Victorian Aboriginal News (VAN) is dedicated to independent, community-grounded reporting, truth-telling, and amplifying First Nations voices across Victoria and beyond. To ensure our stories, analysis, and broadcasts reach the widest possible audience, VAN makes its editorial content—including written articles, audio packages/podcasts, and video productions—available for republishing and broadcast under the strict terms set out below.

This policy balances broad public access with rigorous safeguards around Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), editorial context, and cultural safety.

Much of VAN’s work involves cultural knowledge, lived community experiences, and sacred histories. Republishers must uphold the highest standards of cultural respect:

• Inherent Cultural Rights: All Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) remains the property of the relevant traditional custodians, storytellers, and communities. Republishing grants no ownership or ongoing rights to cultural material.
  
  
• Deceased Persons Notices: Where VAN content includes a cultural safety notice (such as warnings regarding the names, images, or voices of deceased persons), the republisher must prominently include the identical warning at the top of the article or before the audio/video broadcast.

• Restricted / Sensitive Material: Content designated as gender-specific, community-restricted, or culturally sensitive must not be altered, separated from its framing, or published outside the context agreed upon with knowledge holders.

• Original Consent: Consent given by interviewees and community elders to VAN does not automatically transfer to third-party secondary projects (e.g., documentaries, books, or campaigns). Content may only be republished in its original editorial context.

Republishers must provide prominent, transparent credit to ensure our journalists, producers, and contributors receive proper acknowledgement:

• Byline & Publication Credit: The original author/producer’s byline must appear clearly at the beginning. The article or media player must state:

• “Originally published by Victorian Aboriginal News.” (with an active, direct hyperlink to the original VAN story page or homepage).

• No Editorial Alteration: Articles, transcripts, audio segments, and video packages must be published in full. You may not:
  • Edit, trim, condense, or rearrange quotes or segments without prior written approval from VAN.

  • Alter the headline or captions in a way that sensationalises, distorts, or changes the editorial meaning or cultural framing.

• • Extract standalone audio bites or video clips for separate editorial use without express consent.

• Third-Party Rights Clearance: VAN’s licence covers only material produced and owned by VAN. Where an article contains third-party licensed photography, agency images, or music, the republisher is responsible for verifying or clearing those rights independently.