GLaWAC – Who we are

That the Gunaikurnai community is proud of the way that we represent and include the mob in achieving broad respect for our culture, for the protection and healing of our land and to gain genuine economic independence.

– GLaWAC Corporate Vision

Board of Directors

The Board is responsible for overseeing the running of GLaWAC on behalf of all members and make decisions about the running of the corporation. There is a minimum of six and a maximum of ten Directors on the Board at any given time, with up to two independent or specialist non-member Directors appointed alongside Directors who are members of the corporation.

The Board is seeking community members to participate in four Board subcommittees: Native Title and Cultural Heritage; Economic Development; Audit Risk and Finance; and Our Country.

For further information please contact Kyla Di Fiore by email admin@glawac.com.au or phone (03) 5152 5100.

The current GLaWAC Board of Directors are:
Troy McDonald (Chair),
Lynette Bishop,
Nick Johnson,
Alice Pepper,
Julie Mongta,
Paula Morgan,
Glenys Watts,
Lois Whelan,
Ewan Waller (Independent Director), &
Libby Dummett (Independent Director).


Elders Council

The 2023 Elders’ Council comprises Elders who are members of GLaWAC and appointed by the descendants of each identified Apical Ancestor. The Elders’ Council come together throughout the year to provide advice on cultural matters to the organisation, and to attend cultural events. GLaWAC acknowledges the contribution of our current and our past Elders’ Council members.

The current Elders’ Council members are:
Aunty Lena Morris (Chair),
Aunty Beryl Booth,
Aunty Deanna Campbell,
Aunty Diann Hurren,
Aunty Glenys Watts,
Aunty Gwen Hudson,
Aunty Julie Mongta,
Uncle Kevin Murray
Aunty Lee-Anne Eddington,
Aunty Maria Harrison,
Aunty Marianne Atkinson,
Aunty Marion Flo Hood,
Aunty Noretta Knight,
Aunty Raylene Young &
Uncle Reg Thorpe.


Board Sub-committees

GLaWAC’s Board sub-committees provide timely knowledge, advice and recommendations to support the Board and management across a number of key areas.

Board Sub-committee’s include:

Our Country (OCSC)

Native Title Cultural Heritage (NTCHSC)

Economic Development (EDSC)

Audit, Risk & Finance (ARFSC)

Want to find out more about GLaWAC? Take a listen to what Grattan has to say.

Our Logos

Showcase 1

Shield Logo

The black and white shield logo of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) was designed by GunaiKurnai man, Steaphan Paton, to represent the GunaiKurnai people.

The logo depicts a lowered shield with traditional Gunaikurnai markings; the lowering of the shield is symbolic that the fight is finished, and talks can occur. The shield’s markings are of a man talking to another man with input from the women. This discourse is about family, everyone having a say and working together. This is a common philosophy or wisdom that has been passed down from Gunaikurnai ancestors through teaching. The word dhuna is Gunai for ‘speak’, the word on the right wanggan means ‘hear’. This represents the idea that whoever speaks will be heard.

Showcase 2

On Country

The colourful On Country logo was designed by respected Gunai Elder Rita Watkins. Aunty Rita Watkins was a foundation member of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Elders Council. Aunty Rita was a signatory to the GunaiKurnai Settlement Agreement with the State of Victoria. Her daughter Glenys Watts said her mum loved life and being on Country. The design represents our rights as GunaiKurnai custodians to protect the land and waters of Gippsland. Borun the Pelican surrounds and protects the People, Mother Earth, the Waterways and the Environment. The blue wren is the totem representing the GunaiKurnai people.

This logo is used in conjunction with the Shield Logo for all of GLaWAC’s On Country activities.