Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council members

Denise Lovett is a Gunditjmara woman with a wealth of experience in protecting Cultural Heritage. This includes her work as Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer for the South West and Wimmera Cultural Heritage Program, negotiating agreements on high profile projects such as the Portland Wind Towers and the Glenelg Water Pipeline, and as former Executive Officer and Chair of Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

Denise joined Council in 2007, serving as a Council member, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson until 2013. Re-joining Council in 2021, her 3-year appointment as a Council member will end 28 November 2024.

Jason is a proud Boon wurrung and Wamba Wemba man. Jason is an experienced legal practitioner, working with diverse First People’s communities across Australia. This experience has included working with communities across a range of legal, cultural and social environments, requiring an in-depth understanding of social, political and economic issues impacting upon these diverse communities.

As one of the first Indigenous Solicitors to establish and operate a legal practice as a Principal Solicitor in Victoria, Jason is experienced in a range of legal areas, including: criminal law, commercial law, native title, cultural heritage, litigation and human rights.

Rodney Carter is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta people and resides at Bendigo in Central Victoria. He currently works for his people, the Dja Dja Wurrung as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and the Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd.

A defining moment for Rodney was negotiating the Dja Dja Wurrung people's native title settlement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.

Rodney applied for a position on Council because he strongly believes that Victorian Aboriginal people are those best placed to manage their own history, places and materials for the benefit of all Victorians.

Rodney joined Council in 2007 and his current 3-year appointment as a Council member will end on 31 August 2024.

Melinda is a Wadawurrung woman, business owner and lecturer at Deakin University.

In recent years, Melinda was appointed to the Barwon Ministerial Advisory Group. The Victorian Government established the Barwon River Ministerial Advisory Committee (Barwon MAC) in early 2019 to facilitate a community-led approach to the future management and protection of the Barwon catchment. The MAC has worked in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and local communities to understand the threats to the river, how to better manage these threats, and how to enhance and protect the river system.

Melinda holds her Masters in Indigenous knowledge systems in the Australian tertiary-built Environment.

Monica Morgan is a Yorta Yorta woman and CEO of the Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation. She hopes that her experiences in relation to fighting early battles from the early 1970s as a young activist for protection of our Country and Culture would be of some benefit to younger First Nation activists. Working directly with Cultural Heritage staff, Board and Council of Elders on deliberating on protection country and initiating the legislative obligations this entails, she has developed a Whole of Country Plan and priorities for the next 10 years of which include Cultural Heritage both tangible and intangible as a matter of importance.

Monica joined Council in 2021 and her 3-year appointment as a Council member will end 28 November 2024.

Russell Mullett is a descendant of the Gunai Kurnai People, the Traditional Owners of Gippsland.

He has been professionally involved in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage since 1989, starting as a Cultural Research Officer. He is currently the Registered Aboriginal Party Manager for Gunaikurnai Land & Waters Aboriginal Corporation, and an Inspector and Authorised Officer under the Commonwealth Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Protection Act and Victoria’s Aboriginal Heritage Act. Additionally, Mr Mullett sits on Council’s Ancestral Remains Policy and Repatriation Support Committee.

Russell joined Council in 2021 and his 3-year appointment as a Council member will end 28 November 2024.

Nicholas is a proud Wemba Wamba and Dhudhuroa man.

With over 20 years experience in the cultural heritage industry, working primarily in the northwest of the State. Nick is driven by the need to protect his culture and maintain recognition for the ways of his old people. 

Nick has completed his Cert IV - Cultural Heritage Management (La Trobe Uni) and is currently employed by the North Central CMA as a Project Officer and Indigenous Facilitator. 

Liz is a Victorian Aboriginal woman, descending from Wurundjeri Woiwurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung, she was born and raised on Gunaikurnai country and has extended family connections throughout Gippsland.

An Aboriginal advisor, with over 20 years of professional experience with Community, Industry and Government services, Liz is driven to further the inclusion of Aboriginal Economic participation.

