Report from Brian Stevens, Gunai Representative for the Southeast Region of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria.

As the Southeast Region Representative, I am committed to advocating for the aspirations of our communities, fostering engagement in the Treaty process, and promoting self-determination. This report provides an overview of my key activities and contributions from 3 February to 19 March 2025.

Recent work priorities:

• Engaging with communities to promote awareness and participation in the Treaty process.
• Supporting governance, self-determination, and nation-building initiatives.
• Strengthening partnerships and fostering collaboration across key stakeholder groups.

Engagement activities:

• 8 Feb Treaty Day Out, Morwell – Engaged with community members and supporters in discussions about Treaty. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
• 13 Feb Visit to Fulham Correctional Centre – Provided Treaty updates to 10 men and 3 staff. Several menenrolled as members, expressing interest in further involvement.
• 14 Feb Visit to Wulgunggo Ngalu, Yarram – Participants welcomed us on Country with dance andacknowledgment. Discussions highlighted varying knowledge of Treaty, with strong support and curiosity – several men enrolled as members.
• 19 Feb Statewide ACCO Forum Gained insights into ACCO aspirations. Notable increase in Gippslandrepresentation and nominations for the state-wide ACCO/Treaty working group.
• 20 Feb Presentation to Bass Coast & South Gippsland Reconciliation Groups Raised Treaty awareness withlocal groups and politicians, including Russell Broadbent MP, Member for Monash, Tully Fletcher, Federal Labor Candidate and Deb Leonard, Independent member for Monash
• 27 Feb State-wide Traditional Owner Forum – Attended at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Participantsvalued key presentations, particularly by Dr. Janine Gertz.
• 28 Feb – 1 Mar State-wide Treaty Gathering at MCG Engaged in networking and discussions about Treatynegotiations. Positive feedback, but more awareness efforts needed.
• 4 – 17 March Self-Determination Fund (SDF) Board Selection Assisted in the EoI process for SDF Board Trustees. The selection process remains ongoing.

Additional activities:

• Attendance at the West Gippsland CMA board meeting and professional development sessions on landand water management, including a visit to the Newborough mine rehabilitation site.
• Participation in GLaWAC Economic Development Sub-Committee, Gippsland Aboriginal EconomicDevelopment Steering Committee, and Barrithbarrith Gathering Place meetings.
• Appointment to the Nature Parks Phillip Island Reconciliation Committee in early February.
• Assistance with GLaWAC’s recruitment process for a new CEO.

Insights:

• Community members are eager to see Treaty outcomes but require continued education and engagement.
• Treaty awareness must be expanded through accessible discussions and ongoing dialogue.
• Governance networks are essential for strengthening leadership and decision-making.
• The concept of Gathering Places continues to emerge as focal points to gain access to non-Traditional Owners for community well-being and self-determination.

Implementation:

• Strengthening grassroots engagement to ensure community-driven Treaty discussions.
• Supporting leadership development and governance capacity-building initiatives.
• Advocating for self-determination initiatives that align with Treaty aspirations.

I will continue representing the Southeast Region in Treaty negotiations and where applicable, advocate for greater investment in leadership and governance programs. Engaging stakeholders and encouraging community participation in state-wide forums and Treaty events remain key priorities along with localised and small group information sessions. My commitment to advocating for our communities and ensuring the Treaty delivers meaningful outcomes remains steadfast, driven by the strength and resilience of our people.

In this role, I advocate for the aspirations of our communities, Traditional Owner groups, and the advancement of Treaty processes. Additionally, I am a Board Member of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and a participant in broader governance initiatives in Victoria’s water sector.

