In summary

  • Ngarra Murray, a proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Dhudhuroa woman, delivered the 2026 Barak Wonga Oration
  • Hosted by Swinburne and the Moondani Toombadool Centre, the annual oration honours Aboriginal leaders William Barak and Simon Wonga
  • Murray called for collective action to protect Victoria’s first statewide Treaty and advance First Peoples’ self-determination.

Ngarra Murray has called on Victorians to stand together to protect Treaty and advance First Peoples’ self-determination at the 2026 Barak Wonga Oration.

Delivered at Hawthorn Arts Centre on 7 October, the annual address explored the significance of Victoria’s first statewide Treaty and the generations of advocacy that made it possible.

Murray is a former Co-chair and inaugural member of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. She was also a Lead Negotiator and signatory to Australia’s first Treaty.

2026 Swinburne Annual Barak Wonga Oration

Honouring the legacy of William Barak and Simon Wonga

The Barak Wonga Oration honours Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung leaders William Barak and Simon Wonga and their efforts to protect their people, Country and rights during colonisation.

Murray described their approaches to resistance as complementary. Wonga advocated for land, community and self-determination through leadership and negotiation. Barak pursued these goals through political advocacy, diplomacy and art.

“While their world changed around them, they dreamed beyond the circumstances imposed upon them, and then they organised to make that dream possible,” she said.

At Coranderrk, the leaders fought for land, survival and community. Murray connected their legacy to the principles underpinning Treaty today.

“Treaty is built on that simple principle that Wonga and Barak held: First Peoples decide First Peoples’ issues.”

A new relationship through Treaty

Victoria’s first statewide Treaty was signed by the Victorian Government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria in December 2025.

Murray said Treaty creates an opportunity to change the relationship between First Peoples and government by returning decision-making power and resources to communities.

“Transforming the relationship between First Peoples and Governments is ultimately about transforming power – creating a future where sovereignty is respected, Indigenous knowledge is recognised, and power is shared differently,” she said.

“We are not separate from the world. We belong to it. Country is not just land. It is relationship, responsibility, ancestry, lore, knowledge, and future generations. This is why self-determination matters. Why Treaty matters. Why truth-telling matters. Why diplomacy matters.”

A call to protect Treaty

With Victoria approaching an election, urged everyone to make their views on Treaty known and ask election candidates where they stand.

“Treaty was built through courage, persistence, collective action and belief in a better world for all our children. It will be protected the same way.”

Murray called on communities, businesses, unions, academics and artists to support Treaty and share responsibility for its future.

“First Peoples should not have to defend this alone so now is the time for everyone who believes in Treaty to stand up.”

She concluded by reflecting on the hopes of past generations and the importance of continuing their work.

“I truly believe that what was a dream for our old people will be a reality for our children.”

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