Historic sites

Aboriginal mounds mini-poster download link

The following information is derived from the Aboriginal Historic Sites mini-poster; one of a set of 15 Aboriginal heritage mini-posters produced by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.

The mini-poster can be downloaded by clicking the poster thumbnail  

What are Aboriginal historic places?

An Aboriginal historical place is a location that is important because of its associations with, and cultural significance to, Aboriginal people. Such places may or may not contain archaeological remains. For example, a historical place could include the foundations of a mission building,or a massacre site at which no physical remains survive.

Aboriginal historical places are identified through a range of sources including oral history provided by Aboriginal people,references in historical records and information arising from archaeological investigations.

Wombeetch puyuun (Camperdown George)

Wurnbeetch Puyuun - alias Camperdown George

Wombeetch puyuun (Camperdown George) was born during the period when the lands of the Djargurd Wurrung were being stolen by settlers. His grave in Camperdown Cemetery is marked by a stone obelisk erected in his honour by James Dawson.

What sorts of places are considered to have Aboriginal historic significance?

Such places can include:

Aboriginal Historic Places in the Corangamite region

Seven historic places are present in the region. Of particular note is the site of the former Buntingdale mission on the Barwon River floodplain south of Birregurra.

Are Aboriginal Historic places protected?

All Aboriginal cultural places in Victoria are protected by law. Aboriginal artifacts are also protected. It is illegal to disturb or destroy an Aboriginal place. Artifacts should not be removed from sites.

The presence of an historic place on private land will not affect ownership, and in general will not stop existing land uses from continuing

Please preserve Aboriginal cultural places by conducting environmental, agricultural and other activities in a manner that does not impact on them.

Please help to preserve Aboriginal artifacts cultural heritage sites by reporting their presence to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.