Recognition Settlement Agreement
In 2010, we signed a Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) with the Victorian Government. It was the first of its kind in Victoria – and it set strong foundations for our rights, Country, and future. Now, we’re renegotiating the RSA to make sure it delivers more for you members.
This page explains what the agreement means for you, and how you can use your voice to help shape what comes next.
The Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) is a formal agreement between the Gunaikurnai people and the Victorian Government, first signed in 2010.
It’s the foundation for how we care for Country, strengthen culture, and shape our self-determined future.
The agreement:
>> Recognises us as the Traditional Owners of much of Gippsland;
>> Transferred Aboriginal title to ten national parks and reserves to be jointly managed with the State;
>> Protects our rights to be on Country and practice culture;
>> Backs our future with funding to support cultural and economic opportunities for our community.
Renegotiating the RSA
The Gunaikurnai Negotiating Team – Aunty Lena Morris, Aunty Glenys Watts, Aunty Julie Mongta, Uncle Lloyd Hood, Grattan Mullett, Patrick Mullett and Troy McDonald – was elected by members to deal with the Government. They’ve been working to build on the Agreement put in place in 2010, after many years of hard work by our Elders.
It’s not about starting out again – it’s about adding to what we have, making it better and getting better outcomes for our members, and our future generations.
What we’ve already achieved.
In 2022, the Gunaikurnai Negotiating Team met with the State across nine formal sessions and secured a strong Early Outcomes Agreement. These outcomes laid the foundation for the full package now on the table.
Early wins include:
> Four new joint managed parks
>> Freehold title of two properties in East Gippsland
>>> Funding to support Joint Management and the Gunaikurnai TOLMB
The outcomes are locked in, and as deadly as they are, our work isn’t over yet.
The full Authorised Offer goes further so now it’s time for members to come together to hear what’s on the table have your say whether to say accept it or reject it.
Why your voice matters.
The offer reflects five years of agreement-making by the Gunaikurnai Negotiating Team you elected to speak on your behalf. But the deal can’t go ahead without members agreeing to it so it’s important that you know what’s it’s all about and the benefits it will bring.
Your Rights, Your Voice
Now is your time to ask questions, share your views and prepare for the Full Group vote.
Come along to a cuppa & yarn
Want to talk through it face to face? We’ve got yarns happening all over Country so members can talk about what’s on offer. No need to register, drop in to any of the below between noon and 1pm to learn more.
>> Morwell Community Hub – Monday 28th July
>> GLaWAC @ Forestec – Friday 1st August
>> Yarram Community Hall – Tuesday 5th August
>> Sale (venue to be confirmed) – Friday 8th August
>> Bairnsdale (venue to be confirmed) – Monday 18th August
Join a Wednesday webinar
Can’t make it in person? We’re hosting 1-hour zoom sessions so you can jump online from wherever you are.
>> 23rd July – 7pm
>> 30th July – midday
>> 6th August – midday
>> 6th August – 7pm
>> 13th August – midday
>> 13th August – 7pm
>> 20th August – midday
>> 20th August – 7pm
(More info and links to come)
