The City of Melbourne recognises and supports the right of the Aboriginal community to self-determine its future. That means having an input into decisions that affect their lives.
We seek to embed Aboriginal voices and aspirations into our core business and decision-making as we strive for reconciliation, recognition, respect and truth-telling.
At a local level, governing with First Nations peoples will guide the development of policies and initiatives that most impact the Aboriginal community. This is good for the city and our shared future. Deliberative engagement – where it is proactive, responsive and consistent – is a step toward true self-determination.
On 5 March 2024, the Future Melbourne Committee endorsed the establishment of a First Nations Committee. The committee will advise the City of Melbourne on First Nations strategy, policy and programs.
The First Nations Committee aims to:
- Provide guidance on initiatives to embed self-determination of First Nations peoples in the work of City of Melbourne.
- Reduce disadvantages and increase social justice opportunities for First Nations peoples and communities.
- Support the establishment of partnerships with relevant agencies to strengthen outcomes for First Nations community within the municipality.
In line with self-determination, the committee will be co-chaired by a First Nations Elder, Aunty Di Kerr, alongside the Council’s Aboriginal Melbourne Portfolio Lead. Members include nine First Nations representatives with a broad range of skills, knowledge and lived experiences. The committee also includes two City of Melbourne Councillors, (the Lead and Deputy Lead of the Aboriginal Melbourne Portfolio) and the Director of Aboriginal Melbourne.
The committee builds on and complements other First Nations-focused committees and working groups that have been established by the City of Melbourne, for example the Stolen Generations Marker Working Group and the Yirramboi Advisory Group.
Committee members
- Aunty Di Kerr (co-chair)
- Cr Dr Olivia Ball (co-chair and Portfolio Head of the Aboriginal Melbourne Portfolio)
- Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece (Portfolio Deputy of the Aboriginal Melbourne Portfolio)
- Dr Kyle Turner
- Josh Lloyd
- Kayla Cartledge
- Kelly Lehmann
- Melanie Dale
- Troy Walsh
- Uncle Colin Hunter Jr
- Zali Mifsud
- Jason Eades (Director of Aboriginal Melbourne)
