Submissions Library
Yoorrook reserves the right not to publish all or part of a submission if it considers it inappropriate to do so. By publishing a submission, Yoorrook expresses no opinion about the content or accuracy of the submission or material referred to in the submission. Submissions are not published where the person making the submission has asked that it be kept confidential.
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Submission – Albert Franklin Family
Annette Sax, a Taungurung woman from the Nira ilum baluk clan group, shares a story of her Grandfather Albert Franklin, who signed up at the age of 23 to serve in World War 1. Annette highlights how, as an Aboriginal man, he was not entitled to the Soldier Settlement, a parcel of land that all other Australian soldiers received as a gift for their service. She outlines the racism he faced and the family’s ongoing efforts to empower their Mob reclaiming and reviving their Taungurung Cultural practices.
Submission – Dr. Margie Mackay
Dr. Margie Mackay discusses her understanding of the colonisation of Victoria. How it led to massacres, disease, and displacement, reducing the Indigenous population to 20% and causing lasting devastation through the loss of land, language, and culture. They calls for key changes, including truth-telling, better financial and educational support, mandatory curriculum, and greater representation in media and public spaces. They describe how allies can contribute by listening, educating others, confronting racism, and supporting treaty.
Submission – Anonymous 1125
This submission outlines their knowledge of the colonisation of Victoria. As they put it, “The brutality that First Nations people suffered was unthinkable.” They advocate for the compulsory inclusion of First Nations subjects in the curriculum and for sharing the knowledge and culture that First Nations People have, so that all Australians can share and be proud of it.
Submission – Lee Borradale
Lee Borradale is a veteran and ex-President of the Bundanoon RSL sub-branch.
This submission requests that the Australian Government offer an apology to the First Nations soldiers who returned from world wars for the ill-treatment they received.
Submission – Aunty Evon Baker
In this video submission, Aunty Evon Baker discusses and presents documentation on:
- Her family history and their experience at Lake Condah Mission
- Their and others’ fight to seek a grant for the land that was originally theirs
- Soldier settlements
- And more

Submission – Troy McDonald
Troy McDonald’s grandfather was Killed in Action on the Somme. This submission highlights the policies which prevented Aboriginal Servicemen from accessing soldier settlement opportunities after World War One and the impact this had on their families.