Mr Atkinson, a Yorta Yorta man and father-of-three from Shepparton and Cummeragunja, has raised his hand to play his part in that.
He is standing for one of three Northeast Victoria community-elected member seats at the table because he believes leadership starts with showing up for community consistently, with honesty and respect.
“I'm invested and I'm committed to the fight to see better outcomes for our people, our community, our region,” Mr Atkinson said.
“I always used to think about where can I play my part in that fight and I ended up working at the assembly as an engagement officer.”
Mr Atkinson has been in the role for three years, connecting with community in multiple ways, whether visiting prisons, schools and rehabilitation centres or attending events.
To campaign, he’s had to stand down from that position.
“It's something I'm willing to sacrifice my time towards,” he said.
“I want communities' voices to be heard on every level and I want to advocate for community.
“I want to see better outcomes in the schooling systems, in the justice system, and, if I’m elected, I want to push for the outcomes that came out of negotiations to be delivered in the community.”
Mr Atkinson says his drive comes from lived experience of adversity and his deep connection to Mob.
“I’ve worked in construction, cultural heritage, and now as an engagement project officer,” he said.
“I’ve sat with community, listened to hard stories, and helped carry those voices into spaces where decisions are made.”
Other items that are priorities for Mr Atkinson are the delivery of truth-telling throughout the region and in schools, better pathways for people in the justice system and more housing opportunities for those experiencing housing instability.
“I’m pretty big on homelessness, you know, I want to see what we can come up with to support people when they’re homeless a lot better,” he said.
Mr Atkinson is confident he understands systems and says his commitment to his community is long-term.
“This isn’t about a position — it’s about responsibility,” he said.
“As a father, I’m thinking about the future we’re leaving our children and grandchildren.”
Voting opens on Saturday, March 21 and closes on Sunday, April 12.
The Treaty Authority will publicly announce the election results by April 30.
You must be enrolled to be able to vote.
To enrol, visit treatyelections.org.
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