NOTICE OF MEETING
THE WADAWURRUNG NATIVE TITLE CLAIM INVITES ALL DESCENDANTS OF JOHN ROBINSON (ROBERTSON) TO A MEETING TO DISCUSS AND AGREE TO A DECISION-MAKING PROCESS THAT WILL APPLY TO THE WADAWURRUNG NATIVE TITLE CLAIM.
THIS MEETING IS BEING HELD AS PART OF A MEDIATION BY THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA REGARDING MEMBERSHIP OF THE WADAWURRUNG NATIVE TITLE CLAIM.
Meeting Date: 30 November 2025
Meeting Time: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Registration: 9:00 am - 11:00 am (pre-registration is encouraged)
Meeting Place: Geoffrey Blainey Auditorium Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria.
AGENDA & PURPOSE OF THE MEETING
The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for descendants of John Robinson (Robertson) (either biologically or by adoption) to discuss, consider and decide on a traditional decision-making process that may then apply to the Wadawurrung native title application.
The Agenda for this Meeting is:
1. Welcome and introductions;
2. Background to Wadawurrung native title application;
3. Court mediation and background to this meeting; and
4. To discuss, consider and agree a decision-making process for the Wadawurrung native title application.
PEOPLE WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE MEETING
The meeting is open to anyone who is:
a) over 18; and
b) a descendant of John Robinson (also known as John Robertson), either biologically or by adoption.
John Robinson (also known as John Robertson), born 1846 - Terrinallum Station, died 1919 Warrnambool, John's biological children being:
i. Emily Hewitt (1868-1898);
ii. William Robinson (1870-?);
iii. Mary Edith Hine (1893- 1955)
iv. Victoria Alice Brannelly (1895-1964);
v. Valentine Margaret Dalton (1897-1977);
vi. Mabel Violet Powell (1899-1984);
vii. Hector Norman Arthur Robinson (1900-1944);
viii. Ellen Rose King (1902-1999); and
ix. Thomas Joseph Russell Robinson (1904-1933).
If you are a descendant of John Robinson (Robertson), either biologically or by adoption you are able to attend the meeting. This includes descendants of William Robinson through his children John Couzens and Nicholas Couzens.
If you do not know whether you fall within the above description, please contact Yasmin Johnson-McDermott at First Nations Legal & Research Services to obtain further information on 0466 400 599 or [email protected]
Attendees are requested to attend in person. Travel assistance is available for those travelling further than 50km. If you are unable to attend in person you may attend online, however those attending online cannot vote at the meeting.
Preregistration
For more information and to register your interest in attending the meeting, either in person or online, please contact Yasmin Johnson-McDermott on 0466 400 599 or [email protected].
Attendees are required to complete a registration form to be able to attend in person or online, a registration form can be provided by contacting Yasmin Johnson-McDermott.
For travel assistance and to register to attend on-line, please register no later than 19 November 2025. This will help us with planning for the meeting.
If you would like further information, please contact Yasmin McDermott 0466 400 599 [email protected]
Meeting Rules & Conduct
The meeting is part of a court mediation process and important meeting rules and a code of conduct will apply to all persons who attend. Persons who do not follow the meeting rules may be asked to leave by the other attendees.
Catering
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided at the Meeting.
