The Yoorrook Justice Commission held its formal launch and ceremonial wurrek tyerrang (public hearing) on 24 March 2022, marking the first public sitting of Australia’s only truth and justice process.

Yoorrook Justice Commission Chair Prof Eleanor Bourke and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs the Hon Gabrielle Williams MP exchange cultural items at the formal launch of the Commission on 24 March 2022.

Yoorrook Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke and Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Aunty Geraldine Atkinson at the launch of the Commission on 24 March 2022.

Yoorrook Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke with the Co-Chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria Marcus Stewart and Geraldine Atkinson at the launch of the Commission on 24 March 2022.

Djirri Djirri dancers at the launch of the Yoorrook Justice Commission on 24 March 2022.

Yoorrook’s formal launch started with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, led by Uncle Colin Hunter of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

Yoorrook’s launch was held at the Stolen Generations Marker in Fitzroy.

Yoorrook held its formal launch and ceremonial wurrek tyerrang (public hearing) on 24 March 2022, marking the first public sitting of Australia’s only truth and justice process.

Dr Lois Peeler welcomed Commissioners to Country as part of Yoorrook’s regional engagement and Elders’ yarns. Commissioners undertook a walk around the site with Dr Peeler and spent time paying respects and reflecting at Coranderrk Cemetery.