The Walk for Truth
This historic 25-day journey, the Walk for Truth, aimed to raise awareness of the Yoorrook Justice Commission's work and its mission to build a better future for all Victorians.
A Historic Journey of Truth-Telling
The Walk for Truth was a powerful act of truth-telling, traversing Country and passing through sites of deep cultural and historical significance. Led by proud Kerrupmara/Gunditjmara man and Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett, this 500km walk from Portland on Gunditjmara Country to Parliament House in Naarm (Melbourne) aimed to raise awareness of the Yoorrook Justice Commission's work to create a better future based on truth.
Over 25 days, thousands of people walked together in solidarity, honouring the truths shared by First Peoples and raising awareness of the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s historic work.
A Journey of Healing and Hope
The Walk for Truth began on 25 May near Portland, the site of Victoria’s earliest colonial settlement. Each step retraced the scars of colonisation while opening space for shared action, healing and hope.
From Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre to Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area, and onward through Yambuk, Port Fairy, and Pomborneit, communities welcomed the walkers with open hearts. Traditional Owners shared powerful truths about their Country, Community, and Culture, as well as the impacts of colonisation, and the strength and resilience of First Peoples. The openness of participants to listen reflected a collective desire to understand the past and walk forward together.
Commissioner Lovett was joined by Elders, community leaders, allies, and mob who travelled from near and far, even internationally, to walk beside him through rain and shine on the Walk for Truth. Their support amplified the call for everyone to join together to Walk for Truth, justice, healing and hope.
A Powerful Arrival at Parliament
After a powerful 500-kilometre journey, the Walk for Truth culminated in a historic moment at Parliament House in Melbourne. More than 5,000 people filled the streets and steps, ready to transform the future. Commissioner Lovett spoke about the truths shared on the journey, emphasising the importance of everyone walking forward together in truth, justice, healing, and hope.
Traditional Owners from across Victoria presented Message Sticks to Premier Jacinta Allan in Parliament House. These were not a gift but a powerful call for the government to hear the truths gathered by the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
A Movement of Many
Hundreds of people from across Victoria, and even international allies, joined the Walk for Truth. The journey was a testament to a collective desire to understand the past and connect it with the present, so that we can walk toward a better future for First Peoples and all Victorians.
The Walk by the Numbers
The impact of the walk can be seen in the incredible turnout and support it received:
kilometres walked
days walked
First Peoples’ and allies joined along the way
of Aboriginal-led truth-telling
Truth-Telling Commission in Australia
pieces of evidence
The Path Forward
The Yoorrook Justice Commission spent four years hearing truths from First Peoples, creating a comprehensive record of the impacts of colonisation, as well as the strength and achievements of Victoria's First Nations peoples. The truth-telling journey is not over. We invite everyone to listen and learn from the truths Yoorrook has heard. We can’t change the truth of the past, but when we accept and understand it, we can walk forward together to a better future.
