First Nations Voices on Climate Action

Event Details

First Nations Voices on Climate Action is an event aiming to highlight the important voices of First Nations people in the climate movement.

Corrina Eccles, Wadawurrung Traditional Custodian, will be sharing her story on caring for Country, sharing with us her perspective on the climate movement and the climate emergency we are facing.

This event will be an amazing opportunity to practice deep listening and understand how to be a better ally and advocate in this climate crisis. There will be time for questions from the audience.

We look forward to joining together for this important event.

First Nations Voices on Climate Action is in honour of NAIDOC Week:

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Geelong Sustainability is in the process of developing our Reconciliation Action Plan. Geelong Sustainability wishes to learn from the past and is committed to truth telling. Geelong Sustainability has been actively in support of the Uluru Statement from the Heart since October 2020. We are passionate about continuing to celebrate the Wadawurrung people and their rich culture as well as other First Nations Cultures, as together we will build our shared future for reconciliation.

We acknowledge the Wadawurrung people, the First Peoples of the land on which we live and work. We pay deep respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. The Wadawurrung people have cared for the land and waters for thousands of years. We also acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and that the Wadawurrung people remain the rightful Custodians of this land.

Speakers

Corrina Eccles is a proud Wadawurrung woman, who lives and works on Wadawurrung Country. Based in the Djilang/Geelong office, her role is the Cultural Strengthening General Manager at Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) who are the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Corrina is a well-respected advocate and leader in the community. With a passion for supporting First Nations people with heart, hands and voice, she is particularly passionate about children and young people to connect with community, culture, feel inclusive, grow strong with their identity, to know who they are and where they belong. Corrina’s journey and connection to Wadawurrung Country started with her grandmother and being guided and mentored by strong Elders and respected men and women in the community and her family.

Julie Saylor Briggs is a Torres Strait Island Irish Australian woman, and was raised on Wadawurrung Country in the Wathaurong community. Julie currently works for the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative and is Co-Chairperson of the Kulin Nation Local Government Network, which comprises over 70 Senior First Nation Officers, representing 77 Victorian Councils.

During Julie’s time in Local Government, she advocated for the Workers’ Rights as an ASU Union delegate to working in the leading First Nation Advisory role with the City of Greater Geelong to build understanding of First Nation Culture and Heritage. She has led successful campaigns regarding 26 January and the Uluru Statement from the Heart. More recently, Julie’s passion for a more socially responsible Australia has increased her community activism and she is actively supporting a Free Palestine and is an active member of the Geelong Real Deal Committee and advocating for improved social housing and climate action.