Wawa yumaagu, my name is Kaley Nicholson and I am the elected Representative Seat Holder for the Taungurung Nation in the North East Region. My family lines are in Taungurung, Bunurong/Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa, Wemba Wemba, Mutthi Mutthi, Latji Latji, Wiradjuri.

Work priorities:

Over this quarter, my work priorities have shifted from helping shape the Treaty to actively progressing it through the key democratic stages needed to bring it to life. I was present in Parliament for the tabling of the Treaty Bill and the debates that followed, hearing firsthand the positions being put forward and the commitments being made from both sides of government. Being there as the Bill moved through both Houses reinforced the importance of maintaining momentum and safeguarding the integrity of the process.

I also had the privilege of standing with other Members for two historic milestones: the formal signing of the Treaty on the banks of the Birrarung, and the Royal Assent at Government House, marking the Bill’s final step into law. These moments were deeply grounding and a reminder that Treaty is no longer an idea we are advocating for, but now a legal framework we are responsible for implementing.

As the focus moves from legislation to implementation, my priorities are now shifting toward preparing for Gellung Warl and ensuring First Peoples are ready to take up the powers and responsibilities this next phase brings. I am continuing to work closely with TLaWC to strengthen communications, member engagement, and nation-level readiness, so that Taungurung voices remain strong and well-informed as we move into this new era of Treaty in Victoria.

Engagement activities:

Over this quarter, much of my regional engagement has focused on keeping Taungurung members informed and connected to the progress of Treaty. Updates have been shared through the TLaWC newsletter, ensuring that our community has clear, timely information about each stage of the Bill and what it means as we move toward Gellung Warl.

I’ve continued working closely with Jen, our TLaWC Treaty Engagement Manager, to shape how we communicate Treaty developments across the Nation. Together, we’ve been planning future engagement opportunities, reviewing member feedback, and strengthening the way we share updates so that our mob feel confident, informed, and able to participate in the next phase of Treaty.

Alongside this local work, I have also attended a number of formal engagements in Melbourne connected to the progress of the Treaty Bill – including the tabling and debate in Parliament, the signing of the Treaty on the Birrarung, and the Royal Assent at Government House. While these milestones required significant time in the city, they have been essential to representing Taungurung interests and understanding firsthand how the process is unfolding at the State level.

Insights:

Over this quarter, a consistent message from community has been the need for clear, accessible information about what is actually in the Treaty Bill and how it will be implemented. Many members have expressed support for the progress being made, but also a desire for practical explanations – what the new structures mean, how Gellung Warl will operate, and what powers and responsibilities First Peoples will hold once the framework is fully in place.

There is a strong appetite for ongoing updates delivered in plain language, with a focus on how these changes will directly affect Taungurung people, Country and our governance. Community want to understand not just the high-level vision, but the day-to-day implications: how decisions will be made, how accountability will work, and how we ensure our Nation’s priorities are protected and advanced within the new system.

Implementation:

These insights reinforce the importance of continued engagement, steady communication, and creating opportunities for members to ask questions, seek clarity and shape the way our Nation prepares for implementation. The message is clear – keep informing, keep explaining, and keep grounding Treaty in the realities of our people’s lives.

Looking ahead:

In the months ahead, my focus will shift firmly toward the implementation phase of Treaty and ensuring Taungurung people are informed, prepared and positioned to engage with the structures created under the new legislation. A key piece of work will be supporting our Nation’s readiness for Gellung Warl -making sure community understand what this next stage means, how it will operate, and the opportunities it creates for stronger self-determination.

I’ll continue working closely with Jen and the TLaWC team to roll out further communications and engagement activities. This will include more updates in the TLaWC newsletter, targeted information sessions, and opportunities for members to ask questions and provide feedback as the implementation work unfolds.

