These community talks, co-chaired by Aunty Charmaine Clarke and Uncle Andrew Gardiner, will directly inform how the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria sets up the Elders’ Voice.
The Elders’ Voice will ensure Elders can provide input on rules surrounding how treaties will be developed and respected.
Mr Gardiner said Elders’ Voice was something the community had been calling for since the beginning of the Treaty process in 2019.
“Today marks a historic day for Victoria’s path to Treaty and I am proud to stand alongside Aunty Charmaine and help drive this important decision,” Mr Gardiner said.
The assembly will not negotiate any treaties; instead, it works with the Victorian Government to create the negotiation framework treaties will eventually be processed through.
The assembly is also in charge of agreeing whether there should be a single, statewide treaty, multiple local treaties or both, what should be included in treaties and who negotiates and is represented by treaties.
Local Traditional Owner groups include the Yorta Yorta, with offices in Shepparton and Barmah, the Dja Dja Wurrung with offices in Bendigo, the Taungurung with offices in Broadford, and the Bangerang.
More information about meeting dates and locations will be uploaded at firstpeoplesvic.org/our-work/elders-voice/
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