VACCHO Deeply Disappointed by Victorian Opposition’s Backflip on Treaty

Jan 22, 2024

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) expresses profound disappointment in the recent decision by the Victorian Opposition to withdraw its support from the Treaty process in Victoria.

The abrupt reversal by the State Opposition is a heartless and callous manoeuvre to capitalise on anti-Voice sentiment for political gain, to the detriment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

Now is the time to embrace a unique and historic opportunity to write a new and positive chapter in our shared history.

Treaty represents a significant stride towards self-determination, empowerment, and much-needed systemic change. It is poised to bring about meaningful structural reforms that will equip Aboriginal Communities across Victoria with the tools to enhance their lives.

VACCHO applauds the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, their assembly members, and co-Chairs Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg for their leadership and vision as they move full steam ahead towards historic Treaty negotiations with the Victorian Government later in the year.

VACCHO recognises the stalwart Allan Labor Government for their continued support and commitment to the Treaty process. VACCHO invites allies to walk with us and shout your support for Treaty as we power forward on this journey to creating lasting positive change.

In 2022, the Victorian Liberal and National parties declared their commitment to Treaty. In 2024, VACCHO calls on the Opposition to put aside politics, see the bigger picture and return to that position of commitment to Treaty.

VACCHO CEO and former Treaty Advancement Commissioner Jill Gallagher AO says the path to Treaty transcends politics.

“We have an incredibly powerful Yoorrook truth and justice process that is taking place in Victoria. Seeing and hearing the deeply personal accounts of the horrific atrocities that have taken place, and continue to take place, in this state demonstrates why we desperately need Treaty negotiations.”

“Treaty represents Victoria’s opportunity to reckon with past injustices and tackle the ongoing, every-day legacy of invasion and racism that continues to hold Aboriginal people back, but it’s also a chance for all Victorians to create a better future together as equals.”

“The essence of Treaty lies in the invitation for all of us to unite, listen, and build mutual understanding and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader Victorian Community.”

“It is a unique opportunity for diverse voices to come together and collectively build a more inclusive state where all Victorians can thrive.”

Image credit: A ‘Yes’ street mural painted by muralist Tom Civil in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 2, 2023. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Making moves and building skills

Trisha and Dylan aren’t just clocking hours at Mungabareena – they’re making a real difference in their Community.

Trisha, a proud Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman, works as a Koori Maternity Support Service Worker at Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation. But it isn’t her first time in community service. Far from it.

‘I’ve always supported my Community, even if it wasn’t through an Aboriginal organisation,’ she says. Currently studying the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice, she’s determined to give back as much as she can.

‘As soon as I see someone hurt, I want to be able to help,’ she explains. And for her, that means showing up. Again and again.

Meanwhile, Dylan’s story started miles away, in Queensland. A proud Kamilaroi man, he found his way to Mungabareena as an Admin Officer and, soon after, dove into healthcare.

His spark? A Medicare Gathering at VACCHO. ‘It got me really interested in healthcare, and two weeks later, I was down here starting my course.’ Plus, he’s gearing up to help launch a new clinic in Wangaratta.

Using education as leverage

Trisha knows the power of education. It’s more than a certificate; it’s leverage. She’s lived it.

Her journey took her from Albury/Wodonga to Queensland, where she discovered that experience alone wouldn’t get her through the door.

‘I didn’t have the qualifications, so I didn’t even get an interview,’ she says. It was a wake-up call – and a turning point. Now, she’s stacking qualifications and experience to make sure she’s not just invited to the table but has the tools to build her own.

Dylan is taking notes from Trisha’s playbook. He’s all about making the most of his opportunities.

‘The world is our oyster. If you want to do something, you can do it if you put your mind to it.’

VACCHO: The backbone of support

When you’ve got the drive, you need the right support – and for Trisha and Dylan, VACCHO has been a game-changer.

Trisha, a single mum, explains how critical that support is.

‘All my money goes back to my kids back home. VACCHO helps us with accommodation and lets us cook in the kitchen. We can be ourselves here. It’s the difference between getting by and thriving.’

Dylan agrees. ‘I used to be too shame to speak,’ he says. But he credits the course – and Trisha – for his newfound confidence. As for the opportunities he’s found through VACCHO, he says they just weren’t available in in other states. ‘There’s a lot more in Victoria for Mob to upskill.’

‘Doing a course with a colleague helps us get motivated. We travel together, cook together, and keep each other going,’ says Trisha. It’s the kind of partnership that makes the grind worthwhile.

Creating a strong future by walking together

Trisha and Dylan aren’t stopping with their current roles, either – they’re thinking long-term. Trisha’s main motivation? Setting an example for her children.

‘I want to make sure my kids and Mob are taken care of, now and into the future when I’m gone.’ Her dream is to stay at Mungabareena, upskilling the next generation. ‘I want to train younger people, so the knowledge stays in my hometown.’

Dylan, on the other hand, has his eyes set on leadership. ‘I see myself being a Clinic Manager or Coordinator and opening more clinics.’ At 27, he’s already planning for growth, not just for himself but for his entire Community.

‘You build the clinics; I’ll train the staff!’ Trisha laughs.

Showing up day in, day out

Trisha and Dylan’s partnership is built on more than convenience – it’s a blueprint for how to lead by example.

For Trisha, her daughter is a key audience. ‘She’s seen my journey, and now she wants to be a midwife,’ she says. It’s about setting a visible path for others to follow. Her message? ‘It’s never too late. I’m 47, and I’m still studying. I’ll probably do another course after this.’

Dylan’s focus is on changing the narrative.

‘I want to show people that it’s never too late to turn your life around. I was a troubled teenager and I just finished a Diploma in Community Services and now I’m doing my Certificate IV an Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice.’

Together, Trisha and Dylan are rewriting what it means to be a student, a colleague and a leader. They’re not just showing up – they’re shaping a future where Mob have the skills, confidence and community backing to thrive.

About Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation

Founded in 1994, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation provides a range of services to meet the health and wellbeing needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Albury/Wodonga.

The corporation supports Community through motivation, education and cultural acknowledgment – and by providing a sense of belonging and ownership.

Mungabareena is proud, strong, respectful and culturally centred – forever grounded in self-management and self-determination.

Inspired by Trisha and Dylan’s journey?

Check out VACCHO’s nationally accredited programs

Media enquiries

For further media enquiries please email communications@vaccho.org.au or contact our media unit on (03) 9411 9411.

Background

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 33 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 65,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.