First Peoples - State Relations

28/09/2026

Congratulations to Aunty Lorraine Parsons who was last week inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for 2026.

Aunty Lorraine Parsons is a proud Aboriginal woman who honours her mother's Alyawarr country. She is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of First Nations people.
She has worked as a clinical social worker, health service executive, senior public servant, research co-author, university lecturer and tutor. She has driven systems change at every level.

This year’s 27 inductees are remarkable in many different fields. There are criminologists and lawyers, surgeons and GPs and a First Nations educator. There are scientists and professors, a musical therapist and a culinary pioneer/TV chef.
Some are honoured for their extensive service to their local communities, others for their tireless fights for justice. Several came to Australia as refugees and made their homes in Victoria. They lead their communities and make the state a fairer and better place for us all.

Find out more about Aunty Lorraine and her work: https://www.vic.gov.au/aunty-lorraine-parsons

28/09/2026

ARTIST CALL OUT : First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams 2027

First Peoples Melbourne Art Trams showcases contemporary First Peoples artists across Melbourne's tram network. Expressions of interests for are now open for First Peoples artists with connections to Victoria.

Curator Kate ten Buuren (Taungurung) will also host an info session on Wednesday 30 September with the nitty gritty on how to get your work on Naarm’s largest moving canvas.
https://rising.melbourne/wormhole/artist-call-out-first-peoples-melbourne-art-trams-2027?


Photo credit: James Morgan

Presented by Rising in partnership with Transport Victoria and Yarra Trams

13/09/2026

Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in 2007.
The Declaration sets out the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples and provides an important framework for advancing respect, equality and self-determination.
It recognises the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ cultures, identities, languages and traditions, and their right to participate in decisions that affect them.
Today is an opportunity to reflect on ongoing work to uphold the globally recognised rights of Indigenous Peoples.

08/09/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Victorian Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund.
The Victorian Government will fund Aboriginal led projects that address family violence.
Projects selected for funding will support and address the priorities identified by the eleven Dhelk Dja Action Groups.
Details in the comments.

02/09/2026

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day.

This year's theme: ‘Country Is Our Teacher', is an opportunity to celebrate First Nations peoples’ stories, cultures and languages.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation

17/08/2026

🚨🚨 Grant announcement 🚨🚨
The Victorian Government has launched the next round of the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives grant program.
Forming a part of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the program offers community organisations grants of up to $40,000 to deliver anti-racism programs.
The funding will support First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith organisations to deliver tailored programs and activities that meet the needs of their local community.
Applications close midday, Thursday 27 August 2026.

04/08/2026

Today we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.

This year’s theme - Living Our Truth - honours the power and importance of truth-telling and the sharing of knowledge across generations.

Established in 1988 by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, Children’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the voices, stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by upholding their strengths, uplifting their voices and ensuring every child is supported to thrive.

The day is celebrated in many ways by thousands of early learning services, schools, libraries, sporting clubs, organisations and communities across the country.

Follow the link in comments to find out more.

24/07/2026

Meet Aunty Annette Xiberras, a proud Elder who was inducted onto the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll this year.

Aunty Annette comes from a long line of activist women who have fought for Aboriginal rights.

She was one of the first Cultural Heritage Officers in Victoria, and founded Urban Colours Arts, the first cultural heritage and archaeological company owned by an Aboriginal woman. She is also a co-founder of the civil and construction company, Lango Group.

Aunty Annette is an archaeologist, entrepreneur, unionist, proud gay woman, and mother. Her impact is felt in the communities she’s supported, the Country she’s protected, and the systems she has helped transform.



📸TJ Garvie

21/07/2026

Meet Aunty Daphne Yarram, a proud Noongar and Gija woman inducted to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll this year.

Aunty Daphne’s leadership is grounded in culture, connection, and community. With her husband Michael and 3 children, Aunty Daphne has spent over 4 decades serving community. She continues to champion the safety and wellbeing of individuals, families and First Nations communities.

Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to action, shaped by strong family ties and deep responsibility to others.

As a consistent advocate for women’s voices in First Nations policy, Aunty Daphne creates space for others to be heard.

She leads with care and purpose, ensuring community voices remain central to decision‑making.

A respected and accomplished CEO, Aunty Daphne led the development and establishment of the Yoowinna Wurnalung Healing Service.

Known for bringing people together, building trust, and mentoring others to grow, Aunty Daphne leads with humility, sensitivity, and a strong commitment to walking alongside community.



📸TJ Garvie

17/07/2026