Land is fundamental to the cultural heritage and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. It is the core of all spirituality and this relationship and the spirit of 'Country' is what needs to be protected during Cultural Heritage Management activities.

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Aboriginal cultural heritage includes:

• artefacts, objects and skeletal remains

• sites, landscapes or areas of significance

• cultural knowledge, lore, language, stories, song, dance and identity.

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As a Registered Aboriginal Party, Barengi Gadjin Land Council is the primary source of advice and knowledge for the Victorian Government on matters relating to Aboriginal places located in or Aboriginal objects originating from the area for which the party is registered.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council participates in the preparation of Cultural Heritage Management plans and evaluates plans written by other cultural heritage advisors.

We also consider applications for Cultural Heritage Permits, negotiate and enter into Cultural Heritage Agreements and advise and negotiate the repatriation of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

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Some of our other functions are:

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• Receive cultural heritage audit reports

• Apply for and monitor the status of protection declarations

• VCAT hearings relating to disputes

• Decide on applications for access to the VAH Register

• Negotiate on matters that overlap boundaries.