My primary focus over the reporting period has been:

• Representing the Southeast Region, ensuring community voices are heard in Treaty discussions by attending internal Treaty, Yurpa, SDF, Southeast members planning meetings and expert panel session
• Supporting nation-building initiatives, including the merging of Bidawal corporations
• Strengthening governance through participation in the DEECA Aboriginal Directors Water Network and advocacy for governance capacity-building.
• Contributing to the Assembly’s information gathering and framing efforts to shape future briefs such as the arts and culture sector in the context of Treaty negotiations.
• Providing support for development of a Gathering Place in the Bass Coast region, as requested by Elders

During this reporting period, I have engaged with communities and stakeholders in the following ways:

• 19 November 2024: Participated in the Elders Luncheon in San Remo to discuss the Treaty process and the development of a Gathering Place in Bass Coast.
• 21 November 2024: Participated in planning and attended the Ceremonial Opening for Treaty negotiations, engaging with community members from across Victoria to amplify Treaty awareness and participate in the ceremony.
• 11 December 2024: Joined the Self-Determination Fund (SDF) committee meeting to review progress and provide/discuss TO feedback on the processes for determining access to the equal footing funds for Treaty aspirations/activities
• 13 December 2024: Met with Bidawal Traditional Owner Representatives in Lakes Entrance to discuss nation-building priorities, reserved seat pathways, the SDF funding process including an update on the merging of the corporations.
• 16 December 2024: Participated in the Members Induction Workshop at the Koorie Heritage Trust to stay informed on evolving Assembly roles and responsibilities.
• 17 December 2024: Attended the Blak Creative Industries Caucus workshop, gathering information about community aspirations and challenges in the arts/culture space to help the Assembly frame future briefs as we move into Treaty negotiations.
• 10 January 2025: Contribute to the Strategic Review of the Self-Determination Fund, shaping the RFQ process for consultant applications.
• 14 January 2025: Participated in the Arts and Treaty workshop, collecting insights from creative sector representatives to build on the Assembly’s understanding of the sector’s aspirations.
• 20 January 2025: Participated in the Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheernner commemoration in Wonthaggi, where over 150 community members gathered. The event featured powerful storytelling from Elders and descendants of the warriors, offering a meaningful reframing of the deficit narrative and honouring their enduring legacy.

Continue to volunteer alongside Elders and community members to establish the Bass Coast Gathering Place as a not-for-profit entity. This includes drafting a constitution and rule book, actively maintaining engagement with partners which includes Bass Coast Council, Bass Coast Health, Westernport Water, Nature Parks Phillip Island, and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

Community feedback and observations during this reporting period revealed several insights:

• Community members are motivated to see Treaty deliver tangible outcomes, particularly in areas like governance, cultural preservation, and economic development. This was emphasised during the Bidawal meeting and broader engagements and requires ongoing dialogue with community throughout the area.
• Governance networks like the Aboriginal Directors Water Network play a crucial role in addressing challenges faced by Aboriginal leaders, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and strengthening governance capacity.
• Engagement with the creative industries emphasised the cultural significance that art and culture play in connecting and the telling of stories – they are intrinsic to our lives, connections and spirituality. The members provided valuable insights into community aspirations, key challenges and need for improved coordination of activity/funding and for creative hubs to be established.
• The concept of a Gathering Place is valued by the community and Elders. This work reflects the aspirations of Treaty—enabling First Peoples to assert their rights, profile the strength of our communities to create social and economic change.

The insights gained will inform my work in the following ways:

• Leveraging governance networks and the Aboriginal Directors Water Network to address leadership challenges and enhance capacity-building.
• Ensuring Treaty negotiations reflect community priorities, including nation-building, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.
• Supporting the Assembly’s efforts to continually frame information for the creative industry sector including economic prosperity and other work areas that reflect its aspirations and role in the broader Treaty process.
• Continuing to advocate for the community-based initiatives as they are a demonstration of self-determination in action.

In the coming months, I will:

• Continue representing the Southeast Region in Assembly discussions, ensuring community voices are central to Treaty progress.
• Advocate for greater investment in governance and leadership initiatives that support self-determination.
• Continue to contribute to the Assembly’s work areas to continually progress the evolving Treaty framework.
• Advance the Gathering Place project by supporting the feasibility/scoping study and engaging stakeholders to align with community aspirations.
• Focus on one-on-one, small group, and family conversations about Treaty while encouraging/supporting community members to attend the upcoming State-wide Treaty Gathering and other forums and events scheduled throughout the year.

