About the Trust
The Koorie Heritage Trust Inc is a not-for-profit Aboriginal community organisation that aims to protect, preserve and promote the living culture of Aboriginal people of south-eastern Australia.
‘Gnokan Danna Murra Kor-ki’, is the motto of the Trust and is the combination of two Koorie languages and means ‘Give me your hand my friend’ and bridge the cultural gap. The Koorie Heritage Trust Inc believes that through education and promotion it can raise an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of Koorie culture in south-eastern Australia and work towards the broader goals of reconciliation for all Australians.
The Trust cares for a diverse range of artefacts, artworks, crafts, oral histories, books, manuscripts, historical material and photographs and houses four gallery spaces; a permanent interactive exhibition that teaches about our history and culture, and a retail shop that sells authentic products.
Some of the activities offered at The Trust include art workshops, educational programs, accredited training, cross-cultural training, cultural tours and touring exhibitions. The Trust also provides a range of programs and services to the Koorie community and the general public including assisting community members trace their family history; youth projects designed to connect with Elders and culture, and an extensive research library dating back to the 1800’s.
Additionally the Trust is a significant and unique tourism asset for Melbourne, Victoria and Australia. The Trust was awarded Hall of Fame status by Tourism Victoria in 2007, was highly commended at the 2007 Australian Tourism Awards, received the inaugural BHP Billiton Reconciliation Australia Governance Award in 2005 and has been involved in a number of showcase events in Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and North America for tour operators designed to promote Aboriginal tourism in both Victoria and Australia.
