The final list of candidates for the state's landmark First Peoples' Assembly elections has been revealed.
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14 Indigenous men and women have put their hand up to become the voice for south-west Aboriginal communities in the Victorian treaty process.
Damein Bell from Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation was among the first two members chosen for the Assembly.
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Here are the candidates for the south-west:
- Trevor (Reg) Abrahams
- Sissy Austin
- Michael (Mookeye) Bell
- Staycee Charles
- Marcus Clarke
- Charmaine Clarke
- Keicha Day
- Jordan Edwards
- Julie Jose
- John Maxwell Lovett
- Kaley Nicholson
- Walter Saunders
- Sharon Sowter
- Jesse Williams
Voting for the candidates opens on 16 September.
In the lead-up to the voting period, there will be four events in the south-west region where people can meet the candidates and enrol to vote:
- Warrnambool: Tuesday 10 September, South West TAFE, 6pm-8pm
- Portland: Wednesday 11 September, Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, 6pm-8pm
- Ballarat: Thursday 12 September, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative, 12pm-3pm
- Geelong: Monday 9 September, Geelong Regional Library, 6pm-8pm
The First People's Assembly will be the voice of Aboriginal people in Victoria in the future treaty process.
It will be made up of traditional owners, elected by Aboriginal people in Victoria and Victorian traditional owners living outside the state.
The First People's Assembly will work with the State of Victoria to prepare for treaty negotiations.
It will be independent of government.
Voting closes on 20 October.
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