I am deeply grateful to the Elders and community members who have entrusted me to represent our region and contribute to the vital work of the Treatyprocess. The strength and resilience of our communities inspire my commitment to ensuring Treaty becomes a pathway for recognising our rights, voices,and aspirations as First Peoples. Together, we are laying the foundations for a future guided by self-determination and justice.

Region: South East
Reserved Seat: No

Work Priorities

Between September and early November 2024, my work as a representative for Southeast Victoria focused on advancing the Treaty process through active engagement and community support. Attended Yurpa and Treaty committee meetings, including those for the Self-Determination Fund, as well as work streams on Economic Prosperity, Strengthening Culture, Communities and Families and other workstreams and business as required.

Engagement Activities

Throughout this period, I engaged with the community to promote understanding and participation in the Treaty process.

The following is a snapshot of activities for this period, and they are:

• Participated in the development of ToR for the Bill Review Working Group
• Yarning Circle in Morwell on 10 September, where community members gathered to share thoughts on Treaty.
• Supported the Engagement Team in delivering a Treaty information session to Latrobe Community Link
• Assisted in facilitating a Treaty information session in Wonthaggi on 10 September.
• Participated in the Southeast Regional Forum in Sale, which provided updates on Treaty negotiations and collected community feedback.
• On 1 October, Represented the Co-Chairs – attended the First Nations Business Sector Workshop under the Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment in Brisbane.
• Attend Creative Victoria First Peoples Forum at the Aboriginal Advancement League on 9–10 October
  • The forum was for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only and had a creative and cultural focus. Featuring panels, talks, workshops that were designed to share and map a forward strategic/operation plan
  • Information gathered has helped frame and shape ideas within workstreams such as economic prosperity, culture and creative arts.
• On 16 and 17 October – attended the GLaWAC Elders Day celebrations during the Victorian Seniors Festival, where there was an opportunity to discuss Treaty with Elders and community, answering their questions and addressing concerns.
• Attended the Traditional Owner and ACCO forums on 21 October and 1 November carried out in Naarm.

Insights

A key insight and feedback from these engagements is the need for more targeted and localised outreach. Community members expressed a desire for smaller, family-focused gatherings that offer a comfortable space for learning and sharing about Treaty. This feedback reflects the need to accommodate varied levels of understanding and provide safe spaces for discussions. Additionally, accessing key decision-makers within ACCOs can be challenging due to the size of the Gippsland corridor and competing demands on their time and is an area that we must do more work to gain their contributions to future decision making particularly regarding Treaty negations.

Implementation

In response, I aim to work closely with ACCOs across the Gippsland corridor and the Engagement Team to coordinate smaller, accessible gatherings. These engagements will be tailored to meet community members where they feel safe and supported, helping them build knowledge about Treaty at their own pace.

Looking Ahead

Over the next few months, I will focus on monitoring and evaluating the impact of our communication strategies to ensure they effectively reach all parts of the community. Improving the accessibility of Treaty information and opportunities for engagement will be a priority.

Conclusion

I am grateful for the insights gained through these interactions and will continue advocating for the needs and concerns of our community in the Treaty process. With continued engagement and support, we are progressing toward a more inclusive and representative Treaty for all.

Member update not submitted.

Region: South East
Reserved Seat: No

Over the past few months, I have focused on engaging our community in the Treaty process to make sure their voices are at the forefront of our negotiations.

From June to August 2024, I contributed to the design and delivery of regional engagement forums in Bairnsdale, Morwell, and Warragul. These forums were essential in providing opportunities for community members to share their thoughts on the Treaty and actively participate in the process. Additionally, I attended numerous Treaty and Yurpa committee meetings, and continue to provide input into the various work streams such as Economic Prosperity, Strengthening Culture, Community, and Families. I’ve attended Self Determination Fund (SDF) committee meetings to ensure businesses is conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and is compliant with the agreed assurances as set out within the agreement including other Assembly business-related activities.

