By Aaron Cordy
RUMBALARA Football and Netball Club held the 17th annual Dungala Kaiela Oration, co-hosted by the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne, with Yorta Yorta and other First Nations communities and members of the wider Goulburn Murray region, on Thursday, August 21.
A packed room heard speeches from Kaiela Institute Executive Director Dr Paul Briggs AO, University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Emma Johnston AO, Goulburn-Murray Water Director David McKenzie, hosted and Dr Karyn Ferguson, with a special performance by James Henry.
Proud Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman and co-chair of Victoria’s First Peoples’ Assembly, Ngarra Murray, who delivered a powerful speech on the opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth as Victoria progresses toward its first Treaty.
Ngarra spoke passionately about growing up in South Shepparton in the ‘80s, the connection to family and community, and the unfortunate way in which indigenous children and people were treated.
“For generations, our people have faced exclusion, discrimination and injustice on our own country, yet we have never allowed it to define us,” said Ngarra.
“Instead, we rise with pride in who we are, carrying the strength of our ancestors and the love of our communities. We continue to walk forward with our heads held high, shaping a future where respect and equality are the foundation of our society.”
Ngarra’s passion and understanding of not only the past but building for the future was an inspiration to everyone in the room.
“Now here I am. I’m still that little Blak girl in many ways from the south end, a little older, a little wiser, holding that same fire inside,” said Ngarra.
“I stand in rooms with leaders and speak truth without fear. I’ve learnt that the truest power is not in where you start in life, but in what you stand for.
“Treaty offers us the chance to reshape the story of this country – to move from denial to truth, from division to respect, and from brokenness to healing.”
