First Nations Cultural Guide

The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) is the Registered Aboriginal Party for Wadawurrung Country. The Corporation works to support their aspirations and protect Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in accordance with Victoria’s Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Nyaal Banyul is the first convention centre intricately designed in partnership with the Traditional Custodians of the land from its inception. This unprecedented collaboration with the Wadawurrung People is woven into every element of Nyaal Banyul, from its architectural design to its cultural narrative, ensuring that the venue respects and celebrates the rich heritage of the land it calls home.

Our name, meaning ‘Open your eyes to the hills’, was generously gifted by the Wadawurrung People, inviting all who visit to experience the transformative power of discovery and connection.

An Acknowledgement of Country or Welcome to Country recognises the continuing connection of Traditional Owners to Country.

Opening a meeting, gathering or event with an Acknowledgement of Country or Welcome to Country is a meaningful way to show respect for First Peoples, and their cultural and diplomatic protocols.

An Acknowledgement of Country is a meaningful practice that recognises the sovereignty of Traditional Owners.

Anyone can acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where an event is held. At Nyaal Banyul, we’re on Wadawurrung Country.

We have prepared an Acknowledgement for you to incorporate into your event, but we encourage you to make it personal.

We acknowledge that Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre sits on land that has been cared for by the Wadawurrung People for thousands of years.

The waterfront site of Nyaal Banyul remains a gathering place for First Nations peoples to meet, trade, share knowledge and celebrate together. We commit to honouring this legacy by bringing a focus of connection and community to our event.

We thank and pay respect to the Wadawurrung People for sharing their stories, and the beauty of these lands and waterways with us.

A Welcome to Country is a traditional custom observed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Its purpose is to formally welcome people to an event or gathering.

Traditionally, this would be an opportunity to teach newcomers of any rules or expectations of the Traditional Owners.

A Welcome to Country is performed by a local Traditional Owner or Elder. It can be also accompanied by a Smoking Ceremony, traditional dance or musical performance.

Incorporating a Welcome to Country into meetings, gatherings and events is a meaningful way to show respect for First Peoples, and their cultural and diplomatic protocols.

Source: WTOAC

A Welcome to Country always takes place at the beginning of the event.

Be mindful that each Traditional Owner group or individual must follow specific cultural practices, and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Allow time for Traditional Owners to provide a meaningful Welcome to Country. Avoid limiting it to just a few minutes.

Often, an Elder from a Traditional Custodian group is invited to conduct a Welcome to Country or to lead other cultural ceremonies, such as a Smoking Ceremony.

First Nations Elders should be treated with respect, and in a similar fashion to dignitaries from other nations. It may be helpful to allocate a senior staff member to greet, escort and support them.

While many First Nation communities refer to Elders as Aunty or Uncle, it may not be appropriate for non-Indigenous people to address them in the same way. When meeting with an Elder, it's best to ask what term they prefer to use when being addressed or introduced.

A Smoking Ceremony is conducted to clear the air and welcome people to Country, healing and connecting Country and land.

If you wish to conduct a Smoking Ceremony for an event held at Nyaal Banyul, please speak with your Event Planner. If your event is indoors, smoke detectors must be isolated and a fire warden must be present. Some spaces in the venue are better suited than others, and our planners can advise you on the best option for your event.

Smoking Ceremonies at Nyaal Banyul can occur in the following areas:

• Delama Event Space

• Gheringhap Plaza

Always credit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for their contributions to events, campaigns or activities, particularly if sharing cultural knowledge.

They should also receive financial benefits for sharing their knowledge, culture or practices through advice, cultural engagement, artwork or language provision.

Engaging First Nations suppliers in event planning is a great way to support businesses operated by Traditional Owners.

In Victoria, the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce is the leading organisation dedicated to empowering Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business owners. The chamber’s directory includes many suppliers, including consultants and artists.

Supply Nation is also a valuable resource for finding Indigenous businesses, industries and locations across Australia.

Nyaal Banyul visitors and delegates often seek authentic First Nations experiences, so it’s important to consider the following:

• When designs include Indigenous elements, commission a First Nations artist to produce the artwork.

• Before production begins, it’s important to agree on the specific use of the artwork, including whether you plan to use design elements in isolation, whether colours will be changed, or whether the creative will appear in places not initially agreed to.

Different Indigenous groups have different art practices. When telling a story around a particular destination through art and design, the artist employed should be a Traditional Owner from that region.

When planning event activities involving Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture, allocate time for consultation with the communities involved. Decision-making may involve discussions among Traditional Owner groups without non-Indigenous participation.

Sorry Business is the mourning of a First Nations person. If this occurs during consultation, you should stop the consultation until invited to resume.