Uncle Michael “Mookeye” Bell

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