My name is Ngarra Murray and I’m a proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa, and Dja Dja Wurrung woman with many familial connections across Victoria and NSW. I’m the Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria living and working on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country representing the diverse Aboriginal Communities of the Metropolitan region for a second term. It’s an incredible responsibility and honour to be elected to the Assembly alongside 31 other deadly Members who represent all the regions of Victoria as we work towards Treaties. 

The Assembly is more than just an organisation; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of our people, a diverse tapestry of leaders, trailblazers, activists, and advocates who have tirelessly fought for justice, equal rights, and the recognition of our connection to Country. We stand on the shoulders of those who raised their fists and marched for a better life, equal opportunities, and a brighter future for our children and communities.

Our purpose is clear – to reclaim our people’s power and freedom, ensuring decisions affecting our communities, culture, and Country are in our hands. In this collective journey towards Treaty, we are confident that it will strengthen the common bonds uniting us all.

Treaty is more than a destination; it’s a journey that will deepen connections to the land and each other. Envision a future where rights, dignity, and sovereignty are respected for all, creating a healed and healthy country where every individual plays a part and bears responsibility.

Reflecting on the achievements of the last term, we laid the foundation for Treaty-making, establishing ground rules, an independent Treaty umpire, and a Self-Determination Fund, a monumental feat thanks to the commitment of members and support of our communities. The diversity within this Assembly mirrors the richness of our communities, and through Treaty, we are poised to return decision-making power to Aboriginal hands, delivering better outcomes through respect, equality, and shared responsibilities.

As the elected Co-Chair, my role is to elevate the voices and priorities of Community members on the journey to Treaties. I’m committed to building collective support, meeting with Traditional Owner groups, local communities, and organisations and ‘talking Treaty’ to foster nation-building and consensus-building throughout my term.

As Co-Chair alongside Rueben Berg, we are responsible for chairing the bi-monthly Council meeting and quarterly Chamber meetings. In my role as Metro Member, I’ve been able to:

• Attend community forums and yarning circles at Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Thomastown
• Attend the Koorie Academy Basketball Clinic at the State Basketball Centre
• Visit Gunditjmara country including Winda Mara, Tae Rak, Gundijt Mirring
• Recently visited Barendji Gadjin and Wotjobaluk
• Attend Wamba Wemba full group meeting
• Attend community gatherings and yarning circles at Dardi Munwurro
• Engage with Yorta Yorta community including attending Now and Forever Concert
• Attend a Treaty Community Event at the Aborigines Advancement League

I am also a member of the Yurpa Committee, Treaty Committee, SDF Committee, Yoorrook Committee, Statewide Gathering Working Group, and the Minimum Standards Working Group.

In the coming months, we will have attended our fifth Assembly chamber on Gunai Kurnai Country, activated the Elders’ Voice, hosted a Treaty Day Out and a Statewide Treaty Gathering. I’ll be working with the engagement team to organise a Treaty yarning circle at Dardi Munwurro and other opportunities to yarn with community over the next few months. We’ll be sitting down with Government to start having the conversations about our priorities and what we want Treaty to include – what changes we need it to deliver for our communities. For it to be as strong as possible we need to hear your voices so we welcome your ideas and will be guided by your needs. Let’s engage in open conversations, listening and talking together.