In a powerful act of recognition, Melbourne's iconic gateway is undergoing a historic transformation. The well-known 'Welcome to Victoria' sign on the Hume Freeway is being replaced with a new version that formally acknowledges the land's Traditional Owners.
The updated signage, which now reads 'Welcome to Victoria – Aboriginal Country,' represents a tangible step forward in the state's groundbreaking treaty process. It signifies a shift towards acknowledging the deep and enduring connection of First Peoples to the land now known as Victoria.
A Symbolic Gesture with Profound Meaning
The decision, driven by the Victorian government, moves beyond mere symbolism. It is a direct action stemming from the state's unique treaty advancement process, the first of its kind in Australia. The new sign serves as a permanent, public reminder that this land was never ceded.
Located on the Hume Freeway, the main arterial route connecting Melbourne and Sydney, the sign will be seen by millions of travellers each year. Its prominent placement ensures this message of recognition and respect reaches a vast national audience.
Part of a Broader Journey
This change is not an isolated event but a key milestone in a larger journey towards reconciliation and truth-telling. It follows the Victorian government's commitment to negotiating a treaty with the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, the democratically elected voice for Aboriginal communities in the state.
The installation of the new sign is a clear, public-facing outcome of this process, demonstrating how treaty can lead to visible changes that promote understanding and acknowledge the true history of the nation.
By altering this key piece of public infrastructure, Victoria is setting a national precedent for how governments can actively demonstrate respect for First Nations cultures and histories in everyday life.