Community members will have several ways to connect with me during this period — through upcoming TLaWC engagement events, online Q&A opportunities, and informal conversations as I’m out on Country or attending regional gatherings – including the camp this coming weekend! As implementation ramps up, I’m committed to being accessible, transparent and available to ensure Taungurung voices stay centred in every stage of this next chapter.

Conclusion:

As we enter this new chapter of Treaty, I want to thank our Taungurung community for your trust, your patience, and the guidance you continue to offer. These past months have shown just how important it is that we walk forward together – informed, united, and grounded in the strength of our Ancestors.

The road ahead is big, but it is ours. I’m committed to keeping you updated, answering your questions, and making sure our Nation’s voice stays strong as we move into implementation and prepare for Gellung Warl. Your insight and involvement will shape what comes next, and I’m grateful for every conversation, every challenge, and every bit of encouragement along the way.

Ngun godjin – thank you for continuing to stand with me in this work.

Wawa yumaagu, my name is Kaley Nicholson and I am the elected Representative Seat Holder for the Taungurung Nation in the North East Region. My family lines are in Taungurung, Bunurong/Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa, Wemba Wemba, Mutthi Mutthi, Latji Latji, Wiradjuri.

Work priorities:

Over the past few months, I’ve moved from finding my feet in the Assembly to actively contributing to the work that will take us closer to Treaty. I’ve deepened my understanding of where negotiations are at, the outcomes we’re working towards, and how these will deliver meaningful benefits for Mob across the state.

Alongside this, I’ve been working closely with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) team to roll out our communications and engagement plan. This has involved hearing directly from our members via a survey, about what they know, what they want to learn, and what matters most to them in Treaty. The feedback gathered is helping to shape how I represent our Nation’s priorities in the Chamber and ensuring our community’s voice is strong in these negotiations.

Engagements:

Over the past few months, I’ve participated in the regional forums, which took us to towns right across our region. I attended the Shepparton, Echuca, Mansfield, and Seymour sessions, where we engaged with community to share updates on where Treaty negotiations are at and to listen to their views, questions, concerns and aspirations. These yarns were a vital part of ensuring our community stays informed and that their perspectives continue to shape the work we do as their representatives on the Assembly.

Insights:

From my conversations with community, a number of clear messages have come through. People want to be well-informed about Treaty and the work of the Assembly, with regular, accessible updates and opportunities to ask questions. They want to see the Assembly operate with integrity and transparency, ensuring decisions are made ethically and in the best interests of all First Peoples.

A general concern has also been raised about how personal information will be used — particularly around fears that enrolling on the Assembly’s electoral roll might mean their details are shared with government. I’ve been able to reassure community that this is not the case, and that their information is kept private and protected – in line with the principles of data sovereignty. Importantly, people want their rights and interests to be genuinely represented and safeguarded throughout the Treaty process.

Implementation:

These insights reinforce the importance of keeping community at the centre of my work. I’ll continue to prioritise clear, transparent communication and make sure updates on Treaty progress are accessible and easy to understand. I’ll also keep addressing misinformation, particularly around how personal information is used, so that people feel safe and confident to engage.

Most importantly, I’ll use what I’ve heard to guide how I represent our Nation and the broader First Peoples of Victoria in the Chamber and on the Assembly; ensuring our community’s rights, interests, and priorities are strongly advocated for, and that the Assembly operates in a way that upholds integrity and trust on the journey to Treaty.

Looking ahead:

In the coming months, I’ll be focusing on continuing to represent Taungurung priorities in the Chamber and preparing for our Taungurung Treaty Camp in October, a key opportunity for members to come together, yarn about Treaty, and share their perspectives. I’ll also be continuing to provide regular updates through our monthly newsletter to keep everyone informed on progress and opportunities.

Community members are always welcome to reach out to me directly at any time to ask questions, share feedback, or raise issues they want represented in the Chamber.

Conclusion:

I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts, concerns, and hopes with me over the past few months. Your voices are at the heart of this work, and every conversation helps shape how I represent our Nation in the Chamber. We’re on this journey to Treaty together, and I’m committed to making sure Taungurung voices are heard loud and clear every step of the way.

