Hearing21/03/24

Public Hearings: 25 March – 28 March 2024

The purpose of these public hearings was to hear evidence from First Peoples, academics, descendants of colonisers, researchers and historians on injustices against First Peoples related to land, sky and waters.

Topics: Land Injustice

Witnesses: Associate Professor Katherine Ellinghaus, Aunty Donna Wright, Aunty Jill Gallagher, Aunty Vicki Couzens, Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton, Dr Bill Pascoe, Emeritus Professor Richard Broome, Jim Berg, Professor Henry Reynolds, Professor Julie Andrews, Suzannah Henty, Uncle Michael (Mookeye) Bell, Uncle Robbie Thorpe (Djuran Bunjilinee)

Hearing Videos

The purpose of these hearings was to hear evidence from First Peoples, academics, researchers and historians on injustices against First Peoples related to land, sky and waters. The land, sky and waters hearings began on 25 March with a ceremonial hearing on Gunditjmara country near Portland, where the colonisation of Victoria began. Daily hearing at the Collingwood hearing room then ran 26-28 March. This was the first week of three weeks of hearings on this topic. Scroll down to view videos of the hearings, witness statements and evidence.

2h 54m

25/03/24

Land, Sky & Waters Hearings | Opening Ceremonial Hearing | 25 March 2024

Yoorrook Justice Commission's Land, Sky & Waters hearing, which forms part of the Yoorrook Justice Commission's inquiry into the systemic injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. Today the Commissioners heard from traditional owners and elders in Gunditjmara country at Budj Bim, Convincing Ground massacre site and Portland monuments.

3 more videos in playlist +

Witnesses

Associate Professor Katherine Ellinghaus

2 Additional materials

Aunty Donna Wright

Aunty Jill Gallagher

3 Submissions

20 Additional materials

Aunty Vicki Couzens

1 Submission

1 Additional material

Distinguished Professor Marcia Langton

4 Additional materials

Dr Bill Pascoe

1 Submission

15 Additional materials

Emeritus Professor Richard Broome

2 Additional materials

Jim Berg

3 Submissions

8 Additional materials

Professor Henry Reynolds

4 Additional materials

Professor Julie Andrews

2 Additional materials

Suzannah Henty

1 Submission

4 Additional materials

Uncle Michael (Mookeye) Bell

Uncle Robbie Thorpe (Djuran Bunjilinee)

1 Submission

6 Additional materials

Reports and Recommendations

Read the official reports and recommendations of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Yoorrook for Transformation

Third Interim Report: A five-volume comprehensive reform report presenting evidence and findings on systemic injustices, and specific recommendations for meaningful change to transform the future, will be available in the coming month.

Truth Be Told

An official public record that documents First Peoples experiences since colonisation, preserves crucial testimonies for future generations and creates an enduring resource for education and understanding, will be available in the coming month.