I am Troy Austin, a proud Gunditjmara man who was born and raised in the northern suburbs of the Melbourne Metropolitan region. I have been fortunate to witness the development of Aboriginal organisations, services and community groups over the past 50 years. Personally, I have been working within Aboriginal community programs and support programs since February 1985. I have witnessed some amazing advancements in the Aboriginal community during this time but I remain concerned that there are numerous social issues that are negatively impacting on our community. I will expand on these issues throughout this report.

I am honoured to be elected to the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria (FPAV) Council at the mid-term elections by my peers. As an extension of my election on to the FPAV Council, I have been appointed as a co-convenor of the Yurpa committee alongside Aunty Donna Wright. I take this opportunity to recognise the amazing leadership of the previous Co-Convenors, Alister Thorpe and Tracey Evans. I cannot speak highly enough of the work that Alister and Tracey have done as the Yurpa Convenors and I look forward to working with them in their new roles as convenors of the Treaty Committee and Audit, Risk & Remuneration Committee respectively.

I am one of ten First Peoples Assembly of Victoria members elected to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members living in the Melbourne Metropolitan region. We also have Andrew Gardiner (Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung) and Zoe Upton (Bunurong) who are Reserve Seat Holders responsible for representing their Traditional Owner groups.

Recent work priorities

The focus of our work over the coming months is to embed the practical outcomes into the negotiations with the State Government. We as FPAV members are briefed by our five negotiators who are “at the table” advocating for a Treaty that will provide improved outcomes for our Future Generations. Whilst the negotiations between the FPAV negotiators and the State Government are confidential, us FPAV Members are provided with broad updates. I have full confidence in the FPAV Negotiators, and I am confident that we will be able to announce some updates of the negotiations in the near future.

As a member of the FPAV Audit, Risk, and Remuneration Committee I have a responsibility to ensure that our company continues to comply with the policies & procedures and manage risks that we encounter. It is vital that we maintain accreditations that allows the FPAV to fulfill our commitments to our community members.

As co-convenors of the Yurpa Committee, Aunty Donna and I will also be responsible for the chairing the Cultural Elements Working Group.

I am also a member of the Treaty Committee which meets to ensure that the work of the FPAV is on track and this space provides an opportunity to debate issues and explore proposals that can be considered by the full FPAV Chamber.

Health issues such as substance abuse and mental health remain a concern of community members that I have spoken to. Community members that are homeless, living in poor conditions or at risk of being evicted are interested in having discussions with FPAV members.

Youth issues continue to be a major concern for me. I have had discussions with various community groups about the urgent need to develop a strategy to reduce the level of negative contact Aboriginal youth have with Victoria Police, Courts and the Criminal Justice system. I would like the opportunity for the FPAV to work with Youth Justice and the Aboriginal Justice Caucus to explore opportunities to reduce the incarceration of our young community members.

Engagement activities

The FPAV and the community have had a busy start to 2025, I had the absolute honour of attending the following events that were held in the first quarter of the year. Attendance at these events demonstrate strong support for the work that the FPAV are doing as we progress towards achieving a Treaty for Victoria in partnership with the State Government of Victoria:

• Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations Forum in Preston
• Traditional Owner Forum in Melbourne (MCEC)
• Statewide Treaty Forum in Yarra Park (MCG)
• Treaty Day Out in Morwell
• State Negotiations Event in Portland

The metro members of the FPAV have developed an engagement strategy that will guide our work and provide opportunities for community members to attend Treaty gatherings similar to those that have been held in Wonthaggi, and venues such as Nairm Marr Djambana in Frankston and Wunggurrwil Dhurrung Centre in Wyndham Vale. If community members or organisations would like us to visit your community, please contact us directly or contact our engagement team.

The Yalingbuth Yalingbu Yirramboi event that I attended in Healesville to commemorate the closure of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station in 1924. The Ilbijerri Theatre Company’s performance of “Coranderrk” provided an understanding of this historical event.

A follow up meeting with the Blak Creative Arts Caucus will assist me in my work as the co-convenor of the Yurpa committee to embed cultural elements into the activities of the FPAV and our negotiations with the State Government.

Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners that attended the Ricci Marks Awards recently. This is a prestigious award that recognised the achievements and contributions of young people in our community. I attended this event alone with Uncle Andrew Gardiner and Nicole Atkinson from the FPAV and we were truly impressed with the quality of nominees for the Ricci Marks Award and Rising Star Award.

