Thousands to join final days of Walk for Truth to Parliament House

More than 5,000 people are expected to join the final two days of the historic Walk for Truth, a powerful act of unity and healing which will culminate at Parliament House on Wednesday morning.

The Walk is part of the final events of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Victoria’s formal truth-telling process and the first of its kind in Australia.

Over the past 23 days, Yoorrook Deputy Chair and Commissioner Travis Lovett has led the walk across more than 480km, starting in Portland, where colonisation began in Victoria in 1834.

On Tuesday the Walk will begin at Footscray Park and finish at Camp Sovereignty, a site of deep significance, political advocacy and resistance.

On Wednesday, more than 3,500 people are expected to join the final symbolic walk from King George V monument at King’s Domain, beginning with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country. The Walk will finish at the steps of Parliament House on Spring Street where Commissioner Lovett will address the crowd.

Commissioners, First Peoples Elders and leaders will then move inside Parliament House where Premier Jacinta Allan will be presented with a message stick that has been carried the full length of the walk. The presentation of the message stick honours a cultural practice that stretches back thousands of years, linking past, present, and future.

After starting in Portland on May 25, the Walk for Truth has passed through Port Fairy, Warrnambool, Camperdown, Colac, Geelong and Werribee.

Yoorrook Deputy Chair and proud Kerrupmara Gunditjmara man, Commissioner Travis Lovett said:

“We’ve walked for more than three weeks, across country and through all kinds of weather, carrying the truths of our people with us. Now, we’re just days away from reaching Parliament House.

“This walk is about more than the past – it’s about truth, understanding and the future we can build together. It’s about walking side by side, listening deeply with respect and taking steps toward a fairer Victoria for everyone.

“I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who has joined the journey – whether by walking, volunteering, or learning from Traditional Owners along the way.

“With two days remaining, I invite all Victorians to be part of this moment. Let’s walk the final steps together – to the place where decisions are made that can transform our future and show that truth-telling and justice matter to all Victorians.”

To find out more about the final walk legs and events and register to join, go to www.yoorrook.org.au/walkfortruth.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

*All media must confirm attendance with Yoorrook’s media team (details below) prior to the walk and register online at www.yoorrook.org.au/walkfortruth.

Thousands to join final days of Walk for Truth to Parliament House

• Footscray to Camp Sovereignty walk: Today’s 10km walk will begin at Footscray Park at 10.45am and end at Camp Sovereignty on Linlithgow Ave around 3pm.

Wednesday June 18

• King’s Domain to Parliament House walk: Today’s walk will begin at the King George V monument at King’s Domain by the Sidney Myer Music Bowl with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome at 9am. The Walk will arrive at the steps of Parliament House on Spring Street around 11am. Yoorrook Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett will then address the crowd. There will be a lectern where media can place microphones.
• Media doorstop: A short doorstop with Deputy Chair Commissioner Lovett will be held at the top of the Parliament House steps around 11.50am.
• Federation Square event: A public celebration of Yoorrook’s work will take place at Federation Square from 2pm. The event will include a traditional dancing Tanderrum, speeches and musical performances.

Media enquiries: Evan Schuurman | 0408 847 385 | [email protected].