Our story
Seven family groups, one continuing Country
The Wadawurrung are the seven family groups recognised under Traditional lore and custom as Wadawurrung, and are descendants of our apical ancestor, John Robinson.
About us
The representative body for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is the representative body for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. The Corporation works to support their aspirations and protect Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in accordance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation was appointed in May 2009 as a Registered Aboriginal Party under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
Wadawurrung's RAP area covers over 10,000 square kilometres on the western side of Melbourne and including the major regional cities of Geelong and Ballarat. This area incorporates the activities of 11 separate local councils — including many that are experiencing very high rates of growth in terms of population, infrastructure, commercial and residential development. Wadawurrung Country also incorporates the start of the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most iconic and popular tourist destinations.
Statutory role
The responsibilities of the RAP
- Evaluating Cultural Heritage Management Plans
- Providing advice on applications for Cultural Heritage Permits
- Making decisions about Cultural Heritage Agreements
- Providing advice or application for interim or ongoing Protection Declarations
The Corporation represents Wadawurrung Traditional Owners as the known and accepted descendants of apical ancestor, John Robinson (Robertson), 1846–1919, born Terrinallum Station, died Warrnambool.
Wadawurrung Bengwudjak
We are Wadawurrung
We acknowledge our Ancestors and our Elders past and present.
We acknowledge that our Ancestors nurtured and cared for Wadawurrung Country for tens of thousands of years.
We acknowledge the hardships, the horror and the harm that they suffered following colonisation and the devastating impacts of that, which are still evident and felt today.
The fact that Wadawurrung People and Culture have managed to survive and thrive demonstrates enormous strength, resilience and adaptability.
Wadawurrung People are determined to see their unique Cultural Heritage protected and respected. Wadawurrung practices its Traditional knowledge and authority over the management of Wadawurrung Country for the betterment of those living on, prospering from and/or simply enjoying its land, waterways and coastal areas.
Wadawurrung has a registered Native Title claim over their Traditional Lands. This claim represents the ongoing connection and rights of Wadawurrung People to manage, protect, and enjoy their land, waters, and coastal regions in accordance with Wadawurrung Traditional laws and customs.
The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) is the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for Wadawurrung Country, with the statutory authority for the management of Aboriginal heritage values and culture under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
In support of our above responsibilities, we provide a wide variety of services to organisations, assisting them in compliance with the aforementioned Act. We provide field representatives to assist with the discovery and repatriation of cultural heritage artefacts and ancestral remains. Our induction programs help to acquaint individuals and organisations with our heritage.
History
According to John Robinson's birth certificate, he was born in 1846 and lived until 1919. His final resting place is the Warrnambool cemetery. His descendants researched their ancestry and, in 1997, succeeded in acquiring enough information to be recognised as Traditional Owners.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) was incorporated to act on behalf of, and represent the interests of, all Wadawurrung People. WTOAC was accorded Registered Aboriginal Party status on 21 May 2009.
The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 recognises Aboriginal people as the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal cultural heritage. At a local level, Registered Aboriginal Parties are the voice of Aboriginal people in the management and protection of that heritage.
WTOAC also coordinates the performance of ceremonial duties, including Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies for community groups, corporations, events and special occasions where cultural protocols are valued and practised.
Milestones
1846–1919
John Robinson (Robertson), our apical ancestor, born at Terrinallum Station and buried at Warrnambool.
1997
Descendants of John Robinson complete ancestral research and are recognised as Traditional Owners.
1998
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation incorporated on 12 October to represent all Wadawurrung People.
2009
Appointed a Registered Aboriginal Party on 21 May under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
2013
Appointed for the remainder of the initial application area on 20 March.
Wadawurrung Country
Our RAP area covers over 10,000 square kilometres on the western side of Melbourne, including the major regional cities of Geelong and Ballarat. This area incorporates the activities of 11 separate local councils — many experiencing very high rates of growth in population, infrastructure, and commercial and residential development. Wadawurrung Country also incorporates the start of the Great Ocean Road.
Wadawurrung has a registered Native Title claim over their Traditional Lands. This claim represents the ongoing connection and rights of Wadawurrung People to manage, protect and enjoy their land, waters and coastal regions in accordance with Wadawurrung Traditional laws and customs.
See how we work with organisations