The Fred Hollows Foundation Treaty Support Statement - Victoria

The Fred Hollows Foundation is proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of all Aboriginal land and waters across Victoria and everywhere we work in Australia. We honour the many diverse Nations, language groups and communities, and we pay our respects to all Elders past and present. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

As an organisation committed to social justice and equity, we understand that our work in eye health must be grounded in truth, accountability and respect for the sovereignty and cultural authority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. That is the example Fred Hollows set for us more than 50 years ago and it guides our work to this day.

We recognise that Treaty is a vital act of justice, recognition and repair — a formal agreement that acknowledges First Peoples’ enduring sovereignty, embeds structural change, and supports a future led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

With deep respect for the rights, cultures, and leadership of First Peoples, we are proud to walk alongside the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria on the journey to Treaty. We stand in support of a process that is led by and for First Peoples, and which places self-determination, truth-telling and healing at its core.

We recognise that when it comes to First Peoples’ communities, cultures, and lands, the experts are — and always have been — First Peoples.

The past cannot be changed, but we can choose to take action today that helps heal the ongoing harm caused by the injustices of the past.

We believe a better tomorrow is possible. That’s why The Fred Hollows Foundation pledges our unwavering support for the Treaty process in Victoria.

To help build awareness and support for this shared journey, we commit to:

• Educating our staff and supporters about the Treaty process and its significance as a mechanism for truth and change;
• Amplifying First Peoples’ voices through our public communications;
• Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led organisations and initiatives that centre Treaty, truth telling, healing, and self-determination;
• Embedding cultural responsiveness and leadership into how we work, partner, and advocate;
• Standing publicly and clearly in solidarity with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria and their leadership of this process.

By making this pledge, we affirm our commitment to walking respectfully, standing up for justice, supporting the self-determination of First Peoples in Victoria, and continuing to be a trusted and accountable ally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations.

We believe Treaty is not only possible — it’s necessary. Together, we can help create a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard, rights are respected, and justice is realised for generations to come.