Wawa yumaagu, my name is Kaley Nicholson and I am the elected Representative Seat Holder for the Taungurung Nation in the North East Region. My family lines are in Taungurung, Bunurong/Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa, Wemba Wemba, Mutthi Mutthi, Latji Latji, Wiradjuri.

Recent work priorities:

Whilst my main priority has been continuing to find my feet in the Assembly, getting up to speed with where negotiations are at and how the outcomes are expected to be and how they’ll benefit Mob across the state. In addition to this, I have also been working with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) team to put together a comms and engagement plan to better understand what members know about Treaty, what they want to know more about and where their priorities sit.

Engagement activities:

I attended the Taungurung Treaty Readiness camp in May, presented to the TLaWC Board of Directors and am currently running a community survey aimed at establishing a baseline of where communities knowledge is and what they may want to know more about.

Insights:

Community are keen to build their knowledge of the differences between state-wide and individual treaties and what each can achieve. They’re actively seeking opportunities for engagement and knowledge share and they’re excited about what Treaty can deliver for them, their families, the broader community and for Country.

Implementation:

Once I have the results of the survey I will develop a set of content pillars and an engagement plan to support the increase in knowledge about Treaty amongst members. I will also incorporate any direction received from members into my advocacy work on the Assembly to ensure the views of Taungurung community are incorporated into the development of the state-wide treaty.

Looking ahead:

I remain focused on providing clarity to members about the difference between Statewide and Traditional Owner Treaties and what they may achieve. I am also focused on encouraging members to enrol/update their enrolment details with FPAV to ensure their input is captured in broader processes.

I will continue to attend the TLaWC Treaty Readiness Camps, present to the Board and be available to community for one on one yarns as well as providing regular updates on key details in the TLaWC Newsletter around the Statewide Treaty. In addition to this I will work with the TLaWC Treaty Manager on the Taungurung Treaty so that members can increase their knowledge and awareness of each Treaty.

Thank you:

It’s been a huge few months in the Treaty space, and I continue to be inspired by the resilience and dedication of our People in this work. Every conversation, every challenge, and every step forward reminds me why this process matters. We’re not just negotiating agreements, we’re asserting our sovereignty, honouring our Ancestors, and shaping a future that reflects our strength, our stories, and our right to self-determination.

I’m proud to walk alongside so many fierce and committed Mob, and I’m holding deep hope for what we are building together.

My name is Kaley Nicholson and I am the elected Representative Seat Holder for the Taungurung Nation in the North East Region. My family lines are Taungurung, Bunurong/Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa, Wemba Wemba, Mutthi Mutthi, Latji Latji, Wiradjuri.

My main priority has been finding my feet in the Assembly and getting up to speed with where negotiations are at, what the key outcomes are expected to be and how they’ll benefit Mob across the state.

I attended the Taungurung Treaty Readiness camp in February – this was supported by the North East engagement team and the Policy team. We did the Treaty for Generations workshop and had some deadly merch for Mob in attendance.

Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) members are confused about the difference between Statewide Treaty and Traditional Owner Treaties. They are unclear on what a Statewide Treaty will achieve.

I am focused on providing clarity to members about the difference between Statewide and Traditional Owner Treaties and what they may achieve. I am also focused on encouraging members to enrol/update their enrolment details with FPAV to ensure their input is captured in broader processes.

I am providing some key detail in the TLaWC Newsletter around the Statewide Treaty – this is supported by additional information from the TLaWC Treaty Manager on the Taungurung Treaty so that members can increase their knowledge and awareness of each Treaty.

My first month on The Assembly has been deadly – the Co-Chairs and the other members have been so welcoming and helpful in making sure I am up to speed on where the work is at and my confidence is growing as the weeks progress.

If any community members have any feedback or would like to arrange a visit please feel free to reach out!