Launch Housing is proud to announce our formal pledge of support to Victoria’s statewide Treaty process, becoming a recognised Friend of Treaty alongside the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. Treaty is about truth, fairness, and self-determination. It is a step toward healing the impacts of colonisation and creating systems that work for everyone.
As a homelessness and housing organisation, we know the housing experiences of First Nations peoples today are shaped by a long history of dispossession. Treaty is an opportunity to change that by valuing First Peoples’ knowledge, respecting the wisdom and sovereignty of First Peoples, honouring the histories and ongoing connection to– and expression of– culture. We are privileged to walk alongside First Nations communities as equal partners in shaping a shared future.
‘We recognise that First Peoples are – and always have been – the experts of their communities, lands and cultures,’ said Laura Mahoney, Executive Director, Homelessness Solutions and Impact. ‘This pledge affirms our commitment to advancing systemic change in solidarity with First Peoples.‘
Through our Treaty Pledge, Launch Housing commits to concrete actions including:
Collaborate: We partner with First Peoples, Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to ensure our work reflects self-determination and community leadership. Together we design culturally safe housing solutions and honour First Peoples’ languages and names across our sites.
Educate: We build understanding of Treaty and truth-telling across all teams through learning opportunities, onboarding, and Yuruwan, our Cultural Impact Framework. Everyone at Launch Housing has a role in supporting Treaty, Reconciliation, and self-determination.
Advocate: We stand publicly with the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, amplify their campaigns, and write annually to MPs and Ministers in support of Treaty. Our advocacy ensures policy and practice reflect Treaty values and First Peoples’ rights.
Activate: We make our support visible and ongoing, through events, communications, and truth-telling spaces. We report transparently to the First Peoples’ Assembly each year and continue learning from community feedback.
Treaty is about walking together with respect, courage, and hope, towards a more just future for all.
