Wadi Wadi Land and Water Indigenous Corporation, representing Wadi Wadi Traditional Owners of Country in north-western Victoria, are formally preparing for treaty negotiations with the State of Victoria.
On 29 July 2026, Wadi Wadi was entered on the Treaty Authority’s Negotiations Register, which indicates a Traditional Owner Group’s intention and readiness to begin preparations for treaty-making.
The Negotiations Register is a publicly accessible site where information about Victorian treaties is held, including which Traditional Owner Groups are progressing treaty plans, the status of negotiations and the Country they will cover.
The Negotiations Register is managed by the Treaty Authority, the independent body overseeing and facilitating treaty-making in Victoria.
Wadi Wadi Country begins at the junction of the Murray River and Murrumbidgee River, extends west through Manangatang and down the middle of Lake Tyrrell, and east through Tyrrell Creek, Labert Creek and Lake Boga until the junction of Little Murray River and the Murray River. Wadi Wadi Country then follows the Murray River back to the Murrumbidgee River junction.
There are now seven Traditional Owner Groups on the Treaty Authority’s Negotiations Register making formal preparations for treaty-making.
Duean White, Biripi woman and Treaty Authority Member, said:
“The Treaty Authority extends our congratulations to Wadi Wadi on this milestone.
We acknowledge all the effort and hard work that goes into preparing for treaty and we look forward to continuing to work alongside Wadi Wadi as they progress their aspirations.”
Andrew Jackomos, Yorta Yorta man and Treaty Authority Member, said:
“Congratulations to Wadi Wadi for completing the first formal step on their treaty journey.
The Traditional Owner treaty process is open to all Traditional Owners in Victoria, regardless of their Group’s status under existing legislation and Wadi Wadi exemplifies this. We look forward to seeing Wadi Wadi’s treaty journey progress.”
