Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System
What is ACHRIS?
The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS) is the computerised system maintained by the Office of Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (OAAV) to provide for the management of, and access to, Aboriginal cultural heritage records across the State of Victoria.
ACHRIS is a web-based tool that uses the latest technology to integrate information held in the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register with maps. Authorised users are able to search the register from anywhere online.
- the registration of Aboriginal places and objects
- applications for advice about records held in the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register, and
- applications to access the Register.
Why is it needed?
The Department is required to maintain a Register of Aboriginal places and objects under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. ACHRIS vastly improves the accessibility of the Register and ensures information is kept up to date.
Who can access ACHRIS?
The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register is not a publicly accessible register because it contains culturally sensitive information. Learn more about Who may access the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
Members of the public can access ACHRIS via the link below to complete online applications for:
- Access to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register (VAHR); and
- Certificates of advice about records held in the VAHR.
Learn more about certificates of advice, how much a certificate will cost, the payment options, how long it will take to receive, and how to understand what the certificate means for you.
Please note: The processing of applications for advice attract a fee of $37.60 and results of the search are not released until the prescribed payment is received.
ACHRIS
Access the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register and Information System (ACHRIS)
On 31 August 2012 a new version of ACHRIS commenced operation (version 1.2.0). A number of important changes to the operation of ACHRIS came into effect, and these are detailed here in the ACHRIS Version 1.2.0 Release Notes (PDF 650 KB) or (Word 618 KB).
ACHRIS Version 1.2.0 includes new ways to record low density artefact distributions. To assist professionals and others in recording stone artefacts for submission into ACHRIS, OAAV have developed this guidance material: Low Density Artefact Distributions - Interim Recording Guidelines (PDF 83 KB) or (Word 87 KB).
Notifications
Occasionally ACHRIS may be unavailable because of scheduled updates. During these periods registered users are notified of the outage under the Public Notices section of the website.
Need help applying?
OAAV has developed guides to make using the ACHRIS application easier.
- How to complete a public application for access to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register (PDF 632 KB) or (Word 940 KB)
- How to complete an application for advice about the existence of records held on the VAHR for a nominated area of land (PDF 504 KB) or (Word 874 KB)
Customised user guides for both Cultural Heritage Advisors and Registered Aboriginal Parties are available upon request. To obtain a copy of the relevant guide please contact OAAV on the details below.
ACHRIS Help
OAAV staff provide assistance for ACHRIS on weekdays from 9:30 to 4:30 please email ACHRIS Support or telephone 1800 464 706.