www.firstnationstelegraph.com
New Indigenous voice in Victoria
(Front Row from left) Hon Alan Tudge MP, Austin Sweeney, Matthew Storey, Joe Anka, Graham Atkinson and AttorneyGeneral Robert Clark. (Back Row) Thomas Clarke, Jeremey Clark, Janine Coombs and Trish Terry.
by Sarah Jones 3 June 2014
T
here is a new voice in Victoria, dedicated to increasing political engagement between government and Victoria’s Traditional Owners, increasing economic development and protecting Country. The Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners (The Federation) is the first alliance of its kind in Victoria and is comprised of six Traditional Owner Corporations who between them have recognition and legal rights and interests over nearly half the State of Victoria. The Federation includes: • Barengi Gadjin Land Council • Dja Dja Wurrung Clans
Aboriginal Corporation, • Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, • Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, • Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation • Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council. Janine Coombs, Chairperson of the Federation, said: “The Federation is a united voice for Victorian Traditional Owners which should make it easier for government and industry to work in partnership with us to look after Country and unlock the economic potential of our land, creating jobs and offering real reconciliation.”
The Federation launched at Queens Hall in Parliament House where the Attorney-General, The Hon. Robert Clark, MP and the Hon. Alan Tudge MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, both offered their congratulations. The launch was timed as part of National Reconciliation Week and comes just before the 22nd anniversary of the 1992 High Court Mabo decision on June 3, which triggered the changes to Aboriginal Land Rights and paved the way for native title agreements. The Theme of National Reconciliation Week is ‘walking the talk’ and the Federation is ready to do just that.
Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters
Give your kids a great start to school
Find out more
Page 1