Submissions Library

Anonymous 1127 discusses their evolving understanding of Victoria’s colonisation, the need for a treaty, and the importance of integrating First Peoples’ history and culture into all aspects of the community.

Anonymous 1131 shares their knowledge and connection to First Peoples history. They discuss the lack of localised Aboriginal education in schools, and the need for significant changes including localised education, listening to First Nations voices, and normalising the use of Aboriginal place names.

Genazzano FCJ College outlines how First Peoples history and culture could be taught better at school, including by seeking support from Elders and local First Nations communities, staff professional development and curriculum materials, experiences provided by First Peoples and celebrating First Peoples culture. It also describes how First Nations students can be better supported, including through staff cultural education and understanding, schools having Reconciliation Action Plans and visible cultural references. Recognising that school settings can be intimidating for some families and welcoming and including families is also vital.

In this submission, a non-Indigenous educator with 18 years of experience discusses how the education system perpetrates racism, mistruths, injustices, and cultural appropriation. They outline the lack of support for teachers who are scrambling to create educational experiences around First Nations history to meet the demands of schools. They highlight the burnout inflicted on their First Nations colleagues and advocate for truth-telling as the way forward.

Cheryl Batagol recounts the lack of education on the history of Australia before “settlement.” She discusses her journey towards full awareness of this history and her ongoing journey towards understanding place/regional history and supporting reconciliation.

This submission describes the colonisation of Victoria as a brutal invasion, the education system as biased towards the English version of events, and calls for an unbiased recount of history and promoting inclusivity through education and workplace awareness.

Bryony Lee reflects on growing up in the Dandenong Ranges without any form of learning in regards to First Nations People. They describe their own efforts to educate themselves about the rich history of the land, acknowledging the injustice of this lack of education.

In this submission, the author acknowledges their limited knowledge of the colonisation of Victoria and its impacts on First Peoples, feeling they have a lot to learn. They discuss the lack of education on this topic in their schooling and the need for increased cultural practices and language in schools and organisations.

This submission discusses John Batman coercing the First Peoples of Victoria into signing an invalid ‘treaty.’ It outlines the importance of incorporating the truth of colonisation into the Victorian education system’s curriculum and promoting First Peoples’ understanding of Victoria’s seasons and weather.