First Peoples’ Assembly to meet with locals

NEWLY elected members of The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria will come together next weekend to connect with their supporters and the wider community.

North West Member, Djaran Murray-Jackson, said the event was being held for people to meet the new representatives of the body and to learn more about the First Peoples’ Assembly.

“Everyone’s welcome to come down if you want to learn about the treaty and whatever else is happening with the First Peoples’ Assembly, it’s a good place to start,” he said.

Mr Murray-Jackson said although advertised as an event to meet the North West members, there would be First Peoples Assembly representatives from all across the state in attendance.

Previously a staffer for First Peoples assembly, Mr Murray-Jackson was elected to the Dja Dja Wurrung reserve seat this year and said he is excited about the work that lies ahead.

“There are a few things to sort out in terms of our own cultural governance with the Assembly,” he said.

“How do we get other groups who aren’t recognised at the table, how do we set up our elders voice, our youth voice?

“Then hopefully in six to 12 months once the treaty authority is established, which is the independent umpire for treaty negotiations, we’ll be negotiating the first treaty in the country which is pretty exciting.”

Mr Murray-Jackson said improving the treatment of First Nations people in corrections facilities was particularly important to him and negotiating better outcomes through a treaty was the best way to go about achieving that.

The event will run from 4pm to 7pm on Monday 11 September at Lakeside Resort in Bendigo and attendance can be registered via Eventbrite.