“The words from Call to Country translate from woiwurrung to English as ‘come together as one, in the healing of our hearts’. The purpose of the Call to Country is to call everyone to ceremony – the spirit of our Ancestors, Elders, everyone, so that we can begin ceremony.” 

– Chenile Chandler 

Chenile Chandler is a proud Wurundjeri woiwurrung woman of the Kulin Nation. She has an extensive connection to her Aboriginal culture and community in Victoria. She performs and writes songs in woiwurrung language with the assistance of her grandmother and Senior Wurundjeri woiwurrung Elder, Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin. 

Chenile has performed at many different events including AFL Dream Time at the ‘G and AFL Grand Final matches, USA v AUS FIBA World Cup 2019 and the 2020 NRL All Stars match. 

In 2021, she performed ‘I Am Woman’ with Debra Byrne and Angie Hart at the 2021 Australian Open for the Women’s Singles Final. 

Day to day, Chenile is a strong advocate for her culture and community as the Community Engagement Officer (VIC) at the Australian Bureau of Statistics. “It’s important for me to connect with culture, my people and the spirit of my ancestors through the work I do. Whether that’s sharing our language through song or supporting the rights of Indigenous communities.”