I am interested in hearing any feedback about the Back-to-School Family Day held at the Sir Doug Nicholls Oval held in January as we will be undertaking a review of the day to build on the success of this event over the last two years.

Insights

As the cost of living continues to rise the dream of home ownership for many is becoming a dream that is out of reach. I would like to see the development of a strategy that provides support and advise to community members that are endeavouring to purchase a home.

Homelessness, overcrowding and the threat of evictions continue to be a concern that community members raise with me personally and in community settings. I am aware that Aboriginal Housing Victoria have been travelling to communities across Victoria, and I look forward to hearing feedback about the issues that have been raised and how the housing needs of our community can be addressed.

Community members have raised issues about NDIS ranging from concerns that they have with their current provider, knowledge of how to access NDIS or the level of difficulty to register for NDIS. The NDIS structure appears to be a large beast. I am sure that there is a lot of support being provided to community members but there appears to be a level of frustration from community members. I will endeavor to increase my knowledge of NDIS and identify a process for referring queries to the appropriate agency / providers.

Implementation

I commenced the Increased Responsibility Role with the FPAV on 6 January 2025. This provides me with the opportunity to increase my engagement with the local community and provides me with greater autonomy to represent the community without the challenge of juggling two positions and having to avoid potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

I am always grateful and humbled that community members feel confident to share issues with me, I am absolutely committed to advocating on their behalf in an endeavour to achieve improved outcomes.

I encourage all community members to obtain a copy of the Practical Outcomes that the

FPAV are utilising to guide our negotiations with the State Government of Victoria. The Practical Outcomes have been developed as a result of the extensive engagements and consultations attended by our community members. The ongoing attendance at Treaty based events and continued feedback demonstrate strong collective support for a Treaty for Victoria and the work of the FPAV.

Looking ahead

I am excited and look forward to participating in the Walk for Justice with Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett. This initiative will raise awareness of the Yoorrook Commission and issues that have been raised with the Yoorrook Commissioners.

I am committed to working with the Blak Pearl group and the Billabong program to support the work that they are doing to support the “Parkies” (street community) who live day by day in disadvantaged circumstances.

I am fortunate to obtain a ticket to attend a screening of Our Warrior: The Story of Robbie Thorpe. I have been fortunate to witness Robbie’s advocacy over many decades and I look forward to seeing and hearing how his journey has been captured.

I would like to provide opportunities for community members to meet with me and other FPAV members in an informal setting, this will be in addition to the formal forums and community engagement sessions that are organised by our engagement team.

The Koori Youth Council has announced the dates for the upcoming Koori Youth Summit, 1921 May 2025. I encourage youth in the community to contact the Koori Youth Council to find out additional details of this exciting event.

I attended a performance by David Arden: Meerta – Rise Up, The Ballard of James Arden. I thoroughly enjoyed this show and the wonderful story telling of David Arden supported by some great artists. This show will be travelling around Victoria, I recommend it to anyone thinking of attending this event.

Thank you

We need you to raise your awareness of the work that the FPAV are doing and utilise the FPAV members to gather information and advocate on your behalf. There are numerous opportunities to have your voice heard. I am always available to yarn with you individually or with your family or community group.

My name is Troy Austin, I am a proud Gunditjmara man born and raised in the inner suburbs of Melbourne on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land. I pay my respects to Wurundjeri Elders both past and present and their descendants.

As per my previous update, the past few months have been a difficult time for our community, there has been so many community members that have entered the Dreamtime and I send my love and deepest sympathies to everyone that has lost a loved one, friend or colleague during this time. I acknowledge the passing of my Uncle Lawrence Austin (Locky) and send my love to my family members as we mourn his passing. Uncle Locky was a Commonwealth Champion boxer and a legend in and out of the boxing ring.

The past 18 months have been challenging as I have been juggling a number of responsibilities including my role as a Metropolitan Elected Member of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria (FPAV) and Executive Officer of the North Metro RAJAC Executive Officer as well as local community commitments. I am pleased to inform you that I have been successful in my nomination to commence an Increased Responsibility Role at the FPAV for the remainder of my term. I have hit the ground running working from the FPAV office in Collingwood and visiting local organisations and yarning with community members.

