THE First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria – the democratic body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Victorian Treaty process – has confirmed four Traditional Owners will stand as candidates in the upcoming by–election in the North East region.

A by–election was called to replace former North East representative Nartarsha Bamblett, who stepped down from the assembly last year.

Assembly co–chair and Bpangerang and Wiradjuri elder Aunty Geraldine Atkinson, herself a member in the North East, said the Aboriginal community electing representatives was an important step on the journey towards treaty.

"It's great to see our community having the conversations about treaty and getting organised, because that's what self–determination is all about – having Aboriginal people in the driver's seat," Aunty Geri said.

"Now we have the candidates, so we need mob in the North East to do their bit.

"We need them to enrol and get out and vote.

"Don't forget – our electoral roll belongs to us and is completely separate from the government's voting system."

The four candidates to nominate for the by–election are Lisa Rose Thorpe, Travis Morgan, Madison Connors and Nicole Atkinson.

Voting will open at the Treaty Day Out concert on February 26 and run at various locations and via post, online and SMS until 11pm March 27.

Candidate profiles

Lisa Rose Thorpe

Proud descendant of the Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurrung, Boonwurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wemba Wemba People of Victoria.

"I want to be a member of the First People of Victoria to ensure Our Sovereign People living in this state (and beyond) have the access to the information to make the important decisions they need to.

"Knowledge is key and determines our next step.

"I want to ensure we are led by Our People. I want to listen to them whether they are living on and off country, sharing their aspirations and advocating for them – this is very important to me.

"I am honest, I have integrity and I stand for true self determination."

Travis Morgan

"A descendant of the Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba people, I grew up within the strong Aboriginal community of Echuca on the banks of the Dhungala where my ancestors have lived and thrived for thousands of years.

"Elders taught me of the inherent rights that Indigenous people have which underpin our sovereignty and self–determination as Traditional Owners. As significant challenges remain on complex and intergenerational issues, such as educational attainment, employment and economic parity, and social inclusion I believe these challenges can only be truly overcome with a holistic, coordinated, and long–term effort involving an agreed approach.

"As a member of the First People of Victoria, I'll work hard to ensure that North–East Aboriginal people's voices, aspirations, and vision are supported, and their contributions are valued and celebrated as part of the treaty framework agreed approach."

Madison Connors (nee Saunders)

"I am a proud Yorta Yorta (Wolithica clan), Dja Dja Wurrung (Moomnom Gunditj Bee clan) and Gamilaroi woman.

"I was born and grew on Kannygoopna (Shepparton) meaning the place in the river where big fish are caught. My first engagement with the Victorian Treaty process was when I was selected as one of the 31 working group members for the Aboriginal Community Assembly in 2017.

"It was such important work that we were to work through. I then worked with the Treaty Advancement Commission in the Engagement Team, finishing up in 2019. So, I've been involved in the process in one way or another for a few years now.

"I would like to be a member of the First Peoples' Assembly as I believe I can provide important insight through dialogue, support, and assistance with resolving disputes, and commitment to the treaty goals and visions set out by the communities.

"Personally, I believe that treaties can be a tool to empower communities, to acknowledge our sovereignty was never ceded and to provide a guaranteed voice for our people.

"My vision for treaties is to acknowledge the significant role of Elders as knowledge keepers and respect for and adherence to ceremonial and oral traditions throughout our diverse communities, including language. To secure economic future and self–determination and to provide a mechanism for land back to practice our cultural ways and healing."

Nicole Atkinson

"My name is Nicole Atkinson and I am standing to be your member for the North East Region on the First Peoples' Assembly.

I am a Traditional Owner of North East Victoria, and I also have strong ties to the South West of Victoria.

"I was born and raised in Shepparton, and have lived and worked in the North East community my whole life. I work locally in Aboriginal Community Services where I run programs across the Goulburn Valley for our youth and their families.

"I currently represent the community on a number of boards and committees. I have a strong passion for education and social justice.

"I am standing because I believe in the power of treaty and the transformative changes it can bring for our community.

"Through treaty the possibilities for our community are endless, from self–determination over our affairs, to the long overdue recognition and reparations that we deserve after more than 200 years of colonisation.

"For these opportunities to come to fruition, we need strong representation that understands the North East community, and that is why I want to be your Member for the North East Region."

Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Wurundjeri man, Ronald Rexter Briggs, withdrew his nomination citing his already substantial personal and community commitments and the quality of the other candidates.

Any person who is a Traditional Owner of Country in Victoria, or any Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has lived in Victoria for at least three of the past five years, is eligible to enrol on the Aboriginal electoral roll.

To vote in the by–election, people enrolled on the Aboriginal electoral roll must be a resident of the region, which takes in Echuca, Mansfield, Rushworth, Shepparton, Tallangatta, Wangaratta and Wodonga.

Enrol to vote at: https://www.firstpeoplesvic.org/enrol/.