Beverley McArthur MP
Member for Western Victoria Region
Media Statement
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Indigenous Cultural Knowledge
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Member for Western Victoria Region, Bev McArthur used a Member’s Statement in Parliament today to acknowledge Robert Lowe Senior, a Peek Whurrong elder from Warrnambool. Bev met with Robert, along with Richard Riordan Member for Polwarth, to commence an important dialogue about indigenous cultural heritage.
She said that she was very pleased to publicly acknowledge the service and commitment Robert has made to the south west community.
Robert is well respected with strong community connections. He has contributed his time and knowledge for over 40 years, mostly in a volunteer capacity, to create a better understanding of cultural heritage.
Robert has worked with Victoria Police, the RSL, Rotary, Warrnambool Community Garden, Friends of Warrnambool’s Swan Reserve, Department of Justice, Department of Human Services, Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court, councils and shires, Warrnambool Art Gallery, Clontarf Academy, Deakin University, South West TAFE, Brauer College, Warrnambool College, local primary schools and many more.
A testament to Robert is the long list of awards he has received: the most recent being the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year for service to the south-west community and as winner of the prestigious writing prize – The David Uniapon Award – for his memoirs, The Mish.
Bev, Richard and Robert discussed cultural heritage issues, protocols, protection of sites of cultural significance, challenges and opportunities. They all agreed to an ongoing dialogue with Robert as an invaluable source of indigenous cultural knowledge.
6 March 2019