She has worked extensively in government to strengthen the Aboriginal business sector empowering a prosperous Aboriginal and Victorian economy for generations to come and as an active member of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Clans Heritage Council Aboriginal Corporation.

2016-2020

Geraldine is a Bangerang/Wiradjuri woman. She works to expand education opportunities for Koorie people.

Geraldine has been active in her community for 30 years. She began as a teacher’s aide in 1976. She's been the President of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated since 1999.

Geraldine's made a significant impact in early childhood development. She's always regarded education as being the best instrument of progress.

2007-2012

Graham Atkinson is a descendant of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta people. Mr Atkinson has significant leadership experience, holding positions including Chair of Native Title Services Victoria and Chair of the Dja Dja Wurrung Native Title Group. Graham was appointed to the State Government Steering Committee charged with developing a native title settlement framework for Victoria. Graham has been involved in many high profile heritage projects including the development of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Minerals Council of Australia. Graham has a Master of Business Administration and degrees in arts and social work.

2022 - 2024

John is of Gunditjmara/Djab Wurrung descent from Western Victoria and Gunai/Kurnai family connections in Gippsland.

John has many years experience working in communities across Australia and Victoria. John has a rich understanding of the issues faced by Victoria's First Nations peoples including socio-economic challenges.

John has a keen interest in matters such as negotiations with private land owners for access by Traditional Owners to undertake cultural practices and the return of Ancestral Remains and Secret or Sacred Objects.

2009

2011-2021

Jennifer is a proud and strong Wudyubaluk woman from the Wimmera/Mallee region. She's a descendant of Yanggendyinanyuk (Dick-a-Dick).

From 2005 to 2006, Jennifer led the first successful Native Title Claim in Victoria.

Jennifer has over 30 years of Koori education experience and also holds a Diploma in Vocational Education and Training.

With the support of the Victorian School of Languages, Jennifer has revived and reclaimed her language, Wergaia.

The Wotjobulak people completed the VCE Revival and Reclamation education resource. This meant changes to the curriculum in all Victorian secondary schools which introduced the teaching of Indigenous languages.

Jennifer is passionate about her culture and language. She's also passionate about rights for all to live, breathe and practice their culture.

2007-2009

Damein Bell is from the Gunditjmara nation of Southwest Victoria.  Damein has over 30 years’ experience in Aboriginal affairs including education, training, native title, land justice and caring for country. Damein’s previous roles include member of Parks Victoria Board and the Indigenous Advisory Committee for the Commonwealth's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Damein is currently CEO of Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. 

2007-2019

Jim Berg is a Gunditjmara man. Jim was the founder of the Koorie Heritage Trust Inc and was involved in the establishment of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. He was a leading figure in a legal battle that resulted in Aboriginal human remains held by the University of Melbourne and the Museum of Victoria being returned to Country and reburied. Jim is co-author of The Power and the Passion: Our Ancestors Return Home and has been a Justice of the Peace for 42 years. Jim was the inaugural Chair of the Council and served again as Chair during 2010. 

2007-2018

Eleanor A Bourke was born in Hamilton, Victoria and is a prominent member of the Wergaia people with a career in Aboriginal affairs spanning 40 years in Victoria, the ACT and South Australia. Eleanor has held various executive positions in the community and in State and Federal government sectors, including five years as the co-Chair of Reconciliation Victoria. Eleanor has made a significant contribution to the Council during her four terms as a member, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

2007-2019

Tim Chatfield of Halls Gap is a member of the Djab Wurrung community and has held numerous leadership positions in Aboriginal communities, serving as Chairperson of the Victorian Aboriginal Housing Board and previously as Chairperson and Regional Councilor for the Tumbukka Region of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. Tim’s cultural heritage expertise and experience has been sought on a wide range of local and statewide plans and initiatives. Tim served as Deputy Chairperson for three years. 

