The KHT at Federation Square takes Koorie peoples, cultures and communities from the literal and figurative fringes of Melbourne to a place that is a central meeting and gathering place for all Victorians. Our location at Federation Square is a recognition of our shared history and the importance of Koorie peoples as part of a broader 21st century community.
Our vision
To ensure the rich cultural heritage, history and knowledge systems of First Peoples are valued, celebrated and an active part of society.
Our purpose
To nurture, honour and celebrate the continuing cultures and Songlines of the First Peoples of south-eastern Australia.
Our motto “GNOKAN DANNA MURRA KOR-KI”
Our motto groups two Koorie languages (Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta) and means “Give me your hand my friend”.
The clasped black and white hands in our logo represents Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people joining in goodwill and cooperation. The logo represents the “bridging of the cultural gap” and reflects our belief that through education and promotion, we can raise awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of Victorian First Peoples, and work towards the broader goal of reconciliation for all Australians.
Our values and commitment
Courage. Respect. Care. Reciprocity. Integrity. Responsibility.
The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) is a unique cultural space, rich in heritage and history, that welcomes all people to come together in the spirit of learning and reconciliation. We provide a safe and inclusive space for everyone to learn about, honour, and celebrate the continuing journey of the First Peoples of south-eastern Australia.
As part of our commitment to cultural respect and community well-being, KHT upholds the Victorian Child Safe Standards to ensure that child safety and well-being are embedded in all our programs and services.
Our programs and services
We offer a diverse range of programs and services, including:
As a deductible gift recipient, we are proud to receive generous support from bequests, private donors, trusts, foundations, government grants, and corporate sponsorships, allowing us to continue our vital work in preserving and sharing First Peoples’ cultures.
Visiting us
The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) is a public space for learning and working, and we kindly ask all visitors to be respectful of our Collections, shop, galleries, and education spaces.
To ensure an enjoyable and meaningful experience for everyone, please take note of the following guidelines:
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us create a respectful and enriching environment for all visitors!
Filming and photography
Personal Use: You are welcome to use your camera to film or take photographs for personal use throughout the KHT. If you wish to shar eon social media, please tag us in your post and also credit the artist of any artworksyou may reproduce, to respect and protect their moral rights.
Non-Personal Use: Filming and photography for commercial or non-personal purposes are prohibited due to cultural, moral, and copyright reasons.
Flash photography is not allowed, as continued exposure to flash can cause irreversible light damage to artworks.
If you wish to film or take photographs of artworks for purposes other than for personal use, please email us to discuss.
Thank you for your understanding and respect for First Peoples artists and cultural heritage.
Terminology
The term Koorie is commonly used to describe the First Peoples of south-eastern Australia; however, the terms First Peoples, First Nations, Aboriginal and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are also used interchangeably. We recognise the diversity of the First Peoples living throughout Victoria, including Koories and other First Peoples from around Australia.
The term Koorie/Koori/Gurri is a generic term used by contemporary First Peoples of Victoria and Southern New South Wales to identify and differentiate themselves from First Peoples groups from other parts of Australia. First Peoples and communities in Queensland refer to themselves as Murris, Nunga in South Australia and Nyoongar in southern Western Australia.
Narrm is the traditional Woiwurrung (Woi Wurrung) name for the Melbourne region, in the language of the Wurundjeri peoples, the traditional custodians of the land on which the city is built and where the KHT is located. In recognition of this, we use the word Narrm except where the word ‘Melbourne’ is used in the context of the name of an organisation, event or place (e.g., the Melbourne Museum, City of Melbourne, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation etc.).
Spelt as either Neirm/Nairm/Narrm, it is also the Boonwurrung (Boon Wurrung) word for Port Phillip Bay which lies at the centre of the Boonwurrung, Wurundjeri and Wathaurung Country. The Kulin Nation is an alliance of five tribes whose territories extend around Neirm to encompass the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung and Wathaurung peoples. The Kulin Nation also extends inland to include the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung peoples.
While the work we do acknowledges the pre-settlement boundaries of the traditional lands of south-eastern Australia, which cross post-settlement state lines and extend into New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania, the focus of our work is primarily with the First Peoples Communities of Victoria.