About Boroondara Reconciliation Network
Boroondara Reconciliation Network started in 2017 in order to work with Boroondara Council and the local community to promote reconciliation and a greater awareness of Aboriginal history and culture. We are active in advocating to Council in support of First Nations issues and held more than a hundred events and actions in support of the 2023 Referendum for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The Network built on the strong legacy of ANTaR Boroondara, which was in operation from 2002. Here is its history and its achievements.
Boroondara Reconciliation Network now has a large supporter list with more than 850 people on its database. We welcome new supporters who would like to learn more, become involved or simply keep in touch with related local issues.
Our email is reconcileboroondara@gmail.com
To join our mailing list, just fill in this form
To donate to BRN, please use our Chuffed account here
We regularly advocate to Boroondara Council about things like naming of places after Aboriginal leaders, flying more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, and most recently, changing the date of the January 26 citizenship ceremony. Our current petition, which you can add your name to here, is to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in the Council chamber, to add to the Australian flag already there.
Reconciliation Victoria
Reconciliation Victoria is the statewide body promoting reconciliation across Victoria.
Their work promotes deeper understanding, respect and justice for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The focus is primarily on the 97% of Victorians who are not Aboriginal, as it is non-Aboriginal people who need to take responsibility for driving reconciliation. This work is guided by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voices
They work closely with – and facilitate connections between – Local Reconciliation Groups and other community groups, the education sector, and state and local government partners. They organise the annual statewide reconciliation forums and promote National Reconciliation Week activities across Victoria.
They also respond to queries, and try to connect individuals up with groups which are already doing work to promote reconciliation in their local area.
Their website contains links to the 22 Local Reconciliation Groups, Aboriginal led campaigns and petitions, the Victorian Aboriginal business directory, and experiences and information to increase understanding and support.
The Traditional Owners
The Traditional Owners of the land we live, work and play on are the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. The Registered Aboriginal Party (Traditional Owner Corporation) is the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, based in the Abbotsford Convent and with a large area covering a large part of Naarm (Melbourne) and further north and west. Boroondara Reconciliation Network seeks their approval for all our major activities.
The Wurundjeri People take their name from the Woiwurrung language word ‘wurun’ meaning the Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) which is common along ‘Birrarung’ (Yarra River), and ‘djeri‘, the grub which is found in or near the tree. Wurundjeri are the ‘Witchetty Grub People’ and their ancestors have lived on this land for millennia.See about their post-colonial ancestors including the extraordinary leader William Barak the last broadly recognised Ngurungaeta (leader) of the Wurundjeri people, who was present as a boy when John Batman’s false “treaty” was “signed” and who led a walk to the Victorian Parliament to ask that the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station (1863 – 1924) near current Healesville be made a permanent reserve.