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.
Recent News and Stories
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Dec 12, 2023
Protections for people who want to share information with Yoorrook
Did you know that Yoorrook has a range of protections for people who want to share information with the commission?
Oct 20, 2023
The roadmap to transform Victoria’s child protection and justice systems
The Yoorrook Justice Commission has a mandate to investigate all systemic injustice against First Peoples dating back to the beginning of colonisation. In September Yoorrook released its second interim report.
Jul 13, 2023
What it was like making a submission
“I think it’s important to set the record straight about what really happened and continues to happen to us. I feel the rest of Australia would have more empathy for us if they knew the truth. Also, mob telling their story will help Yoorrook influence changes to policies which will create a better future for our children.”
Jul 12, 2023
Yoorrook encourages truth telling during NAIDOC Week
The Yoorrook team was busy throughout NAIDOC Week attending more than a dozen events and welcoming Community to its Collingwood office.
Jun 9, 2023
I was kept from my Indigenous family as a child. Then my own kids were taken from me
I never met my Dad. The first time I ever saw him was at the viewing room at his funeral. I didn’t know I had a full sister until the day before that. I met her and the rest of his side of the family the day of the funeral. I was 17 years old.
Jun 9, 2023
How to make a submission to Yoorrook
All Victorians can make a submission to Yoorrook. Everyone has a role to play in truth telling.
Jun 8, 2023
Pregnant Aboriginal women are living in fear due to Victoria’s unborn child protection notifications
In evidence to Yoorrook, the Victorian government acknowledged more than half of all child protection notifications made against Aboriginal families were unsubstantiated
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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