The Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) – representing the Dja Dja Wurrung people – has registered with the state’s independent treaty umpire, the Treaty Authority, formally flagging that it is ready to negotiate a treaty with the state government.

“Our homelands have been turned upside down, and we’ve been prevented from practising our Culture. The playing field has been nowhere near level.”

DJARRA will conduct consultations with the community to determine what a treaty should focus on, and it will also form a delegation of people responsible for negotiating with the state government.

Once a Traditional Owner group registers to negotiate a treaty, a public notification is made and the Treaty Authority works with the group to ensure they’re fully prepared for the process.

Dja Dja Wurrung Country encompasses a large portion of central Victoria, including Bendigo, Daysleford, and St Arnaud.

The Assembly is currently in the process of negotiating a state wide treaty with the Victorian Government, with an update on the process expected in the coming weeks.