Four decades of growth, resilience, and connection to Indigenous people across Victoria will be celebrated this year with the 40th anniversary of the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT).
Under the motto Gnokan Danna Murra Kor-Ki, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta for "Give me your hand my friend," KHT is the only public collection in Victoria dedicated solely to Koorie art and culture, comprising artefacts, pictures, and photographs as well as a reference library and an oral history program.
"As we celebrate 40 years of KHT, we reflect with immense pride on everything we have achieved. We are grateful to the community, who have generously shared their culture and knowledge, enabling us to celebrate our First Peoples," the chief executive of KHT, Tom Mosby, said.
On October 17, 1985, the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Trust had its first meeting, and from its humble beginnings to a stand-alone First Peoples arts and Cultural Centre located in the cultural heart of Naarm, KHT has been grounded in the 65,000-year history of Indigenous people from the south-east of the continent.
KHT 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", the organisation says.
On its 30th anniversary in 2015, KHT moved to the Birrarung Building (formerly the Yarra Building) at Fed Square, cementing its role as an integral part of Federation Square and the broader Melbourne Arts Precinct.
It allowed the presence, history, and strength of First Peoples to be cultivated in the middle of the city in a powerful and visible space whilst retaining cultural strengths and respect.
In 2023, KHT became the only stand-alone Indigenous cultural and arts centre in an Australian state capital city, further underscoring the importance of the work it does as a focal point of First Peoples' voices and art.
The 40th anniversary milestone will be celebrated throughout the year. This includes a major solo exhibition by Aunty Connie Hart (Gunditjmara), opening on Aug 23, along with other activities highlighting the voices and strength of Elders, community, and individuals who have helped KHT story grow to what it is today.
''It is through their trust and collaboration that we have been able to create a space where the voices of the First Peoples can be heard, respected, and celebrated," Mr Mosby said.
"These 40 years have been an incredible testament to the strength and spirit of the community, and as we look to a bright future."