Rueben Berg – Proud Gunditjmara Man

Proud Gunditjmara Man

About

Rueben Berg is a proud Gunditjmara man, and a Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly
of Victoria (the Assembly).

He sits on the Assembly representing the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation
– a Traditional Owner group of south-western Victoria. The Country and Waters
of the Eastern Maar stretch to Ararat and encompass Warrnambool, Port Fairy
and areas of the Great Ocean Road. Rueben has strong connections to Thangang-
poonart (Hopkins Falls) and the Framlingham Aboriginal community.

As an elected Co-Chair of the Assembly, Rueben plays a pivotal role in representing
the diverse voices and aspirations of First Nations communities in Victoria. With a deep
commitment to advancing the rights and interests of First Nations people, Rueben is
passionate about ensuring Treaty delivers Aboriginal communities the power and tools
to develop and deliver practical solutions at a local level.

Rueben’s leadership and dedication have earned him widespread recognition
and respect within First Nations communities and beyond. He is known for his
ability to build bridges between different stakeholders, fostering collaboration and
understanding of complex topics. As a Member of the Assembly in its inaugural term,
from 2019-2023, Rueben spent a considerable amount of time contributing to the
design and negotiation of the Treaty Negotiation Framework, and taking a leading role
in the negotiation meetings with the State.

Rueben was previously an appointed member of the Heritage Council of Victoria;
an independent body which advises the government and others on how to protect
historically important places and objects for the enjoyment of future generations.
A trained architect, Rueben was a Founder and Director of Indigenous Architecture
and Design Victoria, Managing Director of RJHB Consulting and was the Chairperson
of Westernport Water. Rueben is the first Aboriginal person to be appointed as Chair
of a water corporation in Victoria. He was also a Commissioner for the Victorian
Environmental Water Holder, before being elected to drive the Assembly’s work
as Co-Chair.

Outside of his professional commitments, Rueben is a father of two and actively
engages in cultural activities to ensure the preservation and the celebration of First
Nations culture. He is the Chair of the Ultimate Rules Subcommittee of the World
Flying Disc Federation and an ultimate frisbee guru on the international scene,
including drafting the rules of the game and founding the Indigenous Ultimate
Association Association. He is also a 2-time Australian National Disc Golf Champion