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.

This submission reflects the voices of Your Community Health staff and their commitment to equity and truth-telling. It describes the impacts of colonisation as profound and ongoing, along with the resilience of First Nations peoples. Your Community Health believes it is essential that Victoria addresses gaps in education, promotes cultural understanding, strengthens anti-racism efforts and takes meaningful action toward truth-telling and Treaty. It remains committed to amplifying First Nations voices, supporting self-determination and standing alongside communities in their pursuit of equity and justice.

In this submission, the author expresses deep sadness and discomfort with the injustices faced by First Peoples due to colonisation. They advocate for Truth, Treaty, and self-determination for First Nations peoples, and thank the Yoorrook Justice Commission for their efforts towards healing and creating a better future.

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.

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.

This submission discusses their knowledge of the ongoing impacts of violence and dispossession that First Peoples experience, the extremely limited education curriculum, and the open hospitality to the content from teachers. It advocates for listening and elevating First Peoples’ voices.