Talia Gulpilil

My name is Talia Gulpilil. I was raised on Wurrundjeri Country in the Yarra Valley and I stand as a proud Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba and Yolngu woman. I am nominating for the First Peoples’ Assembly because Treaty is our path forward, ensuring laws and policies about our lands, children, health and education are made by us, for us.

I stand on the shoulders of leaders, Sir Douglas Nicholls, Stewart Murray and David Gulpilil, who broke barriers, built institutions and carried our stories to the world. From them, I have learned to walk between two worlds and use my voice for change. My work in education, cultural safety, youth work and politics has centred self-determination, strengthening our governance and investing in our people for lasting change.

As a mother of two, I know what is at stake. I have experienced racism, including violence at school, and I refuse to let my children inherit systems that silence them. Education and anti-racism are essential to justice. Our overrepresentation in child protection and other systems is structural, not accidental.

I am committed to listening deeply, honouring Elders and young people, and bringing our Metropolitan mob’s voices to the Treaty table.