VACCHO congratulates newly-elected First Peoples’ Assembly co-chairs

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) would like to warmly congratulate the new co-chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

VACCHO looks forward to working with Gunnai and Gunditjmara person Meriki Onus, and Dja Dja Wurrung, Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa, Waywurru, Barapa Barapa, Wergaia and Wiradjuri man Djaran Murray-Jackson, who were elected this week on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Bendigo.

VACCHO CEO and former Treaty Advancement Commissioner, Dr Jill Gallagher AO said she is excited for the next phase of the decade-long journey of Victoria and Australia’s first Treaty.

“The signing of Treaty was just the beginning, and I look forward to working with Meriki and Djaran to continue to strengthen the Aboriginal Community in Victoria, advance self-determination and improve outcomes for Mob,” she said.

VACCHO also acknowledges the legacy left by outgoing co-chairs, Rueban Berg and Ngarra Murray.

Background

VACCHO is the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing in Victoria – the only one of its kind – with 34 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations as Members. VACCHO Members support over 65,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria, and combined are the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the state.