GEGAC’s Keeping Place Coordinator Rob Hudson speaks to Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner and GEGAC CEO Kenton Winsley during the Governor’s visit to the Keeping Place on Friday. Photos: Jake Lynch/GEGAC
GEGAC welcomed the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor Margaret Gardner, to GunaiKurnai Country last Friday.
The visit served as an opportunity for GEGAC to advocate for increased investment in protecting and promoting Aboriginal culture.
“Aboriginal culture is vitally important, yet much of the work we do at GEGAC—particularly around cultural conservation and education programs—remain inadequately funded,” said GEGAC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kenton Winsley.
During the visit, the Governor toured the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place and the Brabuwooloong Medical and Dental Building, guided by GEGAC’s Senior Manager of Culture, Aunty May Pearce, and Keeping Place Coordinator, Rob Hudson.
Joining the Governor on the tour of Keeping Place was Mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, John White.
GEGAC first contacted the Governor after her speech at last year’s NAIDOC State Reception, during which she displayed her deep understanding of the early days of Aboriginal activism in Victoria.
The Governor discussed the importance of truth-telling, acknowledging that while contemporary efforts cannot erase past injustices or their ongoing impacts, they can improve outcomes for Victoria’s First Peoples.
“We regarded this visit as a reflection of the Governor’s genuine commitment to the success of GEGAC and our partner ACCHOs,” Kenton said. “By strengthening relationships with community and government leaders, we enhance our ability to be strong and effective advocates for our people.”
The visit allowed GEGAC leadership to showcase the organisation’s efforts to keep Aboriginal culture at the heart of its services and the workplace it creates for staff.
“As a community-controlled Aboriginal organisation, our responsibility is to be distinct from mainstream health and social services in every way,” said GEGAC Deputy CEO Joshua Tuiono. “That means ensuring all our services and programs are culturally safe and welcoming for mob.”
Kenton said he recognised the broader cultural and historical significance of the Governor’s visit.
“For many Aboriginal people, a distinguished guest’s visit to Country holds deep meaning—it’s an opportunity for reflection, recognition, and dialogue about our shared history,” he said.
“Our responsibility to the community is to ensure that GEGAC has a seat at the table where decisions are made and that we continue building strong relationships with decision-makers so we can effectively advocate for the needs of our people.”
On behalf of the GEGAC Board of Directors, board member Andrew Morgan presented the Governor with a very special gift, an emu egg decorated by well-known local artist Adrian “Ringo” Morgan.
