Jaidyn Kennedy
Wyndham council’s decision to jointly host Treaty in the Park as a dual-priced and politically exclusive event has upset local residents, according to a community advocate.
The event, which took place in Werribee’s Wyndham Park on Sunday, November 25, granted free entry to those enrolled in the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, while non-concession holders were charged $50 for tickets.
The First Peoples’ Assembly is a democratic voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
City of Wyndham Action Group spokesperson Trish Barcatta said the decision to go ahead with the event was an example of council overreach in the absence of community consensus.
“I understand having a nice event in the park showcasing Aboriginal talent, but to showcase this event as being specifically for that – I don’t think it is acceptable at council level,” Ms Barcatta said.
“I think what people are afraid of is being seen as doing the wrong thing if they speak out – like being seen to be racist.”
A First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria spokesperson was asked about the decision to price tickets according to Indigenous status and enrolment status.
“We have a range of engagement activities that we run for enrolees and to encourage others to enrol,” the spokesperson said.
“The pricing reflects who our core constituents are and who will be participating in the journey to Treaty.”
A First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria spokesperson said that Indigenous Victorians not enrolled in the assembly were not eligible for free entry.
People can enrol with the assembly if they are a Traditional Owner of Country in Victoria (living either in Victoria or interstate) or an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person who has lived in Victoria for at least three of the last five years, and are 16 years old or over.
Ms Barcatta also raised concerns about the council’s level of transparency in hosting political events.
“There should be greater transparency and accountability when it comes to how money is spent,” she said.
“I think what people are just more concerned about is should the council be getting involved in state issues in the first place– where they are pushing through Labor’s agenda for this treaty at council level with rate money.
“It’s questionable why the council is so involved on an issue that not all residents agree with.”
Wyndham council was contacted for comment about the decision to jointly host Treaty in the Park, its policies on transparency and when the decision to host the event was made.
Council declined to comment.
