Tyson Lovett-Murray

Tyson Lovett-Murray is a proud Gunditjmara man who grew up in the Heywood community. He is currently employed as a Heritage Park Ranger and has previously worked with organisations dedicated to the Victorian indigenous community.

His goal is to help Indigenous men find their voice, in a culturally safe setting, through holding narrative therapy programs for both individuals and in group sessions. He wants to focus on forming groups for support and network as well as a safety-net systems for indigenous men. He has seen the impact of domestic violence on Indigenous communities and wants to work with men and youth to help break this cycle.

Tyson’s vision for Indigenous communities in Victoria includes:

• A future where our culture and heritage are valued and respected, and where we have self-determination and control over our own lives. This includes the ability to make decisions about our own land, resources, and governance, and to have a voice in local and national political processes.
• Acknowledgement and addressing of historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation, including intergenerational trauma, and working towards healing and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
• Supported and strong Aboriginal communities, including language and cultural revitalisation, education and employment opportunities, and access to healthcare and other essential services.
• The protection and preservation of Aboriginal lands, waters, and natural resources, and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into environmental management practices.
• The end of ongoing systemic racism and discrimination faced by Aboriginal people in Victoria and ensuring that they have access to the same rights and opportunities as other Australians.

In 2019, he was awarded the environment achievement award from the Glenelg Hopkins CMA for a number of different projects, a key project being working on the world heritage listing of Budj Bim, a significant achievement for my community.

In 2022, Tyson was invited to a cultural immersion and creative writing 10 day trip to West Timor by poet Ali Cobby Eckerman from RMIT.