"Living Cultures" Artwork by Saretta Fielding.
Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement
Aboriginal Affairs NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and the places in which we live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise the unique cultural and spiritual relationship and celebrate the contributions of First Nations peoples to Australia.
Aboriginal people are the continuing custodians of their heritage. We recognise that communities are at different stages in managing and protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage sites and material. This includes deep relationships for the tangible and intangible values of cultural landscapes and the practice of keeping culture alive through spiritual and social connection.
Aboriginal Affairs is learning from communities across the state to understand the diverse challenges of cultural heritage management in NSW. It is important to ensure that the new system meets the needs of Aboriginal people. It is equally important, to celebrate the role our communities already play in the conservation and revitalisation of culture.
Please visit the sections below to learn more about the work Aboriginal Affairs NSW is doing to lead these reforms.
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The Reform Process
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage reform process is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ongoing dialogue with Aboriginal communities.
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Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Information System
The ACH Information System will be a digital solution that enables the Aboriginal community to manage their information on Country.
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Community Engagement
Aboriginal Affairs NSW supports a range of engagement opportunities to advocate for community empowerment through Aboriginal Cultural Heritage.
Join the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Mailing List
Do you have an interest in Aboriginal cultural heritage in NSW?
Stay updated on Aboriginal Affairs NSW progress towards standalone Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation.
Updates will be made on key events and when any opportunities for community engagement are available.
Planning & cultural heritage
The Government has recognised that current Aboriginal cultural heritage policies need improvement. A major reform process is underway. Aboriginal people will play an important role in the management of their cultural heritage and in the planning of their land.
It is important that Aboriginal cultural heritage is considered throughout planning and developments. The planning system must also recognise the economic potential of land owned by the Aboriginal community.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 provides that Aboriginal Land Councils’ can:
- protect the culture and heritage of Aboriginal persons in NSW, subject to any other law
- promote awareness in the community of the culture and heritage of Aboriginal persons in NSW.
Latest news from Aboriginal Affairs NSW
Contact Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Office address: Level 6, 201 Coward Street, Mascot NSW 2020
Postal address: PO Box 207, Mascot NSW 2020