Ngata, I acknowledge the Elders, Traditional Owners and First Nations People living/connected in the South West Region of Victoria.
I’m Michael “Mookeye” Bell, a Gunditjmara/Boandik Man of the Far South West of Victoria. I’ll be turning sixty this year and I’m married to Sandra Bell, a Yorta Yorta Woman, and we have two adult sons Billy & Micko. Billy’s partner is Lisa O’Brien with his son Archie, and Lisa’s two older boys Tyler and Bailey are all a part of our family.
I believe in creating a treaty within the state of Victoria. I see this term of Cultural Governance as being significant in enhancing our pathways to strengthen our voices on matters that define us and impact on us.
A strength of mine is working in partnership with others from our communities, as it is important in negotiating a state-wide treaty for all First Peoples who live in our state of Victoria.
For me a State-Wide Treaty needs to acknowledge the rights that have been created by our T/O groups, ACCHO’s and Peak Agencies whilst enhancing the wellbeing of all the First Nation Peoples of Victoria and our environment.
Wurruk
Member for the South West region
Uncle Michael “Mookeye” Bell
Gunditjmara, Boandik