The Andrews Labor Government is calling for nominations to recognise the outstanding work and achievements of Aboriginal Victorians, past and present, to celebrate their contributions to Victoria.
Nominations are now open for the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll, which formally recognises Aboriginal people who have made a significant contribution to the community and the state.
Since it was established in 2010, the Honour Roll has recognised 139 Aboriginal people for their work in a wide range of fields including health, education, justice, sport, the arts, community leadership and military service.
Honour Roll inductees come from across the state and throughout history and include:
- legendary singer-songwriters Uncle Archie Roach AM and Ruby Hunter
- artist and activist William Barak, who played a key role in founding and maintain the self-sufficient Aboriginal community Coranderrk near Healesville in the nineteenth century
- activist, entrepreneur and theatre producer William ‘Bill’ Onus, who is also thought to be the first Aboriginal filmmaker and subject of the recent documentary Ablaze
- former Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, who from 2019-22 helped negotiate the Treaty elements required to begin Treaty negotiations in Victoria.
The 2023 inductees will have their personal stories added to the Honour Roll, which is on permanent display in the Victorian Parliament.
Nominations for the Honour Roll will close at midnight on Sunday, 20 August. For more information, visit www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/VAHR .
As stated by Minister for Treaty and First Peoples Gabrielle Williams
“The Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll is our opportunity to celebrate the remarkable dedication and determination of Aboriginal people across the state and their contributions to a better future for all Victorians.”
“I encourage Victorians to nominate an Aboriginal community member they know who has made a difference – whether in the past or today – and have their leadership, achievements and contribution to the community formally recorded for future generations.”