I am committed to maintaining my attendance at the Treaty Committee and Yurpa Committee meetings. I continue to make strong contributions at these meeting as well as the two workstreams that have been shaping the work of FPAV. These committees have focused on the development of a Treaty for the Future Generations and strategies to Strengthen Culture, Community and our Families. Given the previous part time nature of my tenure on the FPAV I believe I have fulfilled my obligation to represent the Metropolitan Aboriginal community at these forums. I look forward to now increasing my output and engagement with Aboriginal community members, organisations and mainstream groups to advance a Treaty for Victoria.

I attended the 40-year anniversary of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Incorporated late last year to congratulate their staff and management on the work they continue to coordinate in our community. The sports carnivals, debutante balls, community services courses, youth, justice, housing programs etc were highlighted at the event. Life memberships were awarded to Elders that had made significant contributions to VACSAL and the community.

I am looking forward to the upcoming Statewide Treaty meeting being held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. I am interested in hearing from community members and identify whether the community feel that their messages are being heard by the FPAV. The Regional Forums across Victoria, Statewide Treaty meeting held in Geelong, Treaty Day Out, Treaty in the Park, sporting carnivals, movie nights have provided us Members with the opportunity to listen to our community and pull together practical outcomes and priorities for our Treaty negotiations with the State Government of Victoria. The Premier, Jacinta Allen and her cabinet along with Margaret Gardiner, Governor General of Victoria demonstrated a commitment to work towards a Treaty for Victoria at an amazing ceremony to announce the commencement of Treaty negotiations.

After attending the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies conference in 2024 I will attend either in person or online the 2025 conference. I found the experience of attending the AIATSIS conference to be so enlightening and I was humbled to hear of all the advancements that are being achieved around the country.

I have attended events at Barbunnin Beek in West Heidelberg and congratulate the Board members and volunteers on the work that they are doing to support the community, providing various community activities, providing hampers through their food share project and facilitating the First Peoples Network meetings. I joined our Treaty Engagement Team and provided a presentation to the First Peoples Network about the work of the FPAV and the work that is being done on the Treaty for Victoria.

The Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club have commenced their preseason in preparation for the 2025 season. Hopefully the men’s football sides can win the Premiership this year after losing the Grand Final in 2024. I also look forward to supporting the women’s football, netball and junior teams during 2025.

I attended the Treaty Cup Basketball Match in 2024 and look forward to seeing this event grow in 2025. The Indigenous Basketball Academy continues to grow and provide opportunities for aspiring Basketballers.

I enjoyed an event at the Hume Community Dinner at which Alan Thorpe from Dardi Munwurro spoke about the work he is doing to support community members. The Mayor provided an inspiring speech that talked about community and people coming together. What I loved about this event was that it was an Aboriginal themed event but it was attended by a diversity of communities coming together to celebrate culture and unity, we need more of these activities.

The Victorian Aboriginal Education Association of Victoria, First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, Dhelk Dja North Metro Action Group and the North Metro RAJAC as well as many other organisations such as VACSAL, AALI, Fitzroy Stars, ACES joined together to conduct the Back To School Day to support Aboriginal students and their families to prepare for the 2025 school year.

I was honoured to witness the unveiling of Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter’s statues at the Atherton Gardens. The statue stands as a tribute to the music of two of our community legends but also recognises their connections to local community. It was a proud moment for our community and Uncle Archie’s and Aunty Ruby’s family and friends. My heart was bursting with pride seeing their smiling faces looking over the “square’ where they once shared good times with their “mob”.

The FPAV are committed to ensuring that data sovereignty is protected and remains with Aboriginal people.

There is community concern at the decisive politics that are being used to drive a wedge between the Australian community. It is shameful that issues such as the legitimacy of the Aboriginal flag and the Australia Day debate are being used to gain political points. These issues are creating racis m being experienced by our community members, particularly within the Education sector and local sporting venues.

Community groups and individuals have publicly voiced their opposition to the Victorian Governments decision to reverse a commitment to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14 years of age, The State Government have instead maintained their commitment to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years of age. Many in the community do not believe this decision goes far enough.

I am looking forward to travelling throughout the Metropolitan region to engage with community members and provide updates to community members about the work that the FPAV achieved in the first 18 months of our new term. I will also seek feedback from community members on their thoughts about priority areas that will shape the Treaty as we get closer to signing a Treaty in Victoria. It is exciting as we are closer than we have ever been to achieving a Treaty in Victoria.

