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
News & Stories
6 December 2024
100 Years Ago – The legacy and closure of Coranderrk Station, 1924
The story of Coranderrk Station shows the strength and resistance of First Peoples and systemic injustices faced.
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.
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.”
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.
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
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
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.”
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.
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
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