A MYTH-Busting around Treaty session was held in Euroa last week as part of National Reconciliation Week.

Almost 60 people attended the event hosted by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA).

The panel consisted of elected members from the First People’s Assembly of Victoria Belinda Briggs and Levi Power as well as Neil Murray from the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation.

In opening the session, Ms Briggs said when it was 'all boiled down', Treaty was about humanity and walking side by side in a way that benefited all.

“It was a privilege to answer questions, share insights and engaging yarns with local leaders and staff from across the region," Ms Briggs said.

“Thank you to the GBCMA for its leadership and for creating space for these important conversations.

"I’m grateful to yarn and reflect - I hope there’s many more to come.”

The Victorian Treaty between First Peoples and the Victorian Government is the first for Australia and will be negotiated by the end of this year.

Ms Briggs said plenty of good work was happening already and that treaty did not need to be waited for to do this.

“Change is the only constant, and being informed, joining community networks, and building relationships are key.”

First Nations advocate Professor Kate Auty thanked the panel for its open and honest discussion.

“It’s always inspiring when Aboriginal people talk to non-Aboriginal people about their aspirations and it’s always really generous of them to ask us to walk with them,” Prof Auty said.

GBCMA’s traditional owner partnerships officer Carla Miles said the panel members provided generous insight into the treaty-making process.

“The purpose of this event was to unpack the work that has been going into statewide treaty-making in Victoria and provide an opportunity to hear, ask and engage on how we can collaborate locally,” Ms Miles said.

She said the event was one action the GBCMA had implemented as part of its third Reconciliation Action Plan.

“We wanted to run this event in National Reconciliation Week, as part of the annual nation-wide effort to demonstrate support for First Nations peoples and their aspirations.

“We were delighted with the great turn-out and the respectful, open and heartfelt engagement from both the panel members and the guests.”

For more information go to Treat for Victoria| First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria www.firstpeoplesvic.org