The Yoorrook Justice Commission published its final landmark report last week — a powerful and definitive account of Victoria’s history since colonisation, as told by First Peoples. This report has been an important step for truth-telling and healing that will pave the way for Treaty negotiations in Victoria. The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the representative body that will negotiate statewide treaties with the State Government on behalf of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians. Kaley Nicholson is the appointed Taungurung Representative who will champion the interests of the Taungurung Nation in the statewide treaty making process.

Kaley says “This role is a great responsibility, one I carry with pride, grounded in culture and community. Treaty is a chance to pursue justice and restore the rights of our people. I’m committed to ensuring the voices, needs and aspirations of the Taungurung Nation are heard, respected and reflected in this process“. We yarn with Kaley to find out about Treaty for Victoria and what you can do as an ally to support the journey.

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It doesn’t matter where you are on your ally journey, all that matters is that you’re on the journey. The 2025 National Reconciliation Week theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’. It’s an opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements and take meaningful action towards creating a culturally vibrant and safe society where the rights, stories and values of First Nations’ People are respected, and celebrated.  Here’s some ways you can take action:

Many people who are familiar with Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) – the recognised Aboriginal Party for the Taungurung Nation – will know that we have two businesses with similar names operating on Taungurung Country. wawa biik (meaning hello Country) is the cultural experiences business offering guided tours on Country led by Taungurung guides and  BIIK is TLaWC’s natural resource management business that is actively healing Country.  BIIK undertakes a holistic approach to heal Country by integrating traditional knowledge led by the Taungurung Community with scientific methods.  Their aim is to revitalise Taungurung Country by addressing the underlying issues of unhealthy landscapes rather than just addressing the symptoms. We chat to BIIK Director Jason Laverty to understand more about the important work they’re doing on Country.

Whether you are a First Nations person or a First Nations ally, the 2024 NAIDOC theme is a call to action for us all.  We share a few reflections from our Taungurung community and staff to find out what this year’s theme means to them. Solidarity and passion shows up in many forms, it is what keeps the fire burning.

Jonah Honeysett is a proud Taungurung /Wiradjuri man of the Nira-balluk clan who considers himself lucky to have grown up knowing about his culture, immersed in his culture, and learning about his culture from his Aboriginal parents and grandparents. It’s Jonah’s strong upbringing and sense of cultural identity that has inspired him to work for his mob and be part of the next wave of Taungurung People passionately protecting Taungurung culture. Jonah works for the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) as a cultural heritage field services officer and also contributes his passion and knowledge as a wawa biik Cultural Tour Guide.