First Nations History in the Greater Shepparton Region

Historically there were eight tribes that occupied what is now known as Greater Shepparton, consisting of the Yorta Yorta, Bangerang, Kalitheban, Wollithiga, Moira, Ulupna, Kwat Kwat, Yalaba Yalaba and Nguaria-iiliam-wurrung clans, all of which spoke the Yorta Yorta language.

Under the Victorian State Government's Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation is recognised as the Registered Aboriginal Party for the land comprising Greater Shepparton, and represent the 8 clan groups. Registered Aboriginal Parties, or Traditional Owners as they are commonly known, have important roles and functions in managing and protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage. As the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation is the Registered Aboriginal Party for this region, all cultural requests such as Welcome to Countries, land development information and cultural guidance must first be directed to them.

Greater Shepparton City Council works:

• to develop strong and meaningful relationships with the local First Nations communities to develop trust, participation and social inclusion;
• to work in partnership with First Nations community members, service providers, Community Elders and government bodies to maximise partnerships within the community;
• to advocate for the recognition of First Nations Peoples and play an active part in Reconciliation;
• to celebrate and promote significant First Nations events and activities held throughout the municipality;
• to optimise engagement between the First Nations communities and Council departments;
• to ensure that Council policy and documents are culturally appropriate; and
• to ensure First Nations communities are consulted and represented within Council initiatives.