Allyship with First Peoples on the path to Treaty

The Victorian Council of Social Service was founded in 1946 for the purpose of advancing social justice and equality. Over the years, this work has taken many forms. 

Right now, momentum is building for Treaty in Victoria. This is a crucial moment for truth, recognition and reconciliation. 

For too long the non-Indigenous community has disputed or downplayed the wrongs that colonial and contemporary institutions have committed against Aboriginal people, and the continuing harm this has caused.  

While the past cannot be changed, we choose to take steps today that will help heal the ongoing pain caused by yesterday’s injustices. 

By working together, we can create a future where First Peoples’ voices are heard and rights are respected, and where justice is realised for generations to come.  

The Victorian Council of Social Service pledges our unwavering support for First Peoples’ self-determination in Victoria. Our Treaty commitments are outlined below.

Download a PDF copy of the VCOSS Treaty pledge here.

Visit the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria website here.

OUR TREATY COMMITMENTS

Six boxes, which read: COLLABORATE Collaborating directly with First Peoples organisations. We will work with First Nations bodies to provide the support and guidance they want. Our role and actions will be directly informed by the views of Aboriginal organisations and leaders from across the VCOSS community. BUILD Building strong connections between First Peoples and mainstream organisations. The Victorian community sector should be a powerful ally to First Nations organisations and institutions. We will facilitate connections to build trust and connectivity between bodies as we, in time, strive to role model effective and respectful allyship. EDUCATE Educating the community sector and the wider Victorian public about the Treaty process. We will do our part so every Victorian — including workers across the community and social sector — understands the Treaty goals, history and planned process. ADVOCATE Advocating for broad political support for the Treaty process. We will champion Treaty across the Victorian Parliament and among candidates ahead of the 2026 Victorian Election. EMBED Embedding First Peoples’ perspectives in our research, policy and advocacy work. At all times, we will apply a First Peoples lens and seek to infuse the lived experience of First Peoples and communities into our core workstreams. ENSURE Ensuring VCOSS and its staff are supported to be culturally aware and appropriate. VCOSS staff will be provided with appropriate and ongoing cultural awareness training and exposure to First Peoples history, culture and experiences.

VCOSS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country, and we pay respect to Elders and Ancestors. Our business is conducted on sovereign, unceded Aboriginal land. The VCOSS offices are located on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung land in central Naarm.