About the giveaway
To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, we are giving away 200 free Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificates for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members who were born in Victoria.
Learn more about how to apply and Learn more about who can apply.
Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificate
The Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificate brings together artwork by 3 of Victoria's well-known Aboriginal artists:
- Dr Vicki Couzens
- Lee Durroch
- Dr Treahna Hamm.
Each artist depicts an element of birth in a way that recognises and celebrates Victoria's Aboriginal heritage.
The Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificate is not a legal document, and can’t be used for official purposes, including proof of identity or Aboriginality.
How to apply
To apply:
- Download the application form
- Return the completed form to us via email no later than Sunday, 20 July 2025. Please include ‘NAIDOC Week 2025’ in the subject line.
If you’re one of the first 200 to apply, and you’re eligible to receive the certificate, we will post your certificate to you by Sunday 31 August 2025.
Who can apply?
If the birth still needs to be registered, we will work with you to register it first. It may take a little longer.
It’s never too late to register a birth. Learn more about the importance of registering a birth.
Adults applying for their own certificate
If you are over the age of 18, you can apply for your own commemorative birth certificate.
You must have been born in Victoria.
Parents applying for a child’s certificate
When children are under 18, generally a parent needs to apply.
Only one parent needs to apply (both parents don’t need to sign or apply together).
The child must have been born in Victoria.
Grandparents applying for a child’s certificate
A grandparent can apply for a child under their care (for example, under a legal care order or informal kinship care). See the information below.
The child must have been born in Victoria.
Legal carers and informal kinship carers applying for a child’s certificate
A legal carer can apply. Attach a copy of the court order to show you are the child’s legal guardian.
An informal kinship carer can apply. You will need to provide a letter of support from one of the following:
- an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
- a general practitioner
- the Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency.
The letter will need to name the child, say how long you have been the carer and outline the caring arrangement.
For more information, email us.
Parents applying for their adult child’s certificate
Anyone over the age of 18 needs to apply themselves. However, they can authorise you to apply by signing a third party authority form
For more information, email us.
Organisations or groups
Only individuals and/or families can apply for the certificates.
Family members who have passed (for example, parent or sibling)
You can apply for the certificates of family members who have passed if you are allowed to access their legal birth certificate. Learn more about who can access restricted information.
For more information, email us.
Historical certificates, for births that happened more than 100 years ago, are not available under this offer.
Other types of documents
The Victorian Aboriginal commemorative birth certificate is not a legal document, and can’t be used for official purposes, including proof of identity or Aboriginality.
Legal certificates
If you need a birth certificate for legal or identity purposes, apply for a legal birth certificate.
It is important to keep your legal certificate safe and secure for when you need to prove your identity. They should not be gifted or displayed.
Confirmation of Aboriginality
If you need a Confirmation of Aboriginality, contact your relevant:
- Aboriginal Land Council
- Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation.
They are responsible for providing Confirmation of Aboriginality.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the giveaway, email us.
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