Prof. Eleanor Bourke AM to deliver historic address to Melbourne Press Club

The Chair of Victoria’s formal truth-telling process will reflect on the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s legacy in an historic address to the Melbourne Press Club today.

Professor Eleanor Bourke AM will provide exclusive insight into Yoorrook’s final reports, which will be handed down by June 30, 2025.

Professor Bourke will show that in order to move forward together, we must learn the truth of our past and understand how it connects with the present.

“Open your heart and your mind to our story, as told by First Peoples. Learn more about where you live,” Professor Bourke will say.

“Understand that colonisation wasn’t an event two centuries ago, but a structure set in place back then which continues to impact First Peoples today.”

Professor Bourke will critique the way some early colonial figures were “written into the history books as founding fathers, pioneers and heroes” despite carrying out acts that caused immense harm to First Peoples.

“They were cogs in the colonial machine, which was charging full steam ahead, leaving a wake of death and human devastation behind,” she will say.

Professor Bourke will also pay tribute to the Elders and leaders who have contributed to Yoorrook’s work, including those who have passed away during Yoorrook’s four-year term.

More information about the Melbourne Press Club event is available here.