engaging appropriate Indigenous communities to participate in NRM projects is integral to her work. Bambi assists the North Central CMA to comply with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 through working with Registered Aboriginal Parties, traditional owner groups and government departments to protect and enhance cultural heritage values.

Bambi raises the profile and awareness of Indigenous issues within the catchment area and acts as a conduit between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Cultural heritage values

The endurance of Aboriginal society across Australia is of global significance. Understanding the significance of Aboriginal heritage, their connection to land, spiritual places and objects is of paramount importance for all Australians. More importantly, they are a fundamental part of Victorian Aboriginal community life and cultural identity.

North Central CMA strives to show respect for Indigenous stakeholders and their culture by working together to best protect cultural heritage values and restore them to better health.

More information about Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, including fact sheets on significant places, objects and processes are available at the Aboriginal Affairs Victoria website www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/indigenous/aboriginal-cultural-heritage.

Parks VIC, Aboriginal Affiairs Victoria and the Royal Botanic Gardens have produced a fact sheet The Kulin People of Central Victoria.

Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Compliance Policy and Procedure

All project managers at the North Central CMA are required to follow our Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Compliance Policy and Procedure.

Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006

The main purpose of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 is to provide for the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria.

The objectives of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 are:

a) to recognise, protect and conserve Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria in ways that are based on respect for Aboriginal knowledge, cultural and traditional practices

b) to recognise Aboriginal people as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal cultural heritage

c) to accord appropriate status to Aboriginal people with traditional or familial links with Aboriginal cultural heritage in protecting that heritage

d) to promote the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage as an integral part of land and natural resource management

e) to promote public awareness and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria

f) to establish an Aboriginal cultural heritage register to record Aboriginal cultural heritage

g) to establish processes for the timely and efficient assessment of activities that have the potential to harm Aboriginal cultural heritage

h) to promote the use of agreements that provide for the management and protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage

i) to establish mechanisms that enable the resolution of disputes relating to the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage

j) to provide appropriate sanctions and penalties to prevent harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007

The Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007

The objectives of the Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007  are to:

a) specify the circumstances in which a cultural heritage management plan is required for an activity or class of activity

b) prescribe standards for the preparation of a cultural heritage management plan including the carrying out of assessments

c) prescribe standards for the preparation of a map included in a cultural heritage agreement

d) prescribe fees for evaluating a cultural heritage management plan

e) prescribe fees for an application for a cultural heritage permit

f) prescribe fees for an application to the Secretary for advice as to whether a record exists on the Register in relation to a nominated area of land

g) generally give effect to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Our Policy

The North Central CMA policy is to ensure compliance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2006 and minimise harm to sites of cultural heritage significance during our business operations. Compliance will be supported through the implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Compliance Procedure.

Indigenous Facilitator Roles and responsibilities

• Providing advice to North Central CMA staff, contractors and consultants on Aboriginal issues and values
• Facilitating engagement processes between North Central CMA staff and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups in cultural heritage and Aboriginal natural resource management matters
• Acting as a first point of contact for people seeking information on Aboriginal issues pertaining to North Central CMA operations 
• Keeping up to date and informed on relevant legislation regarding cultural heritage and Aboriginal natural resource management
• Supporting staff to implement the procedures related to this policy