First Peoples - State Relations

08/09/2026

Applications are now open for the 2026-27 Victorian Aboriginal Community Initiatives Fund.
The Victorian Government will fund Aboriginal led projects that address family violence.
Projects selected for funding will support and address the priorities identified by the eleven Dhelk Dja Action Groups.
Details in the comments.

02/09/2026

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day.

This year's theme: ‘Country Is Our Teacher', is an opportunity to celebrate First Nations peoples’ stories, cultures and languages.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation

17/08/2026

🚨🚨 Grant announcement 🚨🚨
The Victorian Government has launched the next round of the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives grant program.
Forming a part of Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy, the program offers community organisations grants of up to $40,000 to deliver anti-racism programs.
The funding will support First Peoples, multicultural and multifaith organisations to deliver tailored programs and activities that meet the needs of their local community.
Applications close midday, Thursday 27 August 2026.

04/08/2026

Today we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.

This year’s theme - Living Our Truth - honours the power and importance of truth-telling and the sharing of knowledge across generations.

Established in 1988 by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, Children’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the voices, stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by upholding their strengths, uplifting their voices and ensuring every child is supported to thrive.

The day is celebrated in many ways by thousands of early learning services, schools, libraries, sporting clubs, organisations and communities across the country.

Follow the link in comments to find out more.

24/07/2026

Meet Aunty Annette Xiberras, a proud Elder who was inducted onto the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll this year.

Aunty Annette comes from a long line of activist women who have fought for Aboriginal rights.

She was one of the first Cultural Heritage Officers in Victoria, and founded Urban Colours Arts, the first cultural heritage and archaeological company owned by an Aboriginal woman. She is also a co-founder of the civil and construction company, Lango Group.

Aunty Annette is an archaeologist, entrepreneur, unionist, proud gay woman, and mother. Her impact is felt in the communities she’s supported, the Country she’s protected, and the systems she has helped transform.



📸TJ Garvie

21/07/2026

Meet Aunty Daphne Yarram, a proud Noongar and Gija woman inducted to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll this year.

Aunty Daphne’s leadership is grounded in culture, connection, and community. With her husband Michael and 3 children, Aunty Daphne has spent over 4 decades serving community. She continues to champion the safety and wellbeing of individuals, families and First Nations communities.

Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to action, shaped by strong family ties and deep responsibility to others.

As a consistent advocate for women’s voices in First Nations policy, Aunty Daphne creates space for others to be heard.

She leads with care and purpose, ensuring community voices remain central to decision‑making.

A respected and accomplished CEO, Aunty Daphne led the development and establishment of the Yoowinna Wurnalung Healing Service.

Known for bringing people together, building trust, and mentoring others to grow, Aunty Daphne leads with humility, sensitivity, and a strong commitment to walking alongside community.



📸TJ Garvie

17/07/2026

16/07/2026

Meet Felicia Dean, a proud member of the Yorta Yorta Nation, and a loving mother and grandmother who was inducted to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll this year.

Felicia is the current CEO of the Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, and owner of The Connection function centre.

Felicia has devoted over 25 years to Rumbalara and a lifetime to her community. She believes it is an honour - and a cultural responsibility - to serve past, present and future generations.

She is consistently focused on planning for the future, and in always showing up for community.

Her achievements are testament to the strength and power of the Yorta Yorta Nation.



📸TJ Garvie

09/07/2026

Meet Uncle Joel Wright, who was inducted to the 14th Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll this year.

Uncle Joel has dedicated his life to justice, culture and language.

He has worked in construction, media, education, industrial relations, community and all levels of government.

Uncle Joel was the inaugural producer for the ABC radio show “Speaking Out”, and lobbied for the establishment of the Radio National arts and culture program “Awaye!”. Both flagship programs have now been running for over 30 years.

Currently, Uncle Joel is the Corporate Development Manager for MobJobs and the Chair of the Advisory and Investment Committee of the Self-Determination Fund.

Uncle Joel is a proud dad, and continues to work for culture, reconciliation and the future of First Peoples.

📸TJ Garvie

06/07/2026

During NAIDOC Week we are celebrating 50 Years of Deadly, and paying tribute to the Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, and the artists who turned resistance into expression 🖤💛❤️

Those same trailblazers are celebrated on the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll. The Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll formally acknowledges the wide-ranging achievements of First Nations Victorians and their contributions to the state.

In May we celebrated 10 new inductees to the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll. The new inductees were announced at a special ceremony at the Arts Centre featuring speeches, song, dance and celebration.

Check out the highlights here 📺