Submissions

Jackie Mansourian recalls a childhood incident of racism that sparked her curiosity about First Peoples, which was not addressed in her education. She later learned through an Aboriginal Studies elective and placement with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service. She believes non-Indigenous Australians need to unlearn fears and assumptions, engage with First Peoples’ voices, and hold the government accountable for treaty negotiations.

Joanna Cruickshank outlines their knowledge of the devastating and ongoing impacts of Victoria’s colonisation, noting the rapid and violent invasion, lack of treaties, prevention of practicing law and culture, and continued systemic harm. A university lecturer, they criticise the limited education on First Nations history and advocate for genuine power for First Peoples, compulsory Indigenous studies, and truth-telling through education and the arts.

Anonymous 1459 discusses their knowledge of the impacts of colonisation. They have lived in Melbourne all their life and learning the history profoundly changed their view of the city. They recall inadequate education on First Nations history, taught from a coloniser’s perspective. They advocate for quality education, honest discussions, and promoting First Peoples’ history and culture through storytelling and civic acknowledgments.

Rumbalara Football Netball Club (Rumbalara FNC) is an Aboriginal community run sporting club located in Shepparton, Victoria.

This submission is a Final Report into the Rumbalara Wellbeing and Resilience Project by Algabonyah Research and Impact Centre at the Kaiela Institute.

In recent years, the exposure of young members to racial vilification has compelled Rumbalara FNC to seek this evaluation of how well the club is supporting the wellbeing of its members, with a view to seek additional ways to promote wellbeing and resilience and decrease exposure to racism.

Anonymous 1480 migrated from Aotearoa to Australia in their teens at a time when many people like them were labelled as ‘half-caste’ and vilified in the media, by politicians and casually in conversation. They have worked and studied with First Peoples of Australia as an advocate, ally and activist. They outline a range of things they hope to see championed through the Yoorrook Justice Commission, including an enduring voice for First Peoples in the Victorian parliament. They also share lessons they have learned about First Peoples kinship systems, and their purpose of connection – to culture, Country and community.

Codey is a Lama Lama man from Queensland. This submission details Codey’s experiences of growing up in foster care, challenges at school, mental health and addiction challenges. Codey describes his negative experiences of psychiatric in-patient facilities, and spending time in prisons and how this has impacted on his social and emotional wellbeing particularly the inability to connect with Country. Codey reflects on his healing journey, which has been supported by re-connecting with culture and community, and the desire to be a role model and advocate for others through music.

Read Beth Sometimes experiences and thoughts as an Aotearoa migrant that has lived on Pitjantjatjara, Arrernte and Wurundjeri countries. She explores how power operates between peoples and cultures, emphasising the need to examine these systems and reimagine ways to live on these lands in harmony with the deep knowledge here accumulated over thousands of years.

Jason Gamble is a Palawa man who lives in Victoria. He feels isolated because of the genocide in Tasmania and now aims to live a simple life living off the land but spends much of his time in a battle with authorities. He is concerned about culture and heritage and being free to live with the land.

Elizabeth Wheeler discusses how colonisation devastated First Peoples, with ongoing systemic racism and widening disparities in health, education, and housing. Elizabeth’s education on their history was lacking, and she reflects on how real reform is needed, including implementing the Yoorrook recommendations and protecting cultural heritage. She calls for truth-telling, challenging racism, and greater recognition of Aboriginal culture and history.