We all want to see Aboriginal languages being used and celebrated more – not less!

Insultingly, the Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, has announced he wants to erase a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung word from the name of a local hospital. To make matters worse, he intends to replace it with a tribute to the very symbol of colonial imperialism!

Please sign our petition to stop the Maroondah Hospital being renamed the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The First Peoples Assembly of Victoria is democratic voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the journey to Treaty in Victoria. We’re currently working to establish the framework and process that will enable Traditional Owners of Country to negotiate Treaties with the Government of Victoria. 

Maroondah is a word from the language of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people which means ‘throwing leaves’. Using the word for a suburb in Melbourne is a simple and positive way to acknowledge the languages and culture that has been practised in the area for over 60,000 years.

Queen Elizabeth on the other hand, represents the very system of power, privilege and imperialism that violently dispossessed First Peoples of this land and tried to erase our culture.

The Premier’s plan to displace Language in this way is a hurtful reminder of the lack of respect that politicians have for our history and cultural and how they still view it as disposable.

Whether your family has called Victoria home for 5 years or 50,000 years, help us send a clear message to the Premier that we all want to respect and celebrate the languages and culture of First Peoples to help us build a better future together as equals.

When we publicly criticised the Premier’s decision to rename the Maroondah Hospital, he essentially told us to stick to our knitting. But if he thinks we’re not going to use our voice to promote and protect our cultural, he’s got another thing coming!

Please, show your support and sign the petition now.

This petition was originally started by Maroondah Action and transferred to Assembly of First Peoples' of Victoria