Raylene Harradine is planning to use her new role in the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria to better the lives of Indigenous Australians.
The Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive was chosen as a representative for the north-west region after a month-long election process.
"When I found out, there was just amazement," Ms Harradine said. "I'm really excited to be part of what's happening and to make a change around the self determination of First Nations Peoples."
The Assembly - which is the first of its kind in Australia - will be a voice for Indigenous people during the next phase of the Treaty process with the Victorian Government.
There are 32 Indigenous representatives in the Assembly, with 21 elected and the other 11 seats reserved for formally recognised traditional owner groups.
Trent Nelson, who is the chair of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, has been chosen as the representative for the Dja Dja Wurrung.
Ms Harradine joins Jacinta Chaplin and Jason Kelly as representatives for the north west region, which covers Bendigo, Horsham, Swan Hill, and Mildura.
"I'm looking forward to working alongside them and to hear what they have to say," Ms Harradine said.
"I have worked across the region so I think that gives me a pretty good grounding for not only where I live, but the area I'm representing."
Ms Harradine said she wanted to hear from Indigenous Australians in the region to find out what issues were important to them.
Read more: First members chosen for Vic treaty body
"People will be encouraged to contact me and use me as a conduit for what they want to achieve," she said. "It's not just about me making the decisions on what happens. It will be guided by the community."
The inaugural meeting of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria will be on December 10 and 11 at Parliament House in Melbourne.
The main priorities of the meeting will be to set up a Treaty Authority or independent watchdog for the negotiation process; establish a fund for Aboriginal clans to ensure a level playing field; and debate what laws need to be addressed in treaty negotiations.
Ms Harradine said the meeting would be about developing a framework.
"We will look at our key priorities and objectives and find how we can work towards them," she said.
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
