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.
On this page are some of the responses Yoorrook has received as part of its inquiry. If you want to contribute, please make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
What does country mean to you?
Land, sky and waters
News, Stories and Videos
![Close up of Deputy Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission Travis Lovett at a public hearing.](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/trav-chair-vid.jpg)
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.
![Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission Aunty Eleanor Bourke AM presenting at a public hearing.](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/chair-vid.jpg)
Videos
21 May 2024
Yoorrook Chair, Professor Eleanor Bourke AM opening statement
“We cannot secure justice for First Peoples without transforming the laws and policies which by design, continue to disadvantage us.”
![First People performing a traditional ceremonial dance at a Welcome to Country at the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Portland](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/landskywatersstory.jpg)
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.
!["Tell the Truth" on top of sand at a beach in Portland](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jim-berg-poem-sm.jpg)
Videos
14 May 2024
Jim Berg poem submission to Yoorrook Justice Commission
A powerful rallying cry for truth in this poem by Jim Berg, made as part of his submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission
![Close up Uncle Gary Murray from earlier in his life advocating for First Peoples rights](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/garyevidencesm.jpg)
Videos
2 May 2024
“Justice will only come about if land rights becomes a reality”
“No government in Australian whether they be commonwealth or state or local have done anything in any real sense of the word to alleviate the conditions facing aboriginal peoples in this country” – Uncle Gary Murray
![Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan talking about the distress of learning of the massacres of First People at a Yoorrook public hearing](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jacinta-massacre-sm.jpg)
Videos
1 May 2024
Premier Allan tells of distress at massacres of First Peoples
“It brings me a sense of shame and distress that [massacres were committed] by people in the pursuit of taking land off First Peoples.”
![Aunty Tina Wright in profile discusses her history of fighting for land rights](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aunty-Tina.jpg)
Videos
26 April 2024
One of the most significant land rights cases in Victoria’s history
‘We went and camped there and got death threats and everything…my two children were with me…we lived out there.’
![Lily D'Ambrosio MP, Minister for Climate Action, Energy & Resources at a public hearing](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lilysmweb.jpg)
Videos
26 April 2024
Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Climate Action, Energy & Resources
Watch Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Climate Action, Energy & Resources, speak with emotion about the power of truth telling and the work that still needs to be done.
![Close up of Lily D'Ambrosio MP at a Yoorrook Public hearing](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lily-dambrosia.jpg)
Videos
24 April 2024
The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP
Counsel Assisting asked Minister for Climate Action, Energy & Resources, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP if the amount of money made from mineral resources extracted in Victoria over generations “compel governments to secure the economic prosperity of First Nations people?” Minister D’Ambrosio answered “yes”.
Other information
![Image](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Land-sky-and-waters.jpg)
Land, Sky and Waters submissions
Make a submission to help Yoorrook recommend changes to right the wrongs of the past and make a better shared future for everyone.
![Cape Conran beach, the ocean is blue on the right surrounded by a rocky-sandy beach with that leads into a lush green forest](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cape-conran-thumb.png)
Land, Sky and Waters Videos
Watch videos showing connection to Country and the impact of colonisation.
![Commissioner Lovett with Tati Tati Traditional Owners in-front of a giant tree and lake](https://yoorrookjusticecommission.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/newsletter-14.jpg)
Newsletters
Catch up on the latest news, stories and sign up for updates on Yoorrook's work.