We need to really make sure that we amplify our voices as women and make sure that we let people know that we are women of strength and that we’re strong. And we’re going to continue to fight for what we want.

— Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, Elected Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria

Following the momentous IPAA Victoria International Women’s Day Gala on 8 March we have the opportunity to reflect on some of the important conversations that emerged.  During the Gala Dinner there was a very special conversation between Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, elected Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Chair Eleanor Bourke AM, Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Together, they responded to the unanswered questions the audience had on the night and explored themes of treaty, truth-telling and self-determination.

As hard as it is sometimes to hear some of the stories about the trauma that started generations back, it’s still important that those things go on the public record so that the rest of Victoria … and other Victorians can learn why it is that we are calling for treaties.

— Chair Eleanor Bourke AM, Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission

Some of the key questions explored included;
–   How do you find the personal strength to stay involved in discussions and hear stories that are incredibly important but that must often also be deeply traumatic?
–  What does treaty mean to you and how will it change the work you do? How does Treaty and truth-telling impact you every day?
–   What are some barriers you all face, as a woman, and as a First Nations person? How did you overcome them?
along with many more thought provoking questions.

If you haven’t already engaged with this special episode of the Public Sector Perspectives podcast you can listen now below.

In follow-up to this key conversation between Ms Bourke AM and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson there was still a lot to unpack and explore. In the follow-up episode of Public Sector Perspectives, they chatted to Elly Patria, Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Victoria, to explore the Treaty Framework in Victoria and the opportunities for First Nations Women in Public Service. This conversation highlighted her personal reflections and lived experience in how the Treaty process shaped her opportunities.

If you would like to learn more about the topics explored in these podcast conversations you can find more information on the IPAA Victoria website.

We need to really make sure that we amplify our voices as women and make sure that we let people know that we are women of strength and that we’re strong. And we’re going to continue to fight for what we want.

— Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, Elected Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria

Following the momentous IPAA Victoria International Women’s Day Gala on 8 March we have the opportunity to reflect on some of the important conversations that emerged.  During the Gala Dinner there was a very special conversation between Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, elected Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and Chair Eleanor Bourke AM, Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Together, they responded to the unanswered questions the audience had on the night and explored themes of treaty, truth-telling and self-determination.

As hard as it is sometimes to hear some of the stories about the trauma that started generations back, it’s still important that those things go on the public record so that the rest of Victoria … and other Victorians can learn why it is that we are calling for treaties.

— Chair Eleanor Bourke AM, Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission

Some of the key questions explored included;
–   How do you find the personal strength to stay involved in discussions and hear stories that are incredibly important but that must often also be deeply traumatic?
–  What does treaty mean to you and how will it change the work you do? How does Treaty and truth-telling impact you every day?
–   What are some barriers you all face, as a woman, and as a First Nations person? How did you overcome them?
along with many more thought provoking questions.

If you haven’t already engaged with this special episode of the Public Sector Perspectives podcast you can listen now below.

In follow-up to this key conversation between Ms Bourke AM and Aunty Geraldine Atkinson there was still a lot to unpack and explore. In the follow-up episode of Public Sector Perspectives, they chatted to Elly Patria, Deputy Secretary, First Peoples – State Relations, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Victoria, to explore the Treaty Framework in Victoria and the opportunities for First Nations Women in Public Service. This conversation highlighted her personal reflections and lived experience in how the Treaty process shaped her opportunities.

If you would like to learn more about the topics explored in these podcast conversations you can find more information on the IPAA Victoria website.