If representation’s in the school, people feel connected and feel safer

“If representation’s in the school, people feel connected and feel safer.”

Watch James Cumming, Principal of Reservoir East Primary School explain how the school creates a welcoming environment for First Peoples students. By recruiting First Nations staff, embedding Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum, and providing cultural safety training, they’ve seen their First Peoples student population grow significantly.

While not every school is culturally safe yet, Reservoir East Primary School shows what can happen when leaders intentionally build trust, celebrate culture, and empower First Peoples families with choice.

Other Topics

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History

Shed light on and learn the “hidden truth” of the colonisation of Victoria.
Close up hands performing a smoking ceremony at a Welcome to Country.

Housing Videos

Yoorrook heard how today’s housing crisis stems from colonisation. Darren Smith, from Aboriginal Housing Victoria, said “you can draw a line”. Learn more.
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Health Videos

Commissioners heard extensive evidence of past and ongoing racism and discrimination within Victoria’s health services, both for individuals requiring health care and Aboriginal organisations providing care. Learn more.
Aunty Jill Gallagher and Sheree Lowe discuss the health system in the Yoorrook hearing room.

Social Justice Videos

Watch what Yoorrook has heard about systemic injustice experienced by First Peoples in Victoria in relation to health, education, housing and economic life.
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Land Injustice videos

In yarns & submissions, First Peoples are telling Yoorrook about the importance of land, sky & water and the impact of colonisation. Hear what they have to say.
Jedah wearing Aboriginal Body Art outdoors infront of a fire put while discussing how the Victorian education system be improved for First Peoples

Education videos

How do First Peoples students experience the Victorian education system and how could it be improved? Yoorrook is looking into the barriers First Peoples face in accessing all levels of education, as well as the racism many still endure within the system. Now is the time to have your say by making a submission.
Yoorrook For Justice: Report into Victorias child protection and criminal justice systems

Yoorrook for Justice

The Yoorrook for Justice report is the culmination of Yoorrook’s year-long inquiry into Victoria’s child protection and criminal justice systems.
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Yoorrook Events

The Yoorrook NAIDOC events included an Elders Panel that featured Yoorrook Chair Aunty Eleanor Bourke and Uncle Kevin Coombs.
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Making a submission

All First Peoples who have experienced injustice in Victoria are strongly encouraged to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission.