By Felicia Dean
Chief Executive Officer, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative
Victoria has made history. With the passing of the Statewide Treaty Bill, our State has taken an important and courageous step toward a fairer future. As CEO of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative, I welcome this moment with both pride and hope.
For generations, our Elders, leaders and community members have carried the flame of self-determination. They have advocated, taught, guided and kept the vision of justice and recognition alive, often through immense challenge. This decision honours their work and their resilience.
Treaty is a pathway built on truth-telling, respect and partnership. It means sitting at the table together and making decisions about the policies, services and systems that impact Aboriginal people. It is about creating better outcomes in education, health, housing, employment and cultural wellbeing, outcomes that strengthen our entire state.
Here on Yorta Yorta country, our community knows the power of working together. Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative has long stood for justice, self-determination and healing, and this moment aligns deeply with those values. I am excited for our mob, for our organisation and for every Victorian who believes in a more just and inclusive future.
This is the beginning of a new way forward. I encourage everyone, our staff, our partners and the broader community to take a moment to reflect on what Treaty means for you, and for the generations who will follow.
Congratulations to the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. We all have a role to play in Treaty.
Let’s go Victoria.
