Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Jun 01, 2025
Outside the box.
Dja Dja Wurrung People Initiate Local Treaty Process in Victoria
First Traditional Owner group in Victoria to engage in treaty negotiations with state government
The Dja Dja Wurrung people of central Victoria have made a significant advancement in Indigenous rights by becoming the first Traditional Owner group in the state to initiate local treaty making.
The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA), representing the Dja Dja Wurrung, has formally registered with the Treaty Authority, an independent body overseeing treaty processes, signaling readiness to negotiate a treaty with the Victorian government.
CEO of DJAARA, Rodney Carter, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting the historical context of the Dja Dja Wurrung people's exclusion from the wealth generated from their traditional lands since the 1830s.
"Since the 1830s, non-Aboriginal People have used Country’s resources to generate incredible wealth, establishing intergenerational advantage and privilege, while Djaara have been excluded," Carter said.
He also highlighted the disruption to their culture and homeland, asserting that the conditions for negotiation had not been equitable.
The process will involve consultations within the community to determine the priorities and focus of the treaty, and a delegation will be formed to handle negotiations with the state officials.
Djaran Murray-Jackson, a director of the DJAARA board, stated, "Local Treaty will be led by our mob and focus on the issues that are important here on Dja Dja Wurrung Country." Murray-Jackson underscored the cultural significance of land, indicating that discussions around land management and care for Country would be key components of the negotiations, consistent with their Dhelkunya Dja, Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan.
Following the registration with the Treaty Authority, a public notification marks the beginning of preparatory work.
The Treaty Authority is expected to assist the Dja Dja Wurrung in getting ready for negotiations.
Thelma Austin, a member of the Treaty Authority and Gunditjmara woman, remarked on the historic nature of this step for First Nations peoples in Victoria, expressing commitment to ensure a fair process.
Austin voiced aspirations for achieving justice, self-determination, empowerment, and fostering reconciliation among all Victorians.
The territory of the Dja Dja Wurrung people encompasses a significant region in central Victoria, including municipalities such as Bendigo, Daylesford, and St Arnaud.
Rueben Berg, Co-Chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, extended congratulations to DJAARA, recognizing the importance of enabling Aboriginal communities to exercise their expertise in managing local cultures and lands.
The Assembly itself is engaged in negotiations for a statewide treaty with the Victorian government, with updates on that process anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA), representing the Dja Dja Wurrung, has formally registered with the Treaty Authority, an independent body overseeing treaty processes, signaling readiness to negotiate a treaty with the Victorian government.
CEO of DJAARA, Rodney Carter, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting the historical context of the Dja Dja Wurrung people's exclusion from the wealth generated from their traditional lands since the 1830s.
"Since the 1830s, non-Aboriginal People have used Country’s resources to generate incredible wealth, establishing intergenerational advantage and privilege, while Djaara have been excluded," Carter said.
He also highlighted the disruption to their culture and homeland, asserting that the conditions for negotiation had not been equitable.
The process will involve consultations within the community to determine the priorities and focus of the treaty, and a delegation will be formed to handle negotiations with the state officials.
Djaran Murray-Jackson, a director of the DJAARA board, stated, "Local Treaty will be led by our mob and focus on the issues that are important here on Dja Dja Wurrung Country." Murray-Jackson underscored the cultural significance of land, indicating that discussions around land management and care for Country would be key components of the negotiations, consistent with their Dhelkunya Dja, Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan.
Following the registration with the Treaty Authority, a public notification marks the beginning of preparatory work.
The Treaty Authority is expected to assist the Dja Dja Wurrung in getting ready for negotiations.
Thelma Austin, a member of the Treaty Authority and Gunditjmara woman, remarked on the historic nature of this step for First Nations peoples in Victoria, expressing commitment to ensure a fair process.
Austin voiced aspirations for achieving justice, self-determination, empowerment, and fostering reconciliation among all Victorians.
The territory of the Dja Dja Wurrung people encompasses a significant region in central Victoria, including municipalities such as Bendigo, Daylesford, and St Arnaud.
Rueben Berg, Co-Chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria, extended congratulations to DJAARA, recognizing the importance of enabling Aboriginal communities to exercise their expertise in managing local cultures and lands.
The Assembly itself is engaged in negotiations for a statewide treaty with the Victorian government, with updates on that process anticipated in the upcoming weeks.
