Brien Nelson is a Jaara Elder who has always remained faithful to his cultural responsibilities. He has been a leader on his own Dja Dja Wurrung country and in many other parts of Victoria and beyond.

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Brien has played a significant part in building and rebuilding Aboriginal corporations, programs and employment strategies. As a mentor and teacher, Brien rekindled Dja Dja Wurrung cultural and ceremonial practices, aiming to reconnect younger Aboriginal people with their culture and language, and to promote understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Brien has been a long-term leader of the reconciliation process.