Caring for Country Together

Parks Victoria recognises that Aboriginal people have lived across Victoria for thousands of generations, maintaining complex societies with languages, kinship systems, laws and spiritualties. Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants, or First Peoples, of this state. Land forms the basis of Aboriginal existence and identity which, along with water and natural resources, were sustainably managed according to traditional laws and customs.

Aboriginal cultural landscapes form the core of Victoria’s network of parks and reserves and have been modified over many thousands of years of occupation. They are reflections of how Aboriginal people engage with their world and experience their surroundings and are the product of thousands of generations of economic activity, material culture and settlement patterns. The landscapes we see today are influenced by the skills, knowledge and activities of Aboriginal land managers.

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Owners of these cultural landscapes, recognising their continuing connection to Victoria’s parks and reserves and ongoing role in caring for Country.

We can all help with the responsibility to care and manage Country. You can contribute by remembering these tips:

Leave everything in nature that belongs. Leaves, seed pods, logs and rocks all have value to wildlife or could have cultural significance.
When exploring nature, stick to walking tracks. This helps care for cultural heritage and the habitats and safety of native animals.
Plant indigenous plants at your home or school. This creates habitats for native wildlife.

To learn more about Parks Victoria, Traditional Owners and Managing Country Together, visit the Parks Victoria website.

Click here to learn the Junior Ranger way!