Submissions Library

Christina Secombe is a Wotjobaluk woman.

This submission outlines traumatic experiences Christina faced growing up and the impact it had on her later life.

Denise Sweet is a Bundjalung Gumbaynggirr woman currently on Wergaia country.

This submission is a transcript of Denise Sweet recounting her family’s experiences of injustice since colonisation.

This submission is based on a project conducted jointly by Greg Smith with Elder Les Stanley, then Manager Mark Hammersley and the residents of an Aboriginal-Controlled AOD recovery service in Victoria.

It presents the perspectives of the men involved in the project, and their contributions to positive developments in the wider service sector, including the ways that ‘mainstream’ AOD services presented major barriers to Aboriginal men wishing to engage with them.

Sissy Pettit Havea is a Wemba Wemba woman.

This submission details her experiences in the hospital system with a chronic illness and her recommendations for change.

Heathcote Health is working with local community groups in reconciliation yarning and narrative interviews along with Loddon Mallee First nations research group.

This submission outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training provided to staff at Heathcote Health.

This submission is from a a Barkindji/ Yorta Yorta/ Wiradjuri/ Mutti Mutti woman.

It details her experience in the foster care system, which led to trauma, drugs and alcohol, and their subsequent positive experince and sobriety through Bunjilwarra.

The First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria is the independent and democratically elected body that represents First Peoples in Victoria in the state’s Treaty process.

This submission:

• provides an overview of the Assembly and the Treaty process
• outlines the inherent rights of First Peoples
• acknowledges the important role of knowledge holders
• identifies the structural reform that is needed through Treaty
• addresses reforms in the education system
• addresses reforms in the health system
• addresses reforms in the housing and homelessness system

Charmaine Sellings lives in Lake Tyres and works at the Lake Tyres Aboriginal Trust. Her grandfather was stolen generation from Healesville but was raised by Elders at the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, and her Grandmother was a Kurnai woman and born at the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust.

This submission describes the impact of ongoing racism, child removal and intergenerational trauma. It make suggestions for change including an increase in funding and respect.

Barry Jacobs is a Jindali man who grew up in Geelong.

This submission focuses on Barry’s experiences growing up, attempts to learn about his culture, and his experiences with police and mental health system.

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Care Agency (VACCA) is the peak Voice for Aboriginal
children in Victoria.

This submission highlights key issues in health and healthcare for Stolen Generations and for Aboriginal children and young people.