First Peoples' Assembly hold inaugural Wamba Wemba Country meeting

Dechlan Brennan Published September 5, 2024 at 12.30pm (AWST)

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Assembly Members and community gathered on Wamba Wemba Country this week. (Image: First Peoples' Assembly)

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria met on Wamba Wemba Country in Swan Hill this week as elected members spoke to the community about their priorities ahead of the first round of Treaty talks with the Victorian Government.

The Assembly said members were hoping to leave the meeting having agreed on the foundation of their "negotiating brief", so they can be shared with the communities they represent for further feedback.

Assembly Co-Chair, Ngarra Murray said the members have spent years hearing from communities across the state and it was now time to properly shape the Treaty agenda ahead of negotiations at the end of the year.

"We know local knowledge is so important and we want Treaty to deliver Aboriginal communities the ability to come up with the practical solutions at a local level," the Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman said.

"So we're looking at what reforms the first Treaty agreement we sign can include to start that process.

"Communities will very much be at the heart of Treaty in Victoria.

"Whether it's caring for Country and keeping culture strong or making sure local knowledge can help improve the ways health and education services are delivered, our aim with Treaty is to make sure our communities can thrive."

Lowana Moore (centre) with Assembly and Community members this week (Image: First Peoples' Assembly)

The Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation was appointed as the 12th Reserved Seat Holder in the Assembly earlier this year, before becoming an official Registered Aboriginal Party by the Victorian Government last month, with this week's official assembly meeting the first to be held on Wamba Wemba Country.

Lowana Moore, the Wamba Wemba representative in the Assembly, said it was a special moment for her people.

She said it was a reminder for all Indigenous people in Victoria to get the most out of the Treaty process and get involved.

"We have a unique connection to and understanding of these lands. There's much wisdom, and history and knowledge to be shared," Ms Moore said.

"It's going to be good for our communities, and I also think Treaty is going to help Victoria on the whole.

"The State needs to come to terms with the truth about what was done to Aboriginal people if we want everyone to be able to move forward together. It's about having the conversations with respect and in good faith."