First Peoples' Achievements Throughout Victorian History
Before colonisation, First Peoples sustainably cared for Country through complex cultural systems. Despite the harm of colonisation, they have always resisted and continue to protect culture and land.
First Peoples’ ways of knowing, being and doing
Before colonisation, Aboriginal people in Victoria had complex societies and cultures.1 For time immemorial they practiced land and resource management based on cultural and ecological knowledge.2 These complex systems were sustainable and ensured the health of environments and communities for thousands of generations. For example, water and nutritious food were readily available. First Peoples practiced systems of traditional medicine and healing.3
Colonisation has irreparably damaged First Peoples cultures and societies, however, First Peoples have always resisted the destruction of culture. First Peoples continue to care for Country and community today, and there are many cultural and language revitalisation programs and initiatives.
Aboriginal Advancement League Mural "We Walk in the Footprints of Giants"Related Evidence
Despite the ongoing impacts of colonisation, First Peoples across Victoria continue to demonstrate deep cultural strength, leadership, and resilience. The Yoorrook Justice Commission has heard powerful evidence from community members and leaders highlighting Aboriginal-led successes in business, health, cultural revitalisation, and community services. These submissions celebrate the enduring knowledge, innovation, and determination of First Peoples to care for Country, revive culture, and build strong futures for the next generations.
Lionel Lauch
Lionel Lauch is a Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man. He is the co-founder of Living Culture, which teaches people to see through an Indigenous perspective in the Mornington Peninsula area, including bush tucker, medicine, dancing, art and cooking. Lionel's family experienced intergenerationa...
Mick Harding
Mick Harding belongs to the Nattarak Baluk and the Yowong-Illam Baluk clans of the Daung Wurrung, commonly known as the Taungurung people. He is an artist and owner of Ngarga Warendj, which means "dancing wombat".
Gavin Brown
Gavin Brown, COO of Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, recounts his challenges and successes as a leader in First Nations organisations.
Nicholls Family
"The Story of Legend" about the extraordinary life and story of Sir Doug Nicholls.
Additional Resources
Explore more about First Peoples’ achievements, histories, and ongoing contributions through the external resources below.
- Koori Web Timeline
- Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council Timeline of Historical Events
- National Museum Australia, Historical Milestones
- The Australian Human Rights Commission
- 3 key moments in Indigenous political history Victorian school students didn’t learn about
- The 1881 Maloga petition: a call for self-determination and a key moment on the path to the Voice
- William Cooper: the Indigenous leader who petitioned the king, demanding a Voice to Parliament in the 1930s
- Aboriginal Honour Roll Inductees
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.
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.
Recommendations for change
Yoorrook Justice Commission’s recommendations for truth-telling, justice, and systemic reform in Victoria.
