Speaker, in the inner north and across Victoria, First Peoples are making history.
On Saturday, the Fitzroy Stars won their first men’s senior premiership since 1990!
It was Eddie Betts, best on ground with four goals. It was Allan Norris in his 200th game. It was Lionel Proctor finishing a lifetime of service with a premiership medal. And it was Coach Neville Jetta and Captain Kain Proctor leading their side to glory!
At the Stars home on Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval in Thornbury, another milestone is rising. Our Labor Government is supporting them to build an Aboriginal Women and Girls Sport and Wellness Centre, the first of its kind in Australia.
It will create a new home for the Fitzroy Stars women, with AFL-grade female-friendly change rooms, and dedicated spaces for health, education, training and social connection.
Most of all, it will be a place that supports Aboriginal women and girls to thrive.
I want to acknowledge Aunty Esme Bamblett, President of the Fitzroy Stars for her strong advocacy and vision in driving this project forward for the community.
And yesterday in this Parliament, history was made again, with the introduction of the Statewide Treaty, the first in the nation.
Treaty will establish Gellung Warl to give First Peoples a direct say in their services and initiatives. It will strengthen truth-telling beyond Yoorrook and embed our shared history in every Victorian school.
From a premiership flag that lifts community pride, to a hub that empowers the next generation, to a Treaty that reshapes our future, this is Victoria at its best!
This is a historic moment. This is how we move forward. Together.
