Urban Aboriginal experiences

Koorie Heritage Trust

Located at Federation Square in Melbourne’s city centre, The Koorie Heritage Trust was set up to protect, preserve and promote the living culture of Indigenous peoples from Australia’s south east. The Koorie Heritage Trust holds an extensive collection of Koorie artworks and objects, art exhibitions, a gift shop and conducts tours with Aboriginal guides. Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk covers local Aboriginal culture against a backdrop of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks. One of these landmarks is the Birrarung Wilam (Common Ground) which was a significant meeting place for the Kulin Nation, past Aboriginal art installations where visitors can learn about the Aboriginal history of the Birrarung Marr (Yarra River) and the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation. The Scar Tree Walk is a cultural journey that connects traditional and contemporary Aboriginal cultures and histories of the local Kulin Peoples from Federation Square to the culturally protected heritage site that surrounds the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Levels 1 & 3, The Yarra Building, Federation Square, Cnr Swanston & Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000.

The Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Australia at Federation Square

The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square is the world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art, and features a suite of galleries showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. With free entry to the permanent exhibitions, the NGV collection of Australian art comprises more than 20,000 works. Approximately 800 works are displayed in the new building at one time, and many of these will be rotated frequently to show the full breadth and diversity of Australian art, and to provide visitors with fresh insights. Corner Flinders Street and Russell Street, Federation Square, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. (03) 8620 2222.

Charcoal Lane

Fitzroy’s Charcoal Lane dishes up gourmet native Australian flavours by young Aboriginal people who are in need of a fresh start in life. A Mission Australia social enterprise restaurant, Charcoal Lane specialises in fine-dining bush fare.The aim of the program is to create a skilled workforce for the hospitality industry, providing leadership and mentoring to help vulnerable young people achieve their potential and gain long-term independence and sustainable mainstream employment. 136 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065. (03) 9418 3400.

Mabu Mabu

After earning a reputation as a catering company dishing up fresh, seasonal and native fare, Mabu Mabu has opened its first permanent offering in Melbourne’s inner-west neighbourhood of Yarraville. Originally from Mer Island in the Torres Strait, head chef Nornie Bero uses a variety of indigenous herbs, fruits, succulents and spices to create a truly Australian cuisine. Named after a Torres Strait term that translates to 'help yourself', Mabu Mabu celebrates Indigenous cultural with contemporary Indigenous flavours in a compact brunch-to-lunch menu that bring people together.13 Anderson St, Yarraville, Victoria, Australia, 3013.