First the talk. Now the walk: Yoorrook Justice Commission launches truth-telling campaign

The truths of First Peoples will feature in a historic campaign by the Yoorrook Justice Commission kicking off today.

Over the past four years, Yoorrook – Victoria’s formal truth-telling process – has been investigating past and ongoing systemic injustices faced by Victorian First Peoples since colonisation.

Over the next 6 weeks, the “First the talk. Now the walk.” campaign will elevate truths told by First Peoples.

It aims to help build a shared understanding of Victoria’s history, as well as showing the strength, achievements and resistance of First Peoples. It will share truths from Aboriginal people from across Victoria.

Uncle Henry Atkinson shares his experiences of racism at school. “We weren’t allowed to have playtime at the same time as the other kids,” he says.

Keicha Day talks about the importance of never forgetting how far we have come. “Having all the facts means not making the same mistakes again,” she says.

Paul Paton talks about how country includes family, culture, language, customs and spiritual beliefs. “Land is us and we are land. Land is central to what we call Country,” he says.

The campaign will be promoted through Yoorrook’s digital channels, and will also be found in key Victorian cultural institutions, including State Library Victoria, Melbourne Museum, Geelong Arts Centre, The Wheeler Centre, and on screens at Fed Square.

Chair of Yoorrook, Professor Eleanor Bourke AM, said:

“Over the past four years Yoorrook has gathered hundreds of truths about the true history of the State of Victoria since the start of colonisation.

“The campaign is about sharing those truths with all Victorians, so we can all understand this past and move forward together.

“Keep an eye out for these stories as you move through the city and other locations and make the time to listen and learn.

“We are deeply appreciative of those who have shared their stories, which are now on the public record – a gift for us all to benefit from.”

During the past four-years, Yoorrook has conducted inquiries into Victoria’s child protection and justice systems, the land, sky and waters, education, health, housing and political and economic life.

The Commission’s term will end on 30 June, 2025. Visit yoorrook.org.au to find out more about Yoorrook’s work.

Media enquiries: Kellee Nolan | [email protected] | 0467 760 230.