The endurance of Aboriginal society across the Australian continent is of global significance and the cultural heritage places and objects associated with that society are a significant part of the heritage of all Australians. More importantly they are a fundamental part of Victorian Aboriginal community life and cultural identity.

The North Central CMA Indigenous Facilitator, Mark Pietzsch works with Indigenous stakeholders across North Central Victoria to ensure Aboriginal knowledge, cultural values and perspectives are incorporated into natural resource management within the North Central CMA region

Mark assists 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. Engaging appropriate Indigenous communities to participate in Natural Resource Management projects is integral to his work.

Recent activity includes:

• engaging Indigenous communities in the Gunbower Forest project implemented through The Living Murray program
• Cultural heritage assessments for York Plains and Avoca Marshes
• supporting Indigenous groups to re-connect and find cultural history in regards to the Loddon River.
• coordinating of an Indigenous Drought Employment Program
• participation in NAIDOC Week
• cultural heritage assesments.