Thursday, 30 May 2024

 Natalie HUTCHINS (Sydenham – Minister for Jobs and Industry, Minister for Treaty and First Peoples, Minister for Women) (10:02): I rise to update the house on the vibrant and important work of First Peoples organisations that I witnessed just last week when I was on Gunnai/Kurnai country across Gippsland. Dala Yooro is a culturally strong kindergarten, a place for children and families to learn and grow. Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative was an incredible experience ‍– meeting all of the people there and in particular Logan Hudson, who is teaching language to Aboriginal children at the kinder and immersing them in culture, ensuring the children stay safe and happy and develop in their own identity.

The Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place not only holds many artefacts, including a recently repatriated bark canoe, it also holds important memories of families and communities and brings greater awareness to the strength of the Gunnai/Kurnai culture. Knob Reserve, a culturally significant place, has a landscape including six sacred trees, grinding grooves and artefacts scattered throughout the beautiful landscape. The Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust is filled with positive energy. There was such a great reception there. It was really good to see the refurbished facilities, and I look forward to delivering the new jetty that was committed to during the budget. Can I thank Wayne Hood and his team for hosting me.