North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) welcomes the decision of the Victorian parliament to enact a statewide treaty with First Peoples.
The Statewide Treaty Bill enshrines a democratically elected body of First Peoples named Gellung Warl, which will be consulted on laws and policies affecting Aboriginal Victorian communities.
“We congratulate the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, the Yoorook Justice Commission and thousands of committed community members on this nation-leading success,” said NWMPHN chief executive, Christopher Carter.
“This development comes after more than a century of resilient and robust activism and advocacy by Victoria’s First Peoples. It provides a critical pathway towards healing, recognising the ongoing corrosive effects of generational trauma, and the pressing need to improve the health, social, and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal Victorians.”
NWMPHN works closely with organisations including the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (VACCHO), collaborating on innovative programs to address the physical and mental health needs of First Nations communities in Melbourne’s CBD, western and northern suburbs.
“We look forward with hearts full to working with the Traditional Custodians in our region — the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung, Bunurong and Wathaurong peoples of the Kulin Nation – and all First Peoples beyond, building a health system that is truly inclusive, effective and just,” said Mr Carter.