I am committed to working with the FPAV Youth Voice Convenors and Koorie Youth Council representatives to establish a commitment to address the issues that are impacting our Aboriginal Youth in the Metropolitan area and across Victoria. We need individuals, families, Aboriginal Organisations and businesses and mainstream agencies to commit to supporting our youth to overcome the challenges they are currently experiencing.

I attended a Christmas Event at the Blak Pearl and a number of issues were raised with me. These issues include the need to support community members to access supports such as housing and NDIS. The community members also discussed the need for investment in Blak Pearl so that the local community group can provide much needed support and services to Aboriginal community members experiencing homelessness, addictions and other social justice issues.

I have put a call out to the community, Aboriginal organisations and mainstream services for assistance to help the Melbourne Aboriginal Youth, Sport and Recreation (MAYSAR) Cooperative to rebuild community support, health and fitness programs from our iconic building in Gertrude Street Fitzroy. For transparency purposes, please note that I am a MAYSAR Board member.

I encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members throughout Victoria to reach out to your local FPAV members to share your thoughts about a Treaty in Victoria, There are some great engagement opportunities coming your way soon, please take the opportunity to learn more about the work that is being done and the opportunities that lie ahead for our families and communities, Our Elders laid the foundation for our rights to be recognised, it is up to all of us to enshrine a Treaty for Future Generations that honours the visions they had for their descendants.

Member update not submitted.

Region: Metropolitan
Reserved Seat: No

Member Content

My name is Troy Austin, I am a proud Gunditjmara man born and bred in the Inner Suburbs of Melbourne on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land. I pay my respects to their Elders both past and present and their descendants.

The past few months have been a difficult time for our community., there has been so many community members that have entered the Dreamtime, and I send my love and deepest sympathies to everyone that has lost a loved one, friend or colleague during this time.

Personally, I have continued to juggle a number of responsibilities including my role as an Elected Member of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria (FPAV) and Executive Officer of the North Metro RAJAC Executive Officer as well as local community commitments.

I have committed to attending the regular Treaty Committee and Yurpa Committee meetings as well as the two workstreams that have been established to shape a body that will implement a Treaty for the Future Generations and Strengthening Culture, Community and our Families. I’ve consistently attended the Chamber, Treaty and Yurpa Committee meetings and have recorded a 92% attendance rate. Given the part time nature of my tenure on the FPAV I believe I am fulfilling my obligations to represent the Metropolitan Aboriginal community at these meetings.

I attended the 40-year anniversary of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Incorporated.

Following on from the Statewide Treaty meeting held in Geelong earlier this year the Metro Treaty Forum also provided community members with an opportunity to learn more about the activities of the FPAV and seek answers to any queries that they had. I have been privileged to attend these forums as well as the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies conference that the FPAV co-hosted.

A Reconciliation Week event at Barbunnin Beek in West Heidelberg provided various community activities for the community and was a great opportunity to celebrate the good work that is being done in the local community in Banyule and neighbouring communities. The First Peoples Network Meeting was also held at Barbunnin Beek, providing an opportunity for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal groups with an opportunity to celebrate achievements and promote services & programs available to the local community. The Treaty Engagement Team was in attendance at both of these community events.

NAIDOC events throughout July including a NAIDOC Community Day at the AALI, Fitzroy Stars Football Matches for Men and Women, Treaty Cup Basketball Match, Hume Community Dinner, NAIDOC Flag Raising, Kangan TAFE event with The Long Walk, Elders Luncheon, Government House Reception with the Governor, NAIDOCV March and NAIDOC Balls in the North Metro and West Metro regions.

The FPAV are committed to ensuring that data sovereignty is protected and remains with Aboriginal people.

I remain concerned about the level of racism being experienced by our community members particularly within the Education sector and at local sporting venues.

Community groups and individuals have publicly voiced their opposition to the Victorian Governments decision to reverse it’s decision to raise the age of criminality responsibility to 14 years of age, The State Government have maintained their commitment to raise the age to 12 but many in the community do not believe that this decision goes far enough,

The FPAV Chamber meeting in Portland in June was a productive forum and allowed the Chamber to consider priority areas that could be included in a Statewide Treaty and identify strategies that will allow us to be effective in our deliberations leading into future negotiations with the State Government.

