Prospering through Treaty - 2025 Dungala Kaiela Oration
Ngarra Murray, co-chair of Victoria’s First Peoples’ Assembly, has delivered the 17th annual Dungala Kaiela Oration, alongside Yorta Yorta and other First Nations communities and members of the wider Goulburn Murray region.
Ms Murray, a proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dhudhuroa and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, grew up in Shepparton on Yorta Yorta Country. As the elected co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, she is a key spokesperson for the Assembly, dedicated to amplifying community voices and advancing the journey toward Treaties in Victoria.
Her oration, titled Prospering through Treaty in the Goulburn Murray, explored how the region can seize opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth as Victoria progresses toward its first Treaty, which is expected to be signed before the end of the year.
Watch the Oration:
During the Oration, at the Rumbalara Football Netball Club on Thursday, August 21, she also reflected on the broader Treaty process in Victoria and how it connects to the aspirations and strengths of the Goulburn Murray region.
With more than 20 years’ experience across advocacy, community engagement and cultural leadership, Ms Murray has worked with the University of Melbourne, City of Melbourne, Museum Victoria and Oxfam Australia, and is an alumna of the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership.
Kaiela Institute Executive Director Dr Paul Briggs AO. Image by Peter Casamento
Co-hosted by the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne, the annual Dungala Kaiela Oration examines the broad issues and themes for the Yorta Yorta people, to build bridges, promote Aboriginal social and economic development and create a shared vision for the people of the greater Goulburn Murray region.
Ms Murray said it was an honour to deliver the oration on Yorta Yorta Country, one of her home lands.
“Aboriginal people are the experts on our own lives, we know what works, and what doesn't, for our Communities,” she said.
“Treaty is our chance to make sure we are always able to use our knowledge to come up with and deliver practical solutions at the local level.
“The Goulburn Murray region is home to a rich history of Aboriginal resistance and self-determination. I'm excited to be returning to Yorta Yorta Country to talk about how, in this upcoming Treaty era, our mobs can build on our current successes so our people can always thrive on Country.”
Kaiela Institute Executive Director Dr Paul Briggs AO said: “The Dungala Kaiela Oration has over the past 17 years presented an array of national and international leaders to the people of the Goulburn Murray.
L-R: Professor Sarath Ranganathan, Head of the Melbourne Medical School; University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston AO; Matt Sharp, CEO, GV Health and Adam Briggs. Image by Peter Casamento
“The enduring partnership between the Kaiela Institute and the University of Melbourne is an important contribution to the future of the Goulburn Murray, underpinning the establishment of the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity and Productivity Plan.
“Along with Treaty for Victoria, the Plan is a place that pursues the security of the future for Yorta Yorta and peoples of the Goulburn Murray by closing the gap on life expectancy and achieving parity on the wellbeing of First Nation’s people, increasing Gross Regional Product by $180 million per annum.”
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Professor Barry Judd said the annual Oration reflects the University’s deep and enduring partnership with the Kaiela Institute and the Goulburn Murray region.
“Ngarra’s leadership in the Treaty process is grounded in her deep connection to Yorta Yorta Country and community,” Professor Judd said.
“Her Oration will challenge us to imagine a future built on respect, justice and shared prosperity – not only for the Goulburn Murray, but for all Victorians.”
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Emma Johnston AO said it was a privilege attending her first Dungala Kaiela Oration.
“Ngarra Murray’s is a powerful and eloquent voice for the Goulbourn Murray region and for many Indigenous people across Victoria,” Professor Johnston said.
“We can only flourish as a university through our connections into community, and our connections here in the Goulburn Murray are clearly among the most important links we have.”
The Kaiela Institute is a First Nations-led analysis and policy think tank, providing a place and a process to encourage and support leaders and institutions to collaborate, and take a more strategic approach to building the future of the Goulburn Murray community.