Esmerelda Bamblett

I am a Bangerang and Taungurung Victorian Traditional owner from a large political Christian Aboriginal family. My family has always worked hard for equal rights while making sure we keep and pass on our culture for the future generations.

I worked in Aboriginal education and in community and sporting organisations for the last 50 years. Growing up connected to my culture and community I experienced firsthand the issues that negatively impacted on my people, and this led me to stand up and fight for Aboriginal rights.

A Treaty for Victoria is a huge historic step for all Victorian mobs. My aspiration for the Treaty is that in 7 generations time our communities will be successful, having closed the gap in every social justice indicator while keeping and passing on our identity and cultural integrity to our mobs. I want all First Nations families to be strong in identity who will carry on the legacy of our great leaders, the giants who left their footprints for us to follow. I know that Gellung Warl (the tip of the spear) will be an amazing success and I want to contribute my experience and knowledge to it for the future of our people.