Amber Wilson, leading the way towards reconciliation

Published on 18 September 2023

As a proud Yorta Yorta and Dhudhuroa woman living on Bunurong country, Wilson’s cultural background has shaped her into a strong, empathetic and kind individual. Then there’s also the Italian side of her family, which has given her an understanding of migrant issues.

“I was always taught to be strong in culture, which has prepared me to be strong in life and proud of who I am and the connection I have to my country and community,” she said.

When asked about her vision for Frankston City in terms of reconciliation, Amber emphasised the importance of “listening to the community directly and making the changes they not only want but need to be supported and heard in all walks of life”.

Reconciliation plays a significant role in both the lives of First Nations peoples and the wider community. According to Amber: “Reconciliation requires the Australian community to respect the traditional owners of this land, the first people. It is to acknowledge past and present inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since colonisation and to commit to working towards an equal and respectful future that acknowledges, upholds, and respects our culture and our way of life.”

For Amber, respect is a philosophy. Coming to Council fresh from a trip to Bali, Amber said she has been taught to “honour and respect the land and country” she is in regardless of whether it was her own. “They have a saying in Bali—‘with blessings’—which warmed my soul because everything we do should be with purpose and or blessing to uphold respect and remember to show it.”

She looks forward to working through Council to ensure harmony and reconciliation so that everybody in the community can enjoy inclusion.