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The Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 (the Act) is the first legislation in Australia to be co-titled in a Traditional Owner language.
‘Wilip-gin Birrarung murron’ translates as ‘keep the Birrarung alive’ in Woi-wurrung, the traditional language of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
The use of Woi-wurrung recognises the Traditional Owners' custodianship of the river and their unique connection to the lands through which the river flows.
In another Australian first, the legislation identifies a large river and its corridor as a single living and integrated natural entity for protection.
The community vision and strategic plan
The Act gives effect to the development of a long-term Community Vision and a Yarra Strategic Plan.
The Act also established a new statutory body, the Birrarung Council. The Birrarung Council is the first independent voice of the Yarra River, Birrarung, as a single, living entity.
Wurundjeri Elders address Legislative Assembly
Discover more about this landmark legislation
- Woi-wurrung language Preamble to the Act.
- A speech delivered by Aunty Alice Kolasa, an Elder of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to the Lower House before reading of the Woi-wurrung language Preamble to the Act.
Page last updated: 08/09/23