2012-2015 and 2018-2021

Bonnie is a proud Wadawurrung woman with many years’ experience in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and Education.

Bonnie regularly gives lectures promoting cultural heritage management and has sound knowledge of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. In April 2012, she had the opportunity to be a representative for Ballarat at the World Historical Cities Conference in Vietnam, where she was able to share her knowledge and network with people of many other nations on a range of heritage issues.

Recently, Bonnie held the role of Cultural Heritage Coordinator for a Registered Aboriginal Party (Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation). In that role, Bonnie worked closely with the community, archaeologists, developers, anthropologists, ecologists and government authorities, on approximately 126 projects to achieve the best outcomes regarding the preservation of cultural heritage on her traditional Country.

2013-2015

Wally Cooper was a Yorta Yorta and Bangerang Elder and was a passionate cultural ambassador who shared his traditional knowledge with the wider community.  He did this as a founding member and Board member of the Koorie Heritage Trust, before working there as a Cultural Officer and Curator. Wally also worked with the Catholic Education Office, the Victorian Farmers Federation, Victoria Police, and on Indigenous interpretive sign projects for both the Rural City of Wangaratta and Parks Victoria. In 2012, Wally was inducted to the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll. 

2007-2008

Vicki Couzens is a Keerray Wurrong woman from the Western Districts of Victoria. Vicki acknowledges her Ancestors and Elders who guide her in her work.
Vicki has worked in Aboriginal community affairs for over 35 years. She is a Senior Knowledge Holder for Possum Skin Cloak Story and Language Reclamation and Revival in her Gunditjmara Mother Tongue. Vicki’s contributions in the reclamation, regeneration and revitalisation of cultural knowledge and practices extend across the ‘arts and cultural expression’ spectrum including language research and community development; public art, community arts, visual and performing arts, writing, publications and her own creative expression. 

2013-2019

Nellie Flagg (nee Taylor /Charles) is a descendant of Wemba Wemba, Dja Wrung and Boonwurrung and lives on Wathaurung Country (Geelong).  Nellie has worked for and with Aboriginal people for over 30 years in different roles within State and Commonwealth government agencies as well as community organisations, including the Department of Justice and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative.  Nellie is proud of who she is and where she has come from. 

2013-2018

Jill is a Gunditjmara woman from Western Victoria who has worked within, led and advocated for the Victorian Aboriginal community all her life.  Jill has been CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation since 2001 and was instrumental in achieving bipartisan support for the ‘Statement of Intent’ to ‘Close the Gap’ in Aboriginal life expectancy.
Prior to working at VACCHO, Jill worked for the return of Indigenous skeletal remains and Indigenous cultural property. She has also sat on various committees the Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria Indigenous Reference Group and the Premiers Aboriginal Advisory Committee. Jill was included in the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2010 and awarded an Order of Australia in 2013. 

2007-2018 and 2020-2022

Mick is a member of the Yowong-Illam-Baluk and Nattarak Baluk clans of the Taungurung People.

Mick was a founding member of Council and has served as a member, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. Mick has also served the Community as an integral part of the Treaty Working Group, an inaugural member serving 13 years on the board of First Nations Legal & Research Services (formerly Native Title Services Victoria), Board Member of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, Koorie Heritage Trust and Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria. For over 30 years he has worked in Cultural Heritage as an Archaeological Site Officer, Cultural Officer and Inspector.

2021-2022

Raylene Harradine is a Dja Dja Wurrung, Latje Lajte and Wotjabulluk woman with a career working on the social and general issues that are faced by our communities in Victoria. Her interest is in good governance and ensuring that any decisions that are made reflect human rights but also working from a collective approach whilst complying with legislation and policy.

Raylene joined Council in 2021.

2007-2012

Karen Jackson is a Yorta Yorta woman with broad experience in Indigenous affairs ranging from State and Federal Government to community organisations. She is Director of the Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit at Victoria University and a previous member of the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. 

