Local Aboriginal community
Find out more about the Boonwurrung and the Wurrundjeri clans of the Kulin Nation who are the custodians of the land and Aboriginal culture and customs.
Boon Wurrung
The Kulin People, including the First People of the Bays (Port Phillip and Westernport) and South East Victoria, the Boon Wurrung, are the traditional people and custodians of the lands from the Werribee River to Wilson’s Promontory, where our three hospital campuses are located, including some of our community mental health services.
Visit the Boon Wurrung foundation.
Wurrundjeri
The Wurundjeri are the traditional people and custodians of the land from the Yarra River, to Werribee and the Great Dividing Range, the land on which Melbourne Sexual Health Centre sits.
Visit the Wurundjeri.
Aboriginal culture & customs
Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country
Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are used at the opening of meetings, launches, special events and official functions. The practice shows respect for the traditional custodians of a particular region or area.
A Welcome to Country is where an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander custodian or elder from the local region welcomes people to their land. This may be done through speech, song, dance or ceremony.
The Acknowledgement of Country is a statement made by anyone to show respect to the traditional custodians of the land.
Smoking Ceremony
A smoking ceremony is one of the most significant ancient ceremonies performed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The ceremony involves smouldering various native plants to produce smoke which are believed to have cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits.