Did you know Catherine McAuley College Bendigo has a team of staff working together to develop the College’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)?

Facilitated by consultant Mr John Bonnice, we have moved to the next stage working in smaller teams to develop the plan around: RESPECT, PARTNERSHIPS and OPPORTUNITIES.

In particular, we are looking at ways to support treaty.

Supporting Treaty

Treaty in Victoria

On 12 November 2025 a Treaty was signed between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples of Victoria following the passing of the Statewide Treaty Act 2025. The Treaty is a legally binding agreement designed to address historical wrongs and advance self-determination for the First Peoples of Victoria.

The Treaty process seeks to:

• Acknowledge Sovereignty: Recognise that First Peoples never ceded their sovereignty.
• Truth-Telling: Confront the ‘true history’ of colonisation through the work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
• Self-Determination: Ensure that decisions about First Peoples are made by First Peoples, particularly in health, housing, and education.

The Treaty includes several practical reforms:

• Decision-Making Powers: Allowing First Peoples to make decisions on matters affecting their communities.
• Truth-Telling in Schools: Using the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s Official Public Record to update the curriculum.
• Cultural Infrastructure: Setting up a First Peoples' Infrastructure Fund for community projects and supporting language and culture revival.
• Place-Naming: Increasing the use of traditional names for geographic features.

Catherine McAuley is committed to supporting the Treaty between the State of Victoria and the First Peoples of Victoria through embedding ‘Truth-Telling in Schools’ and being an advocate for the Treaty within the community.

We will keep updating you about our progress regularly throughout the year.

Mrs Sarah Cody, representing the RAP Team