First Nations
Heritage, Pioneers, and Reconciliation
Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) has been a place to gather, celebrate, perform and connect for tens of thousands of years.
M&OP recognises the rich cultural history and importance of the area it manages to the story of Country and the significance it has to First Nations people. The land area M&OP manages is recognised as the lands of the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung, of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
The precinct is particularly significant with its proximity to the sacred grounds where the MCG stands and the Birrarung (Yarra) River. The MCG and Punt Road oval sit on the land where First Nations people would have gathered for corroboree over millennia, with records of the Wurundjeri-willam living in this area and large gatherings taking place right up until the 1840s.
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Acknowledgement of Country
M&OP acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the East Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners of the land on which it operates, and pays respect to Elders past and present.
Read our full Acknowledgement of Country
M&OP acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the East Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners of the land on which it operates, and pays respect to Elders past and present.
M&OP acknowledges the cultural significance of the land we are privileged to manage on behalf of the Victorian people, and seek to develop relationships and knowledge to help us plan and take action towards the goal of reconciliation.
We recognise the role we play as land managers, but also acknowledge the role the Wurundjeri and Woi-wurrung peoples have played in caring for this land over a millennia.
M&OP is committed to reconciliation with First Nations people by listening, learning and developing relationships with First Nations people and organisations to help us take action.
We recognise the significance of the Birrarung, a life source for First Nations people over millennia and understand our responsibility to ensure we keep it healthy.
cultural heritage
Pioneers, trailblazers, and a journey towards reconciliation.
A site of significance
The Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct is located in Narrm (Melbourne), within the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the East Kulin Nation. The Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, or ‘witchitty grub people’, are part of the world’s oldest culture, having lived in an area encompassing the precinct for over 2,000 generations. Prior to colonisation, the course of the Birrarung (Yarra River) crossed the site near AAMI Park’s present location, and the surrounding wetlands habitat supported flora and fauna, providing plentiful resources for First Nations people living in nearby areas.
Today the precinct is bounded to the south and west by the Birrarung, which means ‘river of mists’. The Birrarung is an important site of cultural significance for Woi-Wurrung language groups, including the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung people.
In 2017 it was legally recognised as a living natural entity, and Woi-Wurrung groups retain their age-old responsibility to ensure its good health.
Guests approaching the precinct from Birrarung Marr may arrive via the Tanderrum Bridge, named for an ancient ceremony performed by groups of the East Kulin Nation to provide neighbouring tribes with safe passage across Country.
Tanderrum has been part of Wurundjeri culture for thousands of years, traditionally bringing together the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Boon Wurrung, Taungurung, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung language groups of the Eastern Kulin Nation.
To the north and east, the precinct is bordered by culturally significant sites occupied today by the MCG and Punt Road Oval. These areas were occupied by the Wurundjeri-willam clan for millennia, right up to the 1840s, providing gathering places for significant cultural ceremonies such as corroborees.
The William Barak Bridge, which connects the MCG and Birrarung Marr with bridges that cross the railyards to Melbourne Park, was named for the prominent 19th-century Wurundjeri-balluk Elder.
William Barak played an important role in building understanding between white settlers and the Aboriginal people of Victoria, advocating for traditional owners and helping his people face an uncertain future in their irrevocably changed land.
Given the precinct’s proximity to the Birrarung and surrounding sites of significance, the land on which it operates should be considered culturally significant to First Nations people.
In recognition of this significance, a cultural marker has been established at the heart of the precinct. Designed by Yorta Yorta artist Stan Yarramunua, the marker was unveiled by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Joy Wandin in 2023.
To acknowledge the significance of the land and educate visitors about First Nations culture, it incorporates animal totems and moieties of First Nations peoples, including that of former Australian Open Champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Today, the area known as Melbourne & Olympic Parks is managed on behalf of the Victorian Government by the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, who are committed to advancing reconciliation at every opportunity.
The precinct proudly showcases the outstanding work of First Nations sportspeople and entertainers.
A history of First Nations excellence
Throughout time, there have been many First Nations people who have had an impact on the site’s history.
From trailblazers and leaders, to sporting stars and iconic performers, M&OP is privileged to have welcomed and celebrated First Nations peoples and culture throughout its history.
Their legacy to this place, to Victoria, to Australia and the world cannot be overlooked. M&OP is committed to continuing to acknowledge and respect the deep cultural connection First Nations people have to this site and ensure their stories, culture and knowledge are shared (respectfully) with the millions of visitors to the precinct every year.
William Barak
Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Ash Barty
Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO
Stan Yarramunua
Reconcilation
M&OP is committed to reconciliation with First Nations people, and seeks to listen, learn and develop relationships with First Nations people and organisations to help us take action.
M&OP is home to some of the biggest events in Australia – from the Australian Open to performances from the likes of the Foo Fighters and Billie Eilish. As such, our potential to contribute to reconciliation is not only visible at a local level, but on the international stage too.
M&OP actively works to ensure our operations positively contribute to the advancement of reconciliation. M&OP’s Reconciliation Working Group is key to driving this work, responsible for engaging stakeholders on our reconciliation journey, promoting engagement within the organisation, and implementing key projects outlined in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
- Read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan