Land, sky and waters

A sunset viewed between gum trees across a multi tiered mountain landscape from Bulla Bulla (Mt Buller) - Taungurung Country
Bulla Bulla (Mt Buller) - Taungurung Country
A thin silver waterfall falling off gigantic cliffs and into the ocean at the Great Ocean Rd - Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Country
Great Ocean Rd - Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Country
A small multi cascade waterfall surrounded by lush green fern trees and forest at Cora Lynn cascades, Cape Otway - Gadubanud and Bunurong Country
Cora Lynn cascades, Cape Otway - Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Country
3 pillars of orange rocks towering out of the ocean at Millowl (Phillip Island) - Bunurong Country
Millowl (Phillip Island) - Bunurong Country
A sunrise with Bulla Bulla (Mt Buller) silhouetted by the sun and gum trees on Taungurung Country
Bulla Bulla (Mt Buller) - Taungurung Country
Giant orange and grey cliffs at Gunigalg, Gariwerd (Grampians) - Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali Country
Gunigalg, Gariwerd (Grampians) - Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali Country
Looking down on clouds hanging low over a valley full of lush green bushes at Gariwerd (Grampians) - Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali Country.
Gariwerd (Grampians) - Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjali Country

Why are Land, sky and waters important?

The Yoorrook Justice Commission is looking into land, sky and waters as part of the truth telling process in Victoria.

First Peoples have been caring for country for thousands of generations. The history of Europeans coming to Victoria 200 years ago and taking First Peoples’ land is one of wrongdoing and devastating loss.

But it is also a story First Peoples’ resistance, survival and ongoing connection to country.

“Our culture is ancient and our culture is strong, yet we still suffer the wrongs of the past. With tears on the landscape and scars on our heart, our truth needs to be told.”

Aunty Jill Gallagher, CEO of VACCHO

On this page are some of the responses Yoorrook has received as part of its inquiry.

What you've told us about Land, sky and waters

Land, sky and water submissions

This submission is an artwork made by a person with family connections to the Gunditjmara nation. It reflects treasured childhood memories. The submission also covers the ongoing challenges and injustices faced by First Peoples.
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Having autonomy and self-determination to look after the land that looks after us.

Home, connection to country, my history, my home

Connection to the land

It’s sacred + connection + belonging

I acknowledge the importance of country to Aboriginal people and as a non-Aboriginal person, I feel proud to be born in a country where we can still celebrate the oldest living cultures in the world.

Family, Friends, Aboriginal community.

Thanks you giving us pieces of land living Thanks …

News, Stories and Videos

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News & Stories
18 December 2024

A powerful year for Truth and Treaty

In 2024 the Yoorrook Justice Commission investigated the systemic injustices faced by First Peoples in land, sky and waters, education, health, and housing. From hearing evidence at the site of the first recorded massacre in Victoria to the premier’s historic visit to Coranderrk, it has been a year filled with powerful moments.
Close up of Deputy Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission Travis Lovett at a public hearing.
Videos
21 May 2024

“This premier, is a double dispossession”

“This premier, is a double dispossession” Yoorrook Deputy Chair Travis Lovett states in his opening remarks to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan at yesterday’s Land, Sky and Water Hearings.
First People performing a traditional ceremonial dance at a Welcome to Country at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Portland
News & Stories
16 May 2024

What Yoorrook heard about land, sky and waters

The history of Europeans coming to Victoria 200 years ago and taking First Peoples’ land is a history of wrongdoing and loss. But it is also a story First Peoples’ resistance, survival and strength.

Other information