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About Us

Who We Are

Ngaweeyan Maar-oo, meaning “Voice of and from the people” in Gunditjmara dialect, is the Victorian Government’s formal implementation partner and shared-decision making body under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement).
We are also a member of the Coalition of Peaks, the recognised lead partner with the Commonwealth government comprised of over 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak and member organisations across Australia, that represent over 800 individual organisations.
The Victorian Partnership Agreement sets out the requirements for membership of the Partnership Forum and Ngaweeyan Maar-oo. Ngaweeyan Maar-oo has 22 members, with delegates from nine of the Victorian Aboriginal Governance Forum Aboriginal Caucuses, and community-selected ACCO representatives across 12 sectors.
The membership has extensive expertise, cultural knowledge and experience informed by their longstanding commitment to the Aboriginal community.

Our Purpose

The purpose of Ngaweeyan Maar-oo is to inform the design, implementation, oversight, and monitoring of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (National Agreement) and Victorian Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, in partnership with the Victorian government.

Ngaweeyan Maar-oo is committed to prioritising self-determined solutions that promote culture, connection and community strengthening to preserve Aboriginal culture, support Aboriginal Elders, empower the next generation of proud, strong and thriving Aboriginal people, and ultimately close the gap.

Governance

The Victorian Government and Ngaweeyan Maar-oo Co-Chairs are responsible for facilitating meeting in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, including ensuring all members, regardless of position, uphold protocols and procedures outlines in the Meetings and meeting procedure section.

Co-Chairs

Ngaweeyan Maar-oo is led by Membership-appointed Co-Chairs, who work closely with, and are guided by, the Members to make decisions in relation to policy, strategy, and governance.

They are:

Michael Graham

CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service

Nerita Waight

CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Members

Membership under Clause 5.1 under the Partnership Agreement states there are 36 members of the Partnership Forum, with 22 being Ngaweeyan Maar-oo representatives and 14 being Victorian Government members. The Ngaweeyan Maar-oo members are selected through a community-based process where sector representatives are elected by ACCOs, and Aboriginal Governance Forum delegates are internally nominated by Aboriginal Caucuses which aligns to Clause 32 of the National Agreement.
Clause 5.5 of the Partnership Agreement states that the Sector Representative Members were chosen via a community -based selection process in April 2022, in accordance with 5.1.
They are:
Sarah Gafforini

Sarah Gafforini

Director

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)

Children and Families

Dr. Vicki Couzens

Dr. Vicki Couzens

Chairperson

Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL)

Culture and Languages

Felicia Dean

Felicia Dean

CEO

Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative

Disability

Lisa Thorpe

Lisa Thorpe

CEO

Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre Incorporated

Early Childhood and Development

James Atkinson

James Atkinson

CEO

Aboriginal Community Elders Services Inc

Elders and Aged Care

Paul Paton

Paul Paton

CEO

Federation of Traditional Owner Corporations

Economic Development and Employment; and Land and Waters

Jill Gallagher

Jill Gallagher

CEO

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

Health

Darren Smith

Darren Smith

CEO

Aboriginal Housing Victoria

Housing

Antoinette Braybrook

Antoinette Braybrook

CEO

Djirra

Family Violence

Nerita Waight

Nerita Waight

CEO

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Justice and Youth Justice

Gavin Brown

Gavin Brown

COO

Victorian Aboriginal Health Service

Social and Emotional Well-being

Bonnie Dukakis

Bonnie Dukakis

Executive Officer

Koorie Youth Council

Youth

Victorian Government Members

Clause 5.9 of the Partnership Agreement states that Victorian Government members are ex-officio appointments being the Secretary or Head of the following Victorian Government departments and agencies. They are:

  • Secretary Department of Premier and Cabinet
  • Secretary Department of Education
  • Secretary Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
  • Secretary Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
  • Secretary Department o Government Services
  • Secretary Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
  • Secretary Department of Justice and Community Safety
  • Secretary Department of Transport and Planning
  • Secretary Department of Treasury and Finance
  • Chief Commissioner Victoria Police
  • Commissioner Victorian Public Sector Commission
  • Chief Executive Officer Family Safety Victoria
  • Chief Executive Officer Homes Victoria
Connect with us

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders, past and present.

Sarah Gafforini

Sarah Gafforini

Director

Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)

Children and Families

The Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency (VACCA) has been the Peak Voice for Aboriginal children and their families since 1977, dedicated to championing the rights of Aboriginal children in Victoria. VACCA is the largest Aboriginal provider of child protection, family supports, early years, family violence, justice, homelessness and emergency relief service supports to Aboriginal Victorians.

Sarah has over 20 years of senior leader experience in a range of sectors specialising in public policy but also extensive experience in secretariats, project management, mental health, primary care, population/global health, mining and regulatory reform across ACCO, government and not for profit settings. Starting her career as a Trauma Therapist, Sarah is a skilled communicator and advocate, has extensive qualifications and is a widely published an researcher and evaluator.

