First Nations
Heritage, Pioneers, and Reconciliation
Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) is located in Naarm (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 surrounding areas for over 2,000 generations.
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Acknowledgement of Country
M&OP acknowledges the cultural significance of the land we are privileged to manage on behalf of the Victorian people, and seeks 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 millennia.
M&OP is committed to advancing reconciliation 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 its good health.
cultural heritage
A legacy of First Nations culture, trailblazers, and a journey towards reconciliation.
A site of significance
Prior to European settlement, 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 M&OP 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 the Birrarung was legally recognised as a living natural entity, and Woi-Wurrung groups retain their age-old responsibility to ensure its good health.
Guests approaching from Birrarung Marr may arrive via 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, M&OP 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 across 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 prepare to face an uncertain future in their irrevocably changed land.
Given M&OP’s proximity to the Birrarung and surrounding sites of significance, the land on which it operates is culturally significant to First Nations people.
In recognition of this significance, a cultural marker has been established at the heart of the site. 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 M&OP is managed on behalf of the Victorian Government by the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, who are committed to advancing reconciliation at every opportunity, proudly showcasing the outstanding work of First Nations sportspeople and entertainers.
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A history of First Nations excellence
Countless First Nations people have played an important role in M&OP’s history.
From trailblazers and community leaders, to sporting stars and iconic performers, M&OP is privileged to have welcomed and celebrated First Nations peoples and culture throughout its history.
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 with the millions of guests that visit every year.
First Nations people with a particular links to this place include Wurundjeri Elders past and present, from William Barak to Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO, tennis superstars Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Ash Barty, and Yorta Yorta artist Stan Yarramunua who created M&OP’s cultural marker.
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.
M&OP is home to some of the biggest events in Australia – from the Australian Open to performances from the world’s top artists. Our potential to contribute to reconciliation is not only visible at a local level, but on the international stage too.
Our Reconciliation Working Group is key to driving this work, 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
- Read more about our Reconciliation Action Plan