Wemba Wemba Contemporary Community

The Wemba Wemba community today is vibrant and active, with strong organisations working to preserve culture, empower community members, and manage traditional lands. Recent recognition milestones demonstrate the growing acknowledgement of Wemba Wemba rights and cultural heritage.

Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation

The Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation serves as a central platform for the Wamba Wamba and Wemba Wemba peoples to unite and work together. The corporation focuses on several key areas:

Focus Areas

• Community Empowerment: Supporting community well-being and development
• Cultural Preservation: Protecting and revitalizing Wemba Wemba culture and heritage
• Sustainable Management: Managing waterways and land in accordance with traditional knowledge and contemporary needs
• Well-being Initiatives: Programs supporting health, education, and community development
• Environmental Stewardship: Fostering connection between people and environment

This recognition as a Registered Aboriginal Party empowers the community to manage their cultural heritage and natural resources effectively, providing formal mechanisms for protecting traditional lands and cultural sites.

First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria

In 2024, the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria voted to create a reserved seat for representatives of the Wamba Wemba people. This significant milestone marks an important step in recognition and representation, giving the Wemba Wemba community a voice in Victorian Aboriginal affairs and policy development.

Community Organizations

Njernda Aboriginal Corporation

Based in Echuca, the Njernda Aboriginal Corporation provides a range of programs and services to support the Wemba Wemba and broader Aboriginal community:

• Health services
• Family support
• Youth services
• Community services
• Aged care

The organization is guided by the values of Elders and community aspirations, ensuring that services are culturally appropriate and community-driven.

Notable Community Members

Elders

Fay Muir - Wemba Wemba Elder who has made significant contributions to cultural preservation, including the creation of possum skin cloaks. Fay Muir is involved in cultural governance and community leadership, playing a vital role in maintaining and sharing Wemba Wemba cultural knowledge.

Contemporary Artists

Emma Bamblett - A Wemba Wemba woman and contemporary artist who co-founded Kinya Lerrk, meaning "women coming together" in Wemba Wemba. Kinya Lerrk is a collaboration focusing on Aboriginal design and art that celebrates Aboriginal culture and respectfully acknowledges traditional landowners.

Kelly Koumalatsos - An artist of Wergaia and Wemba Wemba heritage, known for her possum skin cloaks and paintings that blend traditional designs with contemporary media. Her work addresses themes of colonization and cultural identity, and includes notable pieces such as "Portrait of sister in laws" featuring Wemba Wemba Great Aunty Frieda Stewart.

Aimee McCartney - A Taungurung, Wotjobaluk, Wemba Wemba, and Boon Wurrung woman who creates artworks reflecting cultural heritage. Her piece "River Journey" (2023) represents the connection between community and country, emphasising custodianship and acknowledging traditional lands.

Kedeasha Jackson - A Wemba Wemba artist whose work "Regenerating our Wellbeing" symbolizes cultural resilience and healing, reflecting the ongoing strength and vitality of Wemba Wemba culture.

Maree Clarke - An artist of Mutti Mutti/Yorta Yorta and Boon Wurrung/Wemba Wemba heritage, involved in collaborative works such as "Scar – A Stolen Vision," which engages with traditional practices and reflects on cultural identity and connection to country.

Community Leaders

Vicki Clark - A Mutthi Mutthi Wemba Wamba woman dedicated to increasing understanding of Aboriginal spirituality. She has worked to embody Aboriginal culture within the Catholic Church and education system, and has improved educational outcomes for Aboriginal children and youth.

Community Initiatives

The Wemba Wemba community is engaged in numerous initiatives that support cultural preservation and community development:

• Language Revival Programs: Supporting the preservation and revitalization of the Wemba Wemba language
• Cultural Education Initiatives: Programs that share Wemba Wemba culture with broader community
• Health and Well-being Services: Supporting community health and wellness
• Youth Programs: Engaging young people in cultural activities and education
• Family Support Services: Supporting families and strengthening community bonds
• Environmental Management: Caring for traditional lands and waterways
• Cultural Preservation Projects: Documenting and preserving cultural knowledge
• Community Events and Gatherings: Bringing community together to celebrate culture

Contemporary Achievements

Recent achievements demonstrate the strength and resilience of the Wemba Wemba community:

• Recognition as Registered Aboriginal Party (2024)
• Representation in First Peoples' Assembly (2024)
• Ongoing cultural preservation efforts
• Language revival programs
• Community empowerment initiatives

These achievements build on the rich historical heritage of the Wemba Wemba people while creating pathways for future generations to maintain and strengthen their cultural identity.

Getting Involved

To learn more about Wemba Wemba community initiatives or to get involved, visit our Contact page to connect with the Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation and other community organizations.

For educational resources and information about supporting Wemba Wemba community initiatives, explore our Resources page.