The FPAV submitted our Declaration of Readiness to the Treaty Authority signalling our intention to negotiate with the State of Victoria. I have promoted the opportunity for community members to register their support or comments in relation to the FPAV intention to negotiate a Treaty, these comments are to be received by 17 September 2024.

The Launch of the Treaty Authority at the Treetops Melbourne Museum was a historic occasion and signified the importance of the work that is being achieved as we set our sights on achieving Australia’s first Treaty, It was significant that our FPAV members met at the Fig Tree at the top of Gertrude Street Fitzroy where our Elders would gather long before we had Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

The ACCOs Sector meeting held with FPAV members in Preston provided an opportunity for clarification about the role of ACCOs once a TREATY is negotiated. The ACCOs and FPAV members committed to coming together later in the year to resume these discussions.

I have joined the Youth Voice Working Group and have welcomed the discussions to consider how the Youth Voice being established by FPAV will engage and work with the Koorie Youth Council and local youth groups across the state. This is an exciting opportunity to inform our youth about Treaty and strengthen young peoples voices and advocacy in Victoria.

I am looking forward to the Chamber meeting in Swan Hill and the opportunity to meet with the Elders Voice.
I welcome the new members of the FPAV; Lowana Moore, Reserve Seat Holder for the Wamba Wemba Traditional Owner Group and Lisa Briggs, Elected Metro Member. I also thank Shane Charles for his time on the FPAV, it was a pleasure working with Shane over the past 12 months.

I encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members throughout Victoria to reach out to your local FPAV members to share your thoughts about a Treaty in Victoria, There are some great engagement opportunities coming your way soon, please take the opportunity to learn more about the work that is being done and the opportunities that lie ahead for our families and communities, Our Elders laid the foundations for our rights to be recognised, it is up to all of us to enshrine a Treaty for Future Generations that honours their visions for their descendants.

My name is Troy Austin. I am a proud Gunditjmara man, born and raised in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. I am honoured to have been elected as a Metropolitan member on the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria (Assembly) to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members across Melbourne and throughout Victoria.

The Assembly has progressed a lot of initiatives since we were elected in June 2023, building on the foundational work of the inaugural Assembly. The Yoorrook Justice Commission, Self Determination Fund and Treaty Authority are major establishments that have been achieved by the Assembly.

The standing up of the Elders Voice, a Youth Voice, the recent Statewide Gathering and Regional Gatherings that are being held across Victora, will help the Assembly set our priorities for negotiations with the State Government.

Since joining the Assembly I have been committed to developing my knowledge of the various elements of the Assembly’s work and gaining an understanding various documents and frameworks that are designed to navigate the pathway to achieving a Treaty in Victoria.

I am committed to two workstreams of the Assembly:

• Workstream 1 – Future Assembly and Transformed Relationships and
• Workstream 3 – Strengthening Culture, Communities and Families

These two committees will help shape what a future Assembly will look like, consider how decisions will be made through a future voice of our people and continue truth telling and healing initiatives. I have always been committed to improving Justice and Social Justice outcomes for our people and I continue to strive for advancements in Health, Housing, Employment and Education.

I am a member of the Yurpa Committee that is responsible for strengthening the cultural governance of the Assembly. I am also a member of the Treaty Committee that supports the Chamber in relation to progressing a Treaty and the Self Determination Fund.

Whilst a majority of my community consultation has been centred in the northern suburbs I am committed to visiting other areas throughout the metropolitan region to hear their local issues and witnessing firsthand the amazing work that is being done.

I recently attended the VACSAL 40 Year Anniversary and was proud to be present to hear the induction of Aunty Margaret Atkinson, Uncle John Gorrie and Uncle Phil Cooper as Life members of the organisation. I am a regular attendee at the Fitzroy Stars men’s and women’s football matches. I have attended community engagements at Barbunnin Beek, Wandarra Aboriginal Corporation and I attended the Ngarra Jarra Noun Healing Ceremony. I was proud to hear the Chief Commissioner of Police gave an unconditional apology to the Stolen Generation. I also attended the weeklong Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies conference which I found to be an amazing experience.

I am concerned about the level of racism that is being reported in schools, on the sporting fields and in the general community. Racism appears to have escalated since the failed Voice Referendum but maybe it is just being reported more as our mob are committed to calling it out and saying Enough Is Enough!!!

