Yoorrook calls for submissions as one year deadline passes  

Victorians have one year remaining to make submissions to the state’s landmark truth telling commission. Submissions can be made via the Yoorrook website until 22 November 2024.  

All Victorians are invited to make a submission to the Yoorrook Justice Commission about past or ongoing systemic injustice faced by First Peoples in the state. Submissions can also be made about the strength, diversity and resilience of First Peoples’ cultures, knowledge and traditional practices.  

Yoorrook has already spoken with over 3,000 community members since it commenced, including receiving evidence from around 800 First Peoples through submissions, roundtables and hearings.  

Submissions about systemic injustice faced by First Peoples can be made by individuals or organisations. Submissions can be written, audio or video recorded, pieces of artwork, a song or dance. They can include documents, artefacts, photographs or other information.  

Support is available for First Peoples considering making a submission including free, independent legal advice, wellbeing support and assistance from Yoorrook’s team of Truth Receivers.    

To find out more about how to make a submission including the support available visit the website.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for all Victorians to reckon with our past and suggest changes so we can build a better future for everyone. Whether your family has been here for a thousand generations or a few years, every submission will help tell the story of Victoria.  

Land, sky and waters roundtables

Throughout November, Yoorrook has held roundtable discussions with Traditional Owners across Victoria to gather their evidence on the impact of colonisation on land, sky and waters. 

^{Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett yarns with Nindi-Ngujarn Ngarigo Monero Traditional Owners}

To date, Yoorrook Commissioners have met with:

• Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners and Barengi Gadjin Land Council Staff
• Bunurong Traditional Owners
• Wurundjeri Traditional Owners
• Nindi-Ngujarn Ngarigo Monero Traditional Owners
• Boonwurrung Traditional Owners

A further ten roundtables with Traditional Owners are scheduled before Christmas with more likely in the new year.

^{Yoorrook Deputy Chair Sue-Anne Hunter listens to Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners} 

Yoorrook’s evidence gathering on land, sky and waters will also include public hearings, visits to sites of significance, and issuing notices to produce to government.  

By coming together to tell the truth about our land, sky and waters, we can listen to each other with respect and hope and healing. Together we can find common ground and work toward a better shared future for everyone in this place we all call home. 

^{A smoking ceremony before the start of the Bunurong roundtable} 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and pay our respect to them, their culture and their Elders past and present.