Featured Stories
Nov 21, 2024
The Henty legacy and its ongoing impact
In the 1860s, as the new colony of Victoria boomed following the discovery of gold, First Peoples were being moved onto missions and reserves, where their lives were tightly controlled.
Oct 18, 2024
Truth-telling has never been more important
One year ago, Australia made a choice for First Peoples. The referendum campaign was bitter and divisive. It was confronting for First Peoples, who had our cultures, our history and even our Aboriginality suddenly being scrutinised under the public spotlight.
Sep 13, 2024
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples – The first internationally recognised act of self-determination
The Declaration, endorsed by the United Nations 17 years ago on 13 September 2007, and by Australia 2 years later, is the world’s most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples.
Aug 28, 2024
Community make history at Barrbunin Beek
Community connected with Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place in Heidelberg met with Yoorrook’s truth-receivers in a fireside yarning session this month.
May 31, 2024
Get to know Truth Receiver Stephen Thorpe
Yoorrook Truth Receiver Stephen Thorpe, who belongs to the Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Palawa nations, shares some insights about his journey to Yoorrook and why he’s passionate about truth telling.
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Jun 4, 2024
Yoorrook Justice Commission: Jarvis’ Story
Sitting overlooking the waters where the Yarra River and Merri Creek meet, surrounded by soaring gum trees, Jarvis takes a deep breath. With the camera rolling, he begins to tell his story.
May 31, 2024
Get to know Truth Receiver Stephen Thorpe
Yoorrook Truth Receiver Stephen Thorpe, who belongs to the Gunnai, Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Palawa nations, shares some insights about his journey to Yoorrook and why he’s passionate about truth telling.
May 16, 2024
What Yoorrook heard about land, sky and waters
The history of Europeans coming to Victoria 200 years ago and taking First Peoples’ land is a history of wrongdoing and loss. But it is also a story First Peoples’ resistance, survival and strength.
May 16, 2024
Victorian Government responds to Yoorrook recommendations
The Victorian Government has accepted 28 of the recommendations made in Yoorrook for Justice in full or in principle.
May 16, 2024
Victoria Police commit to change
Victoria Police announces its commitment to 79 reforms in response to Yoorrook Justice Commission recommendations at the unveiling of the Yoorrook shield
Mar 13, 2024
Yoorrook celebrates International Women’s Day by remembering important advocates for First People
We stand on the shoulders of generations of amazing women. Learn more about some of them this International Womens Day.
Mar 8, 2024
Marngrook – Celebrating the origins of AFL
Kick off the AFL season by celebrating Marngrook and its origins in First Peoples history and culture.
Jan 23, 2024
The Story of the Day of Mourning on January 26
On January 26 1938, First Peoples activists held the nation’s first Day of Mourning to coincide with the 150th anniversary celebrations of the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove.
Jan 5, 2024
My great-uncles went to war for Australia but returned homeless. It’s time to face the truth about Indigenous injustice
The Yoorrook Justice Commission will help Australians understand what happened when Europeans arrived and how it led to ongoing Indigenous suffering writes Commissioner Travis Lovett.
Nov 21, 2024
An Indigenous woman and a colonial descendant have come together in an unlikely alliance
Keicha Day often has to fight back a rising wave of resentment when driving down the Henty Highway in western Victoria to visit her elderly mother.
Aug 30, 2024
Yoorrook Justice Commission truth receivers speak frankly about their challenges and goals
Yoorrook Truth Receivers talked with the VAN Talks Podcast about just some of the work that is going on behind the scenes.
Videos Topics
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Shed light on and learn the “hidden truth” of the colonisation of Victoria.
Yoorrook heard how today’s housing crisis stems from colonisation. Darren Smith, from Aboriginal Housing Victoria, said “you can draw a line”. Learn more.
Commissioners heard extensive evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within Victoria’s health services, both for individuals requiring health care and Aboriginal organisations providing care. Learn more.
Watch what Yoorrook has heard about systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in Victoria in relation to health, education, housing and economic life.
Media releases
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November 2, 2024
Statement on Queensland truth telling inquiry
Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission today expressed its support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders after the new Crisafulli Liberal…
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October 23, 2024
Yoorrook “beyond disappointed” by lack of Victorian Government action on justice and child protection recommendations
The Yoorrook Justice Commission is beyond disappointed at the lack of action shown in the Victorian Government’s Implementation Progress Report…
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September 3, 2024
Descendants of early colonial figures to give evidence to Yoorrook
Three non-Indigenous witnesses are set to give evidence to Victoria’s truth telling process this week. This includes two descendants of…
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