Dr. Vicki Couzens

Dr. Vicki Couzens

Chairperson

Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL)

Culture and Languages

Yoolongteeyt Vicki Couzens is a Gunditjmara woman from the Western Districts of Victoria, Australia. Vicki acknowledges her Ancestors and Elders who guide her work. Having worked in Aboriginal community affairs for almost 45 years, Vicki has contributed in the reclamation, regeneration and revitalisation of cultural knowledge and practice that extend across the ‘arts and creative cultural expression’ spectrum including language revitalisation, ceremony, community arts, public art, visual and performing arts, and writing.

She is Senior Knowledge Custodian for Possum Skin Cloak Story and Language Reclamation and Revival in her Keerray Woorroong Mother Tongue.

Vicki is employed at RMIT University as a Research Fellow developing her Project ‘watnanda koong meerreeng , tyama-ngan malayeetoo (together body and country, we know long time)’ This Project’s key objective is to produce model/s, pathways and resources for continuing the reinvigoration of Aboriginal Ways of Knowing Being and Doing with a special focus on language revitalisation. The Project investigates and examines how revitalisation of cultural knowledges and practices affect healing in Aboriginal individuals, families and communities and builds resilience and capability towards sovereign nation building aspirations, opportunities and a realised living legacy.

Vicki is rebuilding the Gunditjmara Grammar to facilitate a new phase of language learning through immersive experiences and home based, family clan self-directed learning.

Felicia Dean

Felicia Dean

CEO

Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative

Disability

Felicia takes immense pride in offering a space where the flavors of modern bush foods intertwine with the richness of indigenous traditions. It’s a humble endeavor, born out of her deep-seated love for the culture and heritage of her people.

Returning to her role as CEO of Rumbalara in 2019 was a humble and strengthening moment for Felicia. Her role is not just a job; it’s a calling—a chance to serve with honour and integrity. Guided by the principles of self-determination and flexibility, she has embraced the challenges and triumphs that come with advocating for the Aboriginal & Torres Islander community’s rights and aspirations.
Following the footsteps of her Ancestors and working closely with Elders and colleagues across the state, Felicia has had the privilege of working towards a future where Aboriginal culture not only survives but thrive. Felicia remains steadfast in her commitment to building a brighter tomorrow—one rooted in empowerment, unity, and the enduring strength of her people.

Lisa Thorpe

Lisa Thorpe

CEO

Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre Incorporated

Early Childhood and Development

Lisa Thorpe is a Gunditjmara/ Gunnai woman from Victoria. Born in Yallourn, Victoria, but spent most of her life in Melbourne.

Lisa is the CEO of Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre. She has been integral to the inception and development of Bubup Wilam and about ensuring the right to self-determination for Aboriginal children and their families. For most of her working life Lisa has been employed in Aboriginal community based and community-controlled organisations. She has managed and worked on many programs which have directly contributed to the provision of services for Aboriginal people. Lisa has a master’s in public health from Deakin and is currently undertaking a PhD Titled: The Bubup Wilam Approach: Privileging Community Control as a way forward for Aboriginal Early Years, at Victoria University. Lisa is a strong advocate for her people and works tirelessly to ensure Bubup Wilam’s rights to self-determination are met.

James Atkinson

James Atkinson

CEO

Aboriginal Community Elders Services Inc

Elders and Aged Care

As a proud Yorta Yorta and Bangerang man from Northern Victoria, James Atkinson is currently the CEO of the Aboriginal Community Elders Service. James has previously been employed as the Director, Strategy and Development, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, CEO of the Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and as Acting Executive Director, Inclusive Education Professional Practice Branch, Manger, Social Inclusion Implementation Unit with the Department of Education and Training.

James holds over 30 years’ experience across a range of Aboriginal services and government departments. Including experience in various Senior Executive leadership roles within the Victorian Public Sector. James has an academic background in Business, Public and Policy management, James has learnt a great deal from his Elders, his parents, and the broader community in ensuring the preservation of our culture, language, and customs. James’s commitment to his community, its regeneration and continued advancement to meet the agreed long-term sustainable goals for his people.

James’s wealth of organisational experience is further consolidated through the various Boards he has served on at a state and national level. James was also one of the founding members of the first Victorian Aboriginal Youth Advisory Committee.”

Paul Paton

Paul Paton

CEO

Federation of Traditional Owner Corporations

Economic Development and Employment; and Land and Waters

Paul is a Gunnai and proud Monaro/Ngarigo man and the CEO of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations. Paul’s career purpose is to advocate for Traditional Owner rights and interests to government, provide leadership and deliver outcomes that will ultimately restore health to Country and communities.