The feedback from forums and engagements highlights a growing enthusiasm and a desire for more direct involvement in shaping the Treaty/Treaties. Conversations with community members have been notably more robust and engaged, indicating that our communication strategies are starting to resonate with members. Many have voiced the importance of ensuring that the impact of colonisation is addressed to allow deep healing to take hold and economic and cultural considerations (ways of knowing, being and doing) are deeply embedded in Treaty negotiations. Over the past months there have been requests for information about the role of Elders and diversity of their voices/lived experiences be deeply embed when framing negotiations. Moreover, a level of interest with regard to the role and function of the Elders Voice is gaining momentum and reinforces the impact of our strategic messaging. These are positive signs and will be an area that SE members will monitor and work with Elders to ensure their participation at future forums be supported.

Our engagement activities have also involved working closely with the SE engagement team to plan and execute initiatives that bring the community together to discuss Treaty. The engagement team does amazing work and continues to play an important role by building bridges that encourage community members to engage and contribute their insights through expert panels and other community activities.

From these engagements, a key insight is the increasing robustness of conversations on Treaty matters, indicating that our communication strategies and efforts to increase community visibility are having a positive impact. The community’s eagerness to contribute shows a growing confidence in the process, but we need to keep building on this momentum and maintain a balanced approach to how we coordinate the delivery of and gather information.

During this period Alice Pepper and I engaged with key leaders within ACCOs and community members from central to far East Gippsland to encourage them to consider putting forward EOI’s for the expert panels.

The many insights gained over this reporting period has reinforced the need to maintain open, transparent communication channels with the community and continue providing platforms for their voices to be heard. Moving forward, these learnings will inform our approach to future engagements, ensuring that the community’s feedback directly influences the Treaty negotiation framework.

Looking ahead, my priority is to build on these insights by continuing to strengthen our engagement efforts and facilitate more in-depth discussions, one-on-one or small focused conversations and be guided by where and how community wishes to be engaged and continually empower their voice in the Treaty process.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has participated and shared their thoughts, stories and aspirations during this period. Your insights and information provided are invaluable, and I am committed to ensuring they guide our path forward.

Over the past few months, there has been a significant increase in community interest regarding the Treaty process in Southeast Victoria (Gippsland). This period has seen heightened engagement from both the Aboriginal and wider communities, with many seeking to understand their roles and how the wider community can support our aspirations for Treaty/Treaties.

This report provides a summary of interactions, meetings, and presentations conducted by me along with other SE members of First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria (FPAV) to foster awareness and involvement in the Treaty process.

Summary of Key Engagements and Meetings

1. FPAV Planning Meetings:

• Yupra: Participation in discussions focused on treaty planning and community engagement strategies.
• Treaty Committee: Active involvement in meetings to advance the Treaty process.
• Self Determination Fund Sub-committee: Engagement in planning the effective use of the Self Determination Fund.
• Southeast Region Planning Meetings: Input into the design/content and structure of community forums scheduled for June.

2. Presentations and Community Outreach:

• One Gippsland Presentation: Addressed a group comprising CEOs of local governments from Baw Baw to East Gippsland along with Troy McDonald, highlighting the importance and progress of the Treaty process.
• Bairnsdale Regional Hospital: Presented alongside the Community Engagement Team, emphasising the role of healthcare institutions in supporting the Treaty.
• Native Title Full Group Members Meeting (Orbost): Provided updates and insights on the Treaty process, Self Determination Fund, Treaty Authority in partnership with Peter Hood and Troy McDonald. The event was well attended (approx. 80 – 100 people) and attendees were active and keen to understand the FPAV journey
• Ramahuyck Aboriginal Cooperative – attended a local community meeting with (Alice Pepper, Troy McDonald and Peter Hood) and provided a high-level overview of the Treaty process and responded to questions from members and as a result, follow up meetings will transpire.
• Mullum Mullum Aboriginal Men’s Gathering in Flinders – supported Indi Clarke and James Thompson
• GLaWAC opening of new office complex in Morwell – there was about 200 plus people including youth and young people attend the open/family day. The SE members took the opportunity to engage and pass out information to interested members of the community.

