Submissions

Truth, Understanding and Transformation

Submissions to the Yoorrook Justice Commission have now closed. Over the past three years, thousands of First Peoples have engaged with Yoorrook, sharing their stories and experiences.

Yoorrook Justice Commission Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke AM has thanked all those who shared their truths as part of this historic First Peoples-led truth-telling process, the first of its kind in Australia.

“Thank you to all those who have shared your experiences, stories and traumas. We have been honoured to receive each and every person’s truth. ”

“Thank you also to everyone in the broader Victorian community who has taken part in truth-telling, giving evidence and making submissions. Your stories show everyone has a role to play.

Yoorook now invites everyone to listen and learn from these stories through our Shared Truths page, to help understand our shared history, and work towards our shared future.

Shared Truths: https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/shared-truths/

Recent Videos

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Your submission to Yoorrook is important

Nov 2, 2023
Submissions
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Get to know Truth Receiver Stephen Thorpe

Oct 10, 2023
Submissions
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Yarn with a Truth Receiver from the Yoorrook Justice Commission

Jun 12, 2023
Submissions
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How we can support you

Jun 1, 2023
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How to make a submission

Jun 1, 2023
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How your story and data will be used

Jun 1, 2023

More Submissions

Submissions to the Yoorrook Justice Commission have now closed. Thank you for sharing your stories.

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Truth, Understanding and Transformation

Yoorrook Justice Commission Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke AM has thanked all those who shared their truths as part of this historic First Peoples-led truth-telling process, the first of its kind in Australia.
Dec 2, 2024
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Your submission to Yoorrook is important

Watch Shayne talk about the importance of making your truth telling submission to Yoorrook and how Truth Receivers like him can help.
Nov 2, 2023
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Get to know Truth Receiver Stephen Thorpe

I am Stephen Thorpe and belong to the Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Palawa nations. I was born in Naarm (AKA Melbourne) on Wurundjeri land.
Oct 10, 2023
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Yarn with a Truth Receiver from the Yoorrook Justice Commission

Proud Gunditjmara and Monero/Gunnai man Joseph Saunders wants to help create a better future for his kids.
Jun 12, 2023
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How we can support you

Yoorrook has free and confidential social and emotional wellbeing and legal supports available for you. Speaking to Yoorrook about your experiences can sometimes feel too much. While some people get by really well and have strong support networks already, Yoorrook recognises this isn’t the case for everyone. Free, confidential and safe social and emotional wellbeing support is available to people
Jun 1, 2023
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How to make a submission

Yoorrook, Victoria’s truth telling Commission, invites First Peoples to tell us about your experiences of injustice. You can share the truth about any injustice you like by making a submission. For example truths about: your local area your family’s experiences experiences of racism, forced removal from home and land, massacres, forced labour, cultural loss, intergenerational trauma, economic disadvantage and stolen
Jun 1, 2023
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How your story and data will be used

Jun 1, 2023

Other Topics

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History

Shed light on and learn the “hidden truth” of the colonisation of Victoria.
Close up hands performing a smoking ceremony at a Welcome to Country.

Housing Videos

Yoorrook heard how today’s housing crisis stems from colonisation. Darren Smith, from Aboriginal Housing Victoria, said “you can draw a line”. Learn more.
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Health Videos

Commissioners heard extensive evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within Victoria’s health services, both for individuals requiring health care and Aboriginal organisations providing care. Learn more.
Aunty Jill Gallagher and Sheree Lowe discuss the health system in the Yoorrook hearing room.

Social Justice Videos

Watch what Yoorrook has heard about systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in Victoria in relation to health, education, housing and economic life.
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Land Injustice videos

In yarns & submissions, First Peoples are telling Yoorrook about the importance of land, sky & water and the impact of colonisation. Hear what they have to say.
Jedah wearing Aboriginal Body Art outdoors infront of a fire put while discussing how the Victorian education system be improved for First Peoples

Education videos

How do First Peoples students experience the Victorian education system and how could it be improved? Yoorrook is looking into the barriers First Peoples face in accessing all levels of education, as well as the racism many still endure within the system. Now is the time to have your say by making a submission.
Yoorrook For Justice: Report into Victorias child protection and criminal justice systems

Yoorrook for Justice

The Yoorrook for Justice report is the culmination of Yoorrook’s year-long inquiry into Victoria’s child protection and criminal justice systems.
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Yoorrook Events

The Yoorrook NAIDOC events included an Elders Panel that featured Yoorrook Chair Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Uncle Kevin Coombs.
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Submissions

All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.