Bulla Bulla (Mt Buller) - Taungurung Country
Great Ocean Rd - Eastern Maar and Wadawurrung Country
Cora Lynn cascades, Cape Otway - Gadubanud and Bunurong Country
Millowl (Phillip Island) - Bunurong Country
Bulla Bulla (Mt Buller) - Taungurung Country
Gunigalg, Gariwerd (Grampians) - Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjal Country
Gariwerd (Grampians) - Djab Wurrung and Jardwardjal 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.
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?
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.
Land, sky and waters
News, Stories and Videos
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.’
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.
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”.
Videos
19 April 2024
The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP on the importance and benefits of self-determination.
“Where we have handed power and resources to First Nations organisations we have seen some of the most extraordinary outcomes in Closing the Gap targets.”
Videos
18 April 2024
Rueben Berg explains connection to environment passed down by his ancestors
“The scar trees are a powerful reminder of the connection we have to the land.”
Videos
18 April 2024
Ngarra Murray on the importance of cultural heritage
“I think that is something we can all share and celebrate – our culture and languages.”
Videos
18 April 2024
Land, Sky & Waters Hearings, 18 April 2024
Videos
17 April 2024
Minister for Environment, Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP on the government exclusion of traditional owners
Minister for Environment, Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP admits that between 2010-2023, the Victorian government received over $1.89 billion in revenue from grazing, forestry and public land licenses – but not a single dollar was distributed to traditional owners.
Videos
16 April 2024
Professor Henry Reynolds – Code Of Silence
Why don’t more Victorians know about the massacres that happened during colonisation? Perhaps because even talking about it at the time was taboo.
Other information
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.
Land, Sky and Waters Videos
Watch videos showing connection to Country and the impact of colonisation.
Newsletters
Catch up on the latest news, stories and sign up for updates on Yoorrook's work.