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

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 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?

“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.”

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

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