We are the First Peoples’ Assembly
We know when it comes to Aboriginal communities, the experts are Aboriginal people.
That’s why we’re negotiating a Treaty with the Victorian Government that will make sure Aboriginal communities always have the freedom and power to make the decisions that affect us, our cultures, and our Country.
Meet the members
Assembly Members represent communities across 5 regions that cover Victoria: Metropolitan, South East, South West, North East and North West.
North West Region
Djaran Murray-Jackson
Dja Dja Wurrung, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa, Waywurru, Barapa Barapa, Wergaia, Wiradjuri
Dylan Clarke
Wotjobaluk, Jaadwajali, Jadwaa, Wergaia, Jupagulk
Jacinta Chaplin
Wadi Wadi and Wamba Wamba
Jason Kelly
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Lowana Moore
Wamba Wamba
Melissa Jones
Latje Latje, Jupagulk
Rodney Carter
Dja Dja Wurrung
North East Region
Belinda Briggs
Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba
Levi Power
Yorta Yorta
Matthew Burns
Taungurung
Nicole Atkinson
Bangerang, Gunditjmara
Metro Region
Alister Thorpe
Gunai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung
Aunty Esme Bamblett
Bangerang, Taungurung and Wiradjuri
Barry Firebrace-Briggs
Yorta Yorta, Ulupna
Gnerick Gnerick Gary Murray
Dhudhuroa, Yorta Yorta, Barapa Barapa, Dja Dja Wurrung, Wamba Wemba, Wergaia, Wiradjeri and Waywurru
Indi Clarke
Wemba Wemba, Mutti Mutti, Boon Wurrung, Trawlwoolway and Lardil
Lisa Briggs
Gunditjmara
Nerita Waight
Yorta Yorta and Narrandjeri
Ngarra Murray
Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung
Tracey Evans
Gunditjmara and Bundjalung
Troy Austin
Gunditjmara
Uncle Andrew Gardiner
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung
Zoe Upton
Bunurong, Trawoolway
South West Region
Aunty Donna Wright
Kerrupmara, Nillaan, Gunditjmara, Dhauwurd wurrung, Djab wurrung, Kamilaroi
Jordan Edwards
Gunditjmara, Waddawurrung and Arrernte
Rueben Berg
Gunditjmara
Sheree Lowe
Gunditjmara, Peek Whurrong, Djab Whurrung, Kirrae Whurrung
Uncle Bryon Powell
Wadawurrung
Uncle Michael “Mookeye” Bell
Gunditjmara, Boandik
South East Region
Alice Pepper
Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti, Gunditjmara and Arrernte
Brian Stevens
Gunai
Peter Hood
Kurnai
Troy McDonald
Gunaikurnai
Inaugural Assembly Members
Meet the Traditional Owners of Country who were chosen by their communities to sit on the very first Assembly from 2019-2023.
THE ELDERS’ VOICE
The Elders’ Voice provides the Assembly with the cultural strength and guidance that is needed on this journey to Treaty – giving our Elders a platform for their voices to be listened to and respected at every step. When Elders speak, we listen.
THE YOUTH VOICE
While the older generations have paved the way for Treaty, our young people will be the ones living it.
The Youth Voice brings young mob together so they can share their ideas and aspirations for Treaty.
ADDITIONAL PATHWAYS
TO RECOGNITION
There are currently 33 Members who sit on the Assembly, 22 occupying general seats and the remaining in reserved seats – designated for each formally recognised Traditional Owner group.
The Assembly has developed an additional pathway for Traditional Owner groups who do not have formal recognition under legislation to apply for a reserved seat.