2016-2019

Ron is a Wurundjeri man with strong links to Coranderrk and Bullum Bullum in Burnside.  Ron brings extensive knowledge of issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians as founder and Secretary of the Aboriginal Medical Service in Fitzroy, co-founder of the Adoption Centre for Aboriginal Children and his volunteer work at various Aboriginal organisations. Over the last 10 years, Ron has served on the Elders’ Committee of Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council. Ron is passionate about and committed to the preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage and the teaching and sharing of history. 

2018–2021

Racquel is a Dja Dja Wurrung woman with connections to the Barapa Barapa and Boon Wurrung Peoples. 

Within the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage industry, Racquel specialises in legislative compliance, being one of the first appointed Aboriginal Heritage Officers in 2017, and former Parks Victoria Project Coordinator for the Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement. Racquel is also a law student at Deakin, with a focus on constitutional and human rights law.

Her passion lies within supporting community and young people to self determination, and understanding the current systems for change.

2007-2013

Denise Lovett is a Gunditjmara woman. Denise has a wealth of experience in protecting cultural heritage, including in her work as Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Officer for the South West and Wimmera Cultural Heritage Program, negotiating agreements on high profile projects including the Portland Wind Towers and the Glenelg Water Pipeline, and as former Executive Officer and Chair of Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation. Denise made a significant contribution to the Council from the Council’s inception until May 2013 as a  member, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

2007-2013

Ricky Mullett is a qualified archaeologist and has been a passionate advocate for protecting and preserving Aboriginal heritage for over 30 years.

As well as playing an advisory role on Aboriginal heritage issues locally, regionally, state-wide and nationally, Ricky was involved in running education and managing programs about protection and preservation of significant Aboriginal sites in South Eastern Australia. Ricky contributed to the Council during his three terms, from 2007 until 2013, as a member, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

Dr Paton is a Gunai, Monero Ngarigo woman who has built skills and knowledge in the cultural heritage space, through direct and indirect work with cultural heritage matters and issues.

She has extensive governance experience through various roles and capacity on national, community, and in appointed committee positions and is currently a Senior Lecturer at Monash University.

2016–2021

Sissy is a Wemba Wemba descendant and has traditional ties to the waters of the Murray, Lachlan and Murrumbidgee rivers and floodplains.

For more than 2 decades, she has lead and supported communities to achieve their aspirations and values, creating real and respectful partnerships as part of this.

Sissy is passionate about ensuring Old People are returned to Country and follows the legacy of her late father to protect Ancestors.

2018-2022

Kenny is a Wamba Wamba descendent with strong family ties to the Lake Boga area. Kenny is a fourth-generation descendant of this area, and still has family there and spends a lot of time in this region and is committed to maintaining strong connections to that place.

In Kenny's words "I am and have been fortunate to have played a vital role in supporting Elders both past and present. I have been able to travel with and spend time with Elders, and this allowed me to gain greater knowledge and respect. They shared their knowledge with me and gave me a greater insight into Aboriginal issues involving both Native Title and cultural heritage. In recognition of the fact that a number of key Aboriginal Elders trusted me with their knowledge and passion, I feel that now is the time to give something meaningful back to the community, to benefit the future of the Aboriginal people."

In his professional life, Kenny has further extended his relationship with Aboriginal people across north-west Victoria and has continued to build good working relationships through these communities. Recently, this has extended into the Riverland of South Australia, where he has formed and fostered new relationships. Other current professional service roles are with the First Nation Legal and Research Services, Wiran Aboriginal Corporation and First Peoples of the Millewa-Mallee.

2020-2022

Dan is a Bunurong man and was the Chief Executive Officer of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation from 2014 to 2022, overseeing its inception as a Registered Aboriginal Party in July 2017.

He has extensive practical Cultural Heritage management and strategic experience, including co-chair of the Aboriginal Treaty Working Group, Director and Deputy Chair of the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and interim Director and Company Secretary of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria.