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First Nations X Stand for Council

First Nations people are significantly under-represented as elected local members in Victoria.

As we approach the 2024 Victorian local government election, the MAV encourages First Nations people to amplify their voices within local government.

First Nations X Stand for Council Community and Candidate Information Session

The MAV is hosting an information session for First Nations people in partnership with the City of Greater Shepparton on Thursday 30 May from 6.30pm – 8.00pm at their council office, 90 Welsford St, Shepparton.

Join us face-to face or online and hear from Cr Yvonne Weldon AM, City of Sydney and Cr Barry Winmar, City of Kwinana, Western Australia about why they chose to stand for council and their experiences of being a councillor.

This session will also provide important information about the upcoming local government elections as well as support and mentoring programs available to councillors once elected.

About our panellists

Cr Yvonne Weldon AM

Yvonne Weldon is an independent councillor for the City of Sydney and the first Aboriginal councillor in the City's 180-year history. Yvonne is a proud Wiradjuri woman. She was born and raised in the inner city of Sydney but maintains strong ties to her homelands of Cowra and the Riverina areas of New South Wales.

A life-long activist, Yvonne has 30 years' experience working in key government and Aboriginal organisations driving positive reform in health, education and child protection.

Yvonne was inspired to run for council to ensure local government is representative, helping those who have traditionally been excluded find their voice and influence change. Her vision is for a green, vibrant and inclusive Sydney humming with opportunity for all.

Cr Yvonne Weldon AM

Cr Barry Winmar

Barry Winmar is Nyoongar leader and traditional owner of Whadjuk peoples of the Noongar Nation with ancestral lineage across all Noongar country. Barry has some thirty years of leadership experience and have undertaken senior leadership roles within large organisations in government, private and not for profit sectors.

Barry has extensive management skills and knowledge of policies and strategic direction, a strong advocate for positive outcomes for Aboriginal children, families and communities building resilience and community capacity through sustainable relationships that deliver long term outcomes to create inclusive and sustainable communities.

Barry has an extensive advocacy background in Government services with a Master of Business, Legal and Management qualifications. Barry is the City of Kwinana’s first Indigenous elected Councillor. Barry strives for an inclusive and diverse Australia that respects and acknowledges the continuous connections of First Nations peoples to our country.

Cr Barry Winmar

As per our practice of not promoting current councillors running in the upcoming elections, we've invited First Nations councillors from other states to participate in our Council Candidate Information Sessions.

Resources for First Nation People

Watch this recent information session from Politics in Colour and Pathways to Politics for Women encouraging First Nations women to consider standing for politics.