First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria elections

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria’s first elections since it was enshrined in law by Victoria’s Treaty commence later this month. Allies are encouraged to volunteer.

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria ’s first elections since it was enshrined in law by Victoria’s Treaty commence later this month.

From 21 March until 21 April 2026, First Nations people in Victoria can vote for the representatives who will form the Assembly’s third term and represent Community in the Treaty Era.

Elected representatives across the five regions of North West, North East, Metro, South West and South East, will also lead the way in future Treaty negotiations with the State.

As part of Treaty, the Assembly’s next term establishes it as Gellung Warl: the permanent representative and deliberative body for Traditional Owners and First Peoples in Victoria.

Gellung Warl means ‘tip of the spear’ or ‘pointed spear’ in Gunaikurnai language.

Gellung Warl will focus on overarching statewide issues like improving health, education, and justice. Through Nginma Ngainga Wara (‘you will do’ in Wadi Wadi language), a new Outcomes and Justice Commission, it will provide independent oversight and accountability for Government. Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna (Nyerna Yoorrook Telkuna means ‘to sit, to listen, to hear, to remember’ (Nyerna), ‘to truth’ (Yoorrook), ‘to cure, to heal’ (Telkuna) in Wamba Wamba/Wemba Wemba language) will continue the truth-telling and healing process started by Yoorrook, which created a public record of our true history.

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence reaffirms its unwavering commitment to reconciliation and ongoing truth-telling. We are proud to stand in solidarity with First Nations people and to support Australia’s first Treaty process in Victoria.

We also recognise Traditional Owners are still caring for these lands and waterways – and BSL is proud to support Victoria’s Treaty and the Victorian Government’s work towards reconciliation, including commitment to ongoing truth telling.

You can learn more about the Assembly and the work done so far at firstpeoplesvic.org

Find out more about Treaty elections and who is eligible to vote and stand here: https://www.treatyelections.org/