This is a small snapshot of the work that I have been doing and I welcome the opportunity to expand on this report with you in the future. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to attend the Assembly’s regional discussions or our local engagements that are being held throughout your local communities so you can have your say and hear about the work that we are doing by the Assembly.

I would like to wish everyone a very happy NAIDOC, stay Blak, Loud and Proud and Keep The Fires Burning.  If you see me out and about be sure to come and have a yarn.

Kind regards,

Troy Austin

FPAV Metro Member

I pay my respects to the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation and honour their Elders both past and present. I thank them for allowing me to live, work and play on their land and raise my family in Naarm.

My name is Troy Austin, I am a proud man of the Fighting Gunditjmara. I was born and raised in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne. I have been fortunate to witness the growth and achievements of many Aboriginal organisations from humble beginnings in Fitzroy. Our organisations are now considered among the best in their fields.

My community contribution commenced around 1985 when I decided it was my time to leave school and go to work with my dad, Jock Austin at the Fitzroy Stars Aboriginal Community Youth Club Gymnasium following the sad and untimely death of his brother and co-worker, my Uncle John ‘Longfella’ Austin.

Other positions I have held include the Tumbukka Regional Chairperson of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) representing western half of Victoria from the North West Metro Area up to Mildura and across to Portland. I was a members of Steve Bracks’s Premiers Advisory Committee and was instrumental in the establishment of organisations such as those now known as the Koorie Youth Council and Djirra. I became the ATSIC Commissioner of Victoria representing our State at the National level until the Howard Government closed ATSIC stripping our people of our voice at local, regional, national and even international levels after a mere 10 years of existence. I worked for Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and led consultations across Victoria to establish 38 Local Aboriginal Networks. I am currently the Executive Officer for the North Metro Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee, a position I have held since 2005.

I have a personal passion for the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club dating back to 1978. I enjoy a game of Golf with my fellow members of the Indigenous Golf Association Victoria, and I follow the 2023 AFL Premiers the Collingwood Football Club.

Among the priority areas that I am focussed on include Youth Justice, Justice, Health, Housing, Education, Child Protection and Sport and Recreation. It is challenging to see Aboriginal Children in detention and the level of incarceration of Aboriginal community members breaks my heart. The recent report that only four of the targets in the Closing the Gap strategy are being met reinforced the need for Treaty/Treaties and calls for Aboriginal people to take control of portfolios that impact on our people. True self-determination means that Aboriginal people should be developing initiatives and strategies to address the needs of our community and we should be properly resourced to deliver spiritual, cultural, physical and emotional care of our people.

My engagement activities include attending the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria run community engagements. I believe that these engagements are important and provide the opportunity for community members to come together to discuss issues, engage with FPAV staff, Elected members and Traditional Owner representatives. I encourage the attendance at these events as it keeps community members informed and provides an opportunity for us members to engage and stay connected to the community and meet new people. I have had the privilege of hearing what is happening in people’s lives and what their thoughts are about the benefits or challenges that the concept of a Treaty presents.

My engagement activities have included yarns with community members at meetings and community events. It is promising to witness firsthand how invested community members are in the Treaty process. Community members understand that we are in the early stages of developing a Treaty with the State Government in Victoria, but they are eager to see the detail of what a Treaty will look like.

I look forward to hearing the enthusiasm of youth voices and the continued wisdom of Elders as we move towards the development of a Treaty in Victoria.

During my time with ATSIC I travelled throughout Victoria to hear the voices of Elders and other community members and what their thoughts were of a National Treaty. Our motto back then, in the early 2000’s was Treaty – Let’s Get It Right! That motto is still relevant today as we begin negotiations for State and local Treaties here in Victoria. We are all determined to get to a Treaty, and it is well and truly overdue, but I believe that we must get it right, as there may not be opportunities to rectify the Agreement in the future. What we negotiate today will impact our Children, Grandchildren and generations to come, “Let’s Get It Right”.

I support the structures that have been established by the inaugural FPAV members, they have set a strong foundation for the current structure and Governance of the FPAV and this has placed it on a solid position to strengthen our hand in negotiations with the State Government. The work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and recently announced Treaty Authority provides greater clarity and transparency than anything that has preceded this current structure. The FPAV are 100 per cent committed to walking with our community and this continued at the recent Treaty Day Out event and the upcoming Statewide Treaty Gathering where we will listen intently to your thoughts and directions as well as share our personal and collective aspirations.