Macaylah Johnson

I am a proud Wadawurrung woman and mother, raising strong Wadawurrung, Gunditjmara and Iwaidja babies on my mother’s Country in Balla Arat. Living on Country has shaped how I understand the world, through observation, reciprocity and deep respect for how life moves together.

I grew up in a tight-knit family, in rural Victoria, where Country was our greatest teacher, an encyclopaedia of unwritten knowledge that reveals itself when you slow down, watch and listen. I carry the strength of generations before me who fought tirelessly for our rights, our culture and our Country. I stand as both a product and continuation of their work, creating space for young mob to lead with confidence, grounded in the wisdom of our Old People.

For me, Treaty is about bringing power back to the people, especially grassroots knowledge holders who understand the deeper rhythms of community and Country. We are not defined by deficit narratives. We are Lore holders, scientists, creators and healers. Our voices were the first sung to these lands.

I am committed to embedding cultural authority into systems and building on truth-telling, ensuring our stories are told by us, for us, always.