Last month, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria welcomed its newest member for the North East, Travis Morgan.
Raised in Echuca, Mr Morgan is a descendent of the Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba peoples and has filled the vacant seat of former member Nartarsha Bamblett, who stepped down from the Assembly last year.
He will be working within the North East region of Victoria to help support First Nations communities in coming together during the Treaty process.
To create a Treaty between First Nations people and the Victorian Government is the main goal of the Assembly, which covers issues such as recognition of sovereignty, self-governance of First Nations affairs, designation of seats for First Nations people in state parliament, and criminal, civil and justice reform.
A big supporter of Treaty, Mr Morgan said he knew running for the member position was something he needed to do.
“I originally ran because I'm just interested in the processes that empower our community to make informed decisions over their lives. I believe that I can provide our community with the information they need to make decisions that empower the work that we’ve previously done in the region,” he said.
“Treaty for me is about having choice. It's about having self-determination and power to make the decision for my kids to be able to make the decision on who they want to be and being able to not be held back by the systems that have been in play for decades. And I hope to have those barriers lifted for my kids and me having a chance to influence that with the rest of the North East.”
Mr Morgan has had a vast amount of experience in representing and working with First Nations groups such as Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Rumbalara Football Netball Club and Munarra Limited.
He has also worked in various roles across state and local organisations and government in areas such as health, natural resource management, education and community engagement and cultural heritage management, making him perfect for the role.
Excited to get into the rhythm of things, Mr Morgan hopes he’ll be able to reach out to community members and be a voice for them during the Treaty process.
“My priority has been influenced by the region and by the community of North East. This isn't about me having my agenda, it's about taking the region's agenda to the assembly and making sure the North East has a strong voice in how they see Treaty in the North East, but also across state,” Mr Morgan said.
Mr Morgan will be working in the North East region, which includes the Assembly’s new office in Shepparton. To get in contact with Marcus and the North East members and office, call 1800 TREATY (1800 87 32 89) or visit them at their office.