TREATY TALKS: Shire to host free community discussion during NAIDOC Week

A FREE community event about the future of treaty in Victoria and what it might look like will be held in Torquay next week as part of NAIDOC Week.

The Surf Coast Shire will host the July 10 event titled “Talking Treaty”.

It will be led by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles.

The theme of NAIDOC Week (July 7-14) this year is “Voice Treaty Truth: Let’s work together for a shared future”, and the Surf Coast Shire said the event – for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people – is an opportunity to encourage and support deeper local conversations.

“Many people would have seen that the Victorian Government is working with Aboriginal Victorians towards Australia’s first treaty, so our ‘Talking Treaty’ event is timely,” shire mayor Rose Hodge said.

“It will see Corrina discuss what treaty is and what it might mean for Wadawurrung and for Victoria. It could cover reconciliation, it could be an avenue for truth-telling or it could recognise the unique position of Aboriginal Victorians. We’re so excited to hear Corrina’s insights as she leads this important discussion.”

“Talking Treaty” will be held at the council chambers in Torquay on Wednesday July 10 from 6.30-8.30pm.

To book, head to eventbrite.com.au/e/63841209777.

The council is also supporting a series of Art Talks events. People are invited to join decorated artist and curator Maree Clarke at Qdos Arts Lorne on Sunday, July 7 for “Revisiting the Past” as she recognises the sovereignty of Aboriginal culture in Australia.

On July 14, award-winning writer Jock Serong will headline a free “Rewriting the Past” session at Torquay Library, focusing on using fiction to think about the truth of white settlement. Places are limited to 20 people. Mr Serong will also lead a similar session at Qdos Arts later in the day.

“NAIDOC Week is a highlight on our annual calendar. What better way to get involved than to be part of important conversations?” Cr Hodge said.

“I encourage people to embrace the week as an opportunity to learn from and celebrate our Indigenous people.”

The Surf Coast Shire spans the lands of three Aboriginal nations – Wadawurrung, Gulidjan and Gadabanud.

For more information about NAIDOC Week and details of council-supported events, head to the website at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/NAIDOC.