3. Significant Events and Gatherings:

• Yoorrook Justice Commission: Attended with other FPAV members, where Co-Chairs presented on Land Injustice Hearing
• Statewide Treaty Gathering (Geelong): Participated in a major event to discuss statewide Treaty initiatives.
• The Long Walk: Engaged with community members and leaders, where applicable, promoting awareness of the Treaty process.
• Sorry Day Reconciliation week events and activities

4. Other Roles and Committees:

• Utilsed my position on various boards and committees to disseminate information about Treaty, clarify community aspirations, and encourage broader support and conversation.

Increased Community Interest

During this reporting period, there has been a noticeable increase in community interest, including the wider community who are eager to become allies in the Treaty process. This has been evident through:

• Increased attendance at presentations and forums and one-on-one conversation
• More inquiries from community members and organisations about how they can support and engage with the Treaty process.
• Enhanced collaboration between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in understanding and advancing the Treaty goals.

Focus on Treaty Authority and Self Determination Fund

A significant portion of the discussions and engagements has been cantered around:

• Treaty Authority: Explaining its role in facilitating the Treaty process and ensuring fairness and transparency.
• Self Determination Fund: Highlighting its importance in supporting TOs via the equal footing process and ensuring sustainable self-determination
• ACCOs/ACCCHOs and how they and their members are being considered/included within the process and opportunity to put forward their aspirations etc

Conclusion

The engagement efforts over this period have successfully increased awareness and interest in the Treaty process across Southeast Victoria including the Bass Coast region. There is a growing appetite for information, with many in the wider community starting to show a willingness to step forward and seek clarity about their contributions/support. Continued efforts in community outreach, presentations, and participation in relevant meetings will further strengthen this momentum, paving the way for a successful and inclusive Treaty process.

My name is Brian Stevens, a Gunai man who is your elected representative for the Southeast Region of Victoria. I am committed to fostering understanding and engagement in the Treaty process as well as advocating for change and the embedding of self-determination principles within various mainstream organisations that I work with across the region.

Over the past months, my focus has been on the following:

1. Attending and contributing to discussions at First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria meetings,
2. Raising awareness of the Treaty process and the role of the FPAV
3. Educating community on the establishment and functions of the Self-Determination Fund including the Treaty Authority and Yoorrook.

Insights:

From my engagement activities, there is a hunger for knowledge and a genuine desire to actively participate in the Treaty process. The community has shared valuable insights, and a valuable one being the need to ensure that we listen to community and keep information simple and straightforward and not to overwhelm the mob.

Key takeaways:

1. There is a need for a concentrated and strategic effort to uplift the community’s knowledge and understanding to ensure community members can effectively participate in the Treaty negotiations.
2. Must use the language of the people
3. Delivering information must consider the location and to be culturally safe to ensure mob can have their say
4. Must listen and not be talked at – allowing time for members to digest information
5. Members have expressed concern that the South East region doesn’t get the same attention as Metro and some other regional areas

Implementation:

These insights will inform ongoing work to continually uplift community knowledge and understanding. As the rep for SE Region, I will continue to engage with community members through targeted education and awareness raising initiatives that are currently in development via the Community Engagement Team.

I will continue to work with the other South East representatives to showcase a collective and collaborative process to community engagement to demonstrate that the FPAV is about inclusivity, acknowledging the diversity and strength of the First Peoples across the South East region of Victoria.

Looking ahead:

A strong focus for future activities will be to engage with the ACCOs across the South East, community leaders and Elders and other interested community groups. The strategy will also target families, small focus groups and if applicable, online sessions for community to ask questions and gain more detailed information particularly for those who may not be able to attend during work hours.

Closing Comments:

In conclusion, I want to express my sincere appreciation to members of our community for their enthusiastic engagement and education to this significant journey. Together, we are establishing the groundwork for a future founded on inclusion, respect, self-determination, and collective prosperity. I eagerly anticipate our ongoing collaboration as we work together to build a legacy that future generations will proudly inherit.