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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.

During Yoorrook’s Descendants Day hearing, the Commission heard powerful evidence from three non-Indigenous witnesses, including descendants of early colonial figures. They talked about the theft of Aboriginal land, massacres, and the Aborigines Protection Act of 1886, more commonly known as the ‘Half Caste’ Act.

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.  

Community connected with Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place in Heidelberg met with Yoorrook’s truth-receivers in a fireside yarning session this month.

Victoria’s truth telling commission has finished its social justice hearings, which looked into the systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in education, health, housing and the economy. Read on to find out more about key evidence and moments from the hearings.

NAIDOC Week is a celebration of First Peoples’ achievements, history and culture. We encourage all Victorians to take part in the activities and events, and to learn more about the First Peoples of these lands.

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. 

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.

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.

The Victorian Government has accepted 28 of the recommendations made in Yoorrook for Justice in full or in principle.

Victoria Police announces its commitment to 79 reforms in response to Yoorrook Justice Commission recommendations at the unveiling of the Yoorrook shield

We stand on the shoulders of generations of amazing women. Learn more about some of them this International Womens Day.

Kick off the AFL season by celebrating Marngrook and its origins in First Peoples history and culture.

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.

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.

Did you know that Yoorrook has a range of protections for people who want to share information with the commission?

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.

“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.”

The Yoorrook team was busy throughout NAIDOC Week attending more than a dozen events and welcoming Community to its Collingwood office.

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.

All Victorians can make a submission to Yoorrook. Everyone has a role to play in truth telling.

In evidence to Yoorrook, the Victorian government acknowledged more than half of all child protection notifications made against Aboriginal families were unsubstantiated

Joseph is a Truth Receiver with the Yoorrook Justice Commission – Victoria’s truth-telling inquiry. He helps Community to make submissions to Yoorrook.

During questioning by Commissioner Travis Lovett, the Minister for Police, The Hon. Anthony Carbines MP said that he accepted that no one has been held accountable for these deaths.