The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, representing the Wurundjeri People – the Traditional Owners of Melbourne and surrounding metropolitan region – are preparing for treaty negotiations with the State of Victoria.
On 9 April 2026, Wurundjeri Wo-wurrung were entered on the Treaty Authority’s Negotiations Register, a formal process that 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.
There are now six Traditional Owner Groups on the Treaty Authority’s Negotiations Register making formal preparations for treaty-making.
Jidah Clark, Djab Wurrung man and Treaty Authority Chair, said:
“The Treaty Authority extends our congratulations to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung for this milestone. Melburnians have much to gain from Traditional Owners having greater self-determination on their Country.”
Duean White, Biripi woman and Treaty Authority Member, said:
“Across different jurisdictions globally, there are many treaties in effect. We know that treaties have the potential to bring about long-term change and justice. Here in Victoria, we’re in a treaty-making era and the pathway is open to all Traditional Owner groups.”
