Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408:front:0:p106
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00408
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 309984–313092

was in a disturbed context and the extensive modifications to the landscape of the AWM mean that there is little potential for further or in situ Aboriginal archaeological evidence to survive on the site. As an isolated, residual surface find in a disturbed context, the management of this single artefact in situ, in a highly used landscape, is unlikely to be feasible in even the short term.

   Whilst Indigenous cultural values have not been identified with specific regard to the AWM, consultation with the Indigenous community representatives may be required when works are proposed at the AWM. Indigenous Heritage values and sensitivities should be considered and protected as part of the environment of the AWM, even if they may not be included in the official Commonwealth or National heritage values of the place. The possibility of impacts on potential Indigenous heritage values should therefore be considered when undertaking works at the site.

   The Memorial understands that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the primary source of information on their cultural heritage and therefore, are consulted on matters that may affect places that have cultural heritage values.

 One of the Memorial's key corporate documents is the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2015– 2016, which facilitates the Memorial's engagement and reconciliation with Indigenous Australians and seeks to enhance, respect and promote sustainable opportunities within the Memorial's remit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.13

 Through its RAP, the Memorial has committed to appropriate Indigenous consultation, representation and awareness promotion in all areas of the Memorial's operation including heritage. The Memorial has sought to rectify the historical exclusion of Indigenous Australian veterans, and to recognise the association of contemporary Indigenous Australian communities with the AWM. This includes the employment of an Indigenous Liaison Officer, research into Indigenous service in Australia's armed forces, specific projects during the First World War centenary period, such as the temporary and touring exhibition For Country, For Nation and the installation and dedication of the For Our Country sculpture on 28 March 2018.

 This is consistent with the AWM Heritage Strategy (September 2019).

 5.7.1 Indigenous Stakeholder Consultation

 The Memorial recently commissioned the design and construction of 'For Our Country', which is a memorial commemorating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military personnel who have served in war. It is located in the Sculpture Garden.

 For Indigenous cultural heritage matters, the Memorial consults with Indigenous stakeholders in accordance with the Ask First and Engage Early guidelines. In the ACT there are four Representative Aboriginal Organisations (RAOs) with whom consultation should be undertaken for heritage related projects. These RAOs are:

      * Buru Ngunawal Aboriginal Corporation;

      * King Brown Tribal Group;

      * Mirrabei (formerly known as Little Gudgenby River Tribal Council);