Glenelg Shire Council commits to permanent truth-telling about colonial violence at Victoria’s oldest European settlement

The council that governs Victoria’s oldest permanent European settlement site has formally committed to telling the other side of the story of its origins. 

❓ What happened: At the May Glenelg Shire council meeting, councillors agreed to a series of commitments that would recognise the history of colonisation in the region and the lasting impacts on the region’s First Nations peoples, while integrating measures into council that ensure inclusion and truth-telling. 

The Strengthening Aboriginal Inclusion in the Glenelg Shire 2026-2030 plan was described by Director of Community Services Brett Jackson as building on "over two decades of collaborative effort" with the Traditional Owners within the region - the Gunditjmara, Jardwadjali and Boandik peoples. 

It was moved by Councillor Michael Carr and seconded by Councillor Robyn McDonald before being carried unanimously and signed by the Mayor within the chamber. 

Why it matters: Portland is the site of the first permanent European settlement in Victoria, and with this title it bears a painful history for First Nations people. 

👥 What people said: Each councillor read a section of the commitments. This covered truth-telling, representation and voice, cultural awareness in council practices, and support and partnership with community initiatives. 

🗣️: “Portland holds a substantial moment in the history as the site of Victoria's first permanent European settlement,” Mayor Karen Stephens read. “The region was the site of profound frontier conflicts and dispossession.” 

• “We acknowledge the true history of the region within the Glenelg shire and we commit to truth telling as a vital step towards awareness, education, recognition, and healing,” Councillor Carr read. 

Key takeaways: Areas highlighted within the statement include: 

• Dual storytelling at sites and monuments with shared history, leaving space for First Nations people to contest the naming and use of certain locations on a case-by-case basis. 

• Increased partnerships and procurement measures to allow for more partnership and employment opportunities. 

• Cultural competency and anti-racism training for councillors and staff.

• Embedded Aboriginal flag protocols.

• Supporting a Gunditjmara community-led event on January 26. 

The statement also formally recognised November 19 as the date of local colonisation and has proposed to use the date as an opportunity for education and dual storytelling about shared history. 

The Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service (DWECH) and the Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation were listed as partner organisations. 

🗣️ :“We recognise that the impacts of colonisation are ongoing and reflected in inequalities experienced across representation, health, education, housing, employment and social outcomes,” Mayor Stephens read. “Addressing these inequalities is a shared civic responsibility and council recognises we have a role to play within this.”