Paul’s previous roles include being the CEO at the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages and as a non-Executive Director of First Nations Legal & Research Services four 14 years. Paul is also currently a member of the Victorian Yuma Yirramboi Economic Council, Chairperson of Nindi Ngujarn Ngarigo Monaro Aboriginal Corporation and Chair of the Victorian Aboriginal Executive Council.

Jill Gallagher

Jill Gallagher

CEO

Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

Health

Jill Gallagher is a proud Gunditjmara woman from Western Victoria who is also an accomplished and experienced strategic leader. Championing the needs of the First Nations community,

Jill has spent more than 20 years advancing Aboriginal health and wellbeing through her work as CEO of Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO). Having dedicated 30 years of her career towards advocating for Community, Jill is recognised as a respected Aboriginal leader through various accolades including being inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women (2009), awarded the Order of Australia (2013), and inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll (2015).

From 2017 to 2019, Jill served as Victoria’s first Treaty Advancement Commissioner.

Jill received the degree of Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa by the University of Melbourne in 2023.

Darren Smith

Darren Smith

CEO

Aboriginal Housing Victoria

Housing

Darren Smith is a proud palawa man from Lutruwita or Trowunna. His clans are pairre benne, trawul way and plair mairrenner from the North East of his Island. Darren has lived, worked, and played in Naarm on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations for over 30 years.

Darren commenced working at Aboriginal Housing Victoria in 2014 and has been the chief executive officer since 2017. He is the current chair of the Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Forum and co-chair of the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and homelessness Framework Implementation Working Group co-chairing with the chief executive officer of Homes Victoria.

Darren has over 10 years’ public service experience in a range of policy leadership roles for the Victorian Government across diverse portfolios including most recently in building policy, and Aboriginal Affairs. Darren’s governance experience includes serving on the NFP Boards of Community Housing Industry Association Victoria, Council for Homeless Persons and more recently the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association. Darren’s experience is complemented by academic qualifications including an Executive Masters of Public Administration, Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Engineering (Civil).

Antoinette Braybrook

Antoinette Braybrook

CEO

Djirra

Family Violence

Antoinette Braybrook is an Aboriginal woman who was born on Wurundjeri country. Her grandfather and mother’s line is through the Kuku Yalanji. Antoinette is the CEO of Djirra, a position she has held since the service was established in 2002. Antoinette is also Co-Chair of Change the Record, Australia’s only national First Nations led justice coalition of legal, health and family violence prevention experts.

Antoinette seeks to give voice and visibility to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who experience family violence. She is a strong advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control and self-determination.

Antoinette’s leadership and contribution have been recognised through numerous awards, including being honoured on the UN Gender Justice Legacy Wall in 2017, inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2020, City of Melbourne Awards, Melburnian of the Year 2022, Member Order of Australia Medal – 2023 King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List and the Deakin Alumni Award for Excellence 2024.

Nerita Waight

Nerita Waight

CEO

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service

Justice and Youth Justice

Nerita is a proud Yorta Yorta and Narrandjeri woman with Taunggurung connections. As CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS), Nerita started her career at VALS in 2014 as a civil lawyer. Prior to this role, Nerita worked across several teams in the organisation including family and children’s law, as well as policy and advocacy.

Nerita has also served on the Boards of several organisations including Elizabeth Morgan House, Bupup Wilam, and the Australia Community Support Organisation.

In 2023, Nerita was elected as a member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and was elected by the Assembly as Treaty Co-Convenor.

Nerita is also the mother of two young boys. The key motivation for her work is to ensure they grow up with strong connections to their culture and kin, and in a world that is safer for Aboriginal people.

Gavin Brown

Gavin Brown

COO

Victorian Aboriginal Health Service

Social and Emotional Well-being

Originally from the Kirrae Wurrung and Gunditjmara People in Western Victoria, Gavin Brown grew up in the Fitzroy Aboriginal Community and has been a CEO and management roles for over 30 years in various Aboriginal Community sectors across Victoria and NSW. After starting his career at VAHS as a 15-year-old in the dental service, Gavin returned to VAHS in 2019 as Chief Operations Office of the Executive Management Team.

Bonnie Dukakis

Bonnie Dukakis

Executive Officer

Koorie Youth Council

Youth

Bonnie is a proud Gunditjmara woman who grew up on Gunai Kurnai Country, and first became involved with KYC as a youth participant at the 2015 Koorie Youth Summit.

Bonnie has succeeded Indi Clarke, who resigned in August 2022 after six years with KYC. Bonnie has served as Acting Executive Officer since Indi’s departure. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Executive Officer at KYC. Bonnie’s commitment to the work of KYC includes her time as an Executive Committee Member on the KYC Executive Council. She has also been pivotal in facilitating workshops and yarning circles at the Koorie Youth Summit and has supported consultations in Gippsland for the development of KYC’s Aboriginal youth participation resource, Wayipunga.