Thousands gathered to witness the landmark commencement of Victoria’s Treaty at John Cain Arena.
Hosted by Belinda Duarte and Shelley Ware, VICTORIA’S TREATY: IT’S HERE was a celebration of culture, dance and community open to all Victorians, and saw the bringing together of woomera and spears, the ceremonial signing of the Treaty, and speeches from the State, First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Treaty Authority.
VICTORIA’S TREATY: IT’S HERE began with a water and smoking ceremony, with the State, First Peoples’ Assembly, Elders, and community members passing through the smoke of eucalypt and cherry ballart leaves.
The preamble of Victoria’s Treaty, read by Yorta Yorta journalist Danie James, resounded overhead as the dignitaries took their seats around a ceremonial sand circle
A sombre and reflective mood was set by a recording and video of late Gunditjmara Senior Elder and ancestor Uncle Archie Roach performing ‘It’s Not Too Late’, followed by a powerful performance of ‘Long Time Living Here’ by Yorta Yorta soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO.
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson delivered the Welcome to Country, before the arena recognised a moment of silence in honour of ancestors and Elders who paved the way to Treaty.
The Djirri Djirri dancers from the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people then took centre stage in the sand circle, joined by guests to represent families and clans from across Country in Victoria.
Mutti Mutti artist Uncle Kutcha Edwards performed ‘Singing Up Country’, joined by Uncle Wayne Thorpe singing in Gunai Kurnai language.
The Premier, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, and all members of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria entered the ceremonial sand circle for the bringing together of the woomera and the spear.
‘The woomera was an invitation from the Assembly to include the State in the sacred cultural traditions of First Peoples across the State,’ explained Belinda Duarte.
‘It was also a powerful call to action – to honour the shared responsibility to forge a new relationship between the State and First Peoples.
‘The woomera was crafted by proud Gunditjmara man Timmy Church. It is used as extension of the arm when throwing a spear.
‘The spear is also an important symbol – it represents providing for family and protecting family.
‘When the spear and the woomera are used together, you get more power, more distance, more strength.
‘Together, through Treaty, we create a better future.’
The Premier, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, and First Peoples’ Assembly Co-Chairs then took to the stage for the ceremonial signing of the Treaty, while Wergaia/Wemba Wemba singer songwriter Alice Skye performed.
Host Shelley Ware explained the significance of the moment. ‘The skins have been inscribed with words from the Treaty and carried through the smoke. Assembly members representing all areas of Country in Victoria have already placed their handprints on the kangaroo skins at an important cultural ceremony held at the Aborigines Advancement League earlier today - giving their cultural assent to the Treaty.’
Applause thundered in John Cain Arena as each handprint was placed on the kangaroo skin.
The Premier, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, and Assembly Co-Chairs delivered remarks about Victoria’s Treaty, before Jidah Clark, Treaty Authority Chair, officially announced the commencement of Victoria’s Treaty.
With the ceremony completed and Victoria’s Treaty official commenced, crowds gathered at the front of the stage to enjoy electric performances from Baker Boy, Briggs, Missy Higgins, Paul Kelly and Yothu Yindi. To cap off the historic evening, all the night’s performers joined Yothu Yindi on stage for one final song – an inspiring rendition of ‘Treaty’, the well-known Yothu Yindi anthem.
Ceremonially signed Treaty on kangaroo skin.
Welcome to Country delivered by Uncle Bill Nicholson at John Cain Arena.
Djirri Djirri Dancers at John Cain Arena.
Cultural Assent: the bringing together of woomera and spears by the State and the First Peoples' Assembly.
Official commencement of Victoria's Treaty announced by the Treaty Authority.
Baker Boy performing at John Cain Arena.
Briggs, Paul Kelly and Uncle Kutcha Edwards performing at John Cain Arena.
Missy Higgins performing at John Cain Arena.
Yothu Yindi performing on stage at John Cain Arena for Victoria's Treaty: It's Here event.
About Victoria's Treaty
Treaty marks a new beginning for Victoria – an invitation for all Victorians to walk forward together, guided by truth, integrity and determination as we build a better future for all.
Treaty evolves the successful First Peoples’ Assembly into a permanent, legislated body representing First Peoples and making decisions within existing Parliamentary and democratic structures.
The Assembly will form one part of a new entity called Gellung Warl, which will also have an accountability arm to evaluate and monitor how effective the Victorian Government is in achieving better outcomes for First Peoples, and a truth-telling arm to continue the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
Treaty will forge a new relationship between the State and First Peoples in Victoria, built on respect, trust, accountability and integrity.
We extend our sincere thanks to our supporting partners, the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) and Melbourne Park, whose contributions have been instrumental in bringing this event to life.
Treaty timeline
Victoria has been on the path to Treaty for nearly ten years.