Yoorrook launches Walk for Truth from Portland to Parliament

Proud Kerrupmara Gunditjmara man, Commissioner Travis Lovett will walk from Portland to Parliament in an effort to bring Victorians together as part of the state’s truth-telling process.

Commissioner Lovett, the Deputy Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, will begin the 370km Walk for Truth on May 25 at the Portland foreshore, where Victoria was first colonised 190 years ago.

The 25-day journey will take in communities including Warrnambool, Colac, Geelong and Footscray, while visiting sites of cultural and historical significance for First Peoples.

Along the way there will be opportunities for all Victorians to join the Walk and attend events. The walk will finish at the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne on June 18.

Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett said:

“The Walk for Truth is about bringing all Victorians together to share truths, to listen and to learn. It will be truth telling in action and all Victorians are invited to take part.

“Over the last four years Yoorrook has heard powerful truths from people right across the state who gave evidence about the past and ongoing impacts of colonisation, as well as the strength, resistance and achievements of First Peoples.

“These truths form the basis of Yoorrook’s final reports, documenting the past and providing a roadmap to transform the future.

“The walk will be a powerful way to build our collective understanding of these truths and our history in Victoria, while walking together to towards a better future for all Victorians.”

Yoorrook Chair Professor Eleanor Bourke AM said:

“We invite all Victorians to join the Walk for Truth, whether it be by walking out on Country, following online or sharing social media posts.

“We can’t change what happened in the past, but we can understand it better and come together to help create a better future for everyone. I hope you will join us.

“Truth telling has never been more important than it is right now. When we understand the past, and how it connects with the present, we can create a better shared future together.”

More details about the route and arrival at Parliament House will be provided in the coming weeks. Along the way there will be opportunities to join the Walk and attend events. For more details on specific legs and upcoming events, or to register and show your support, visit yoorrook.org.au/walkfortruth.

For media enquiries contact Evan Schuurman on 0408 847 385.