Reconciliation journey to pass through Surf Coast

HUNDREDS are expected to join the local legs of an historic 400km walk for truth and reconciliation next month when Indigenous leaders travel through Geelong on their way to Melbourne’s Parliament House.

The Walk for Truth is an initiative of Commissioner Travis Lovett, the deputy chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission (Yoorrook), who over 25 days will journey to significant cultural and historical sites throughout regional Victoria.

It comes as Yoorrook, Australia’s first truth telling inquiry into the historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples, prepares to hand down its final report next month.

This report, which will establish an official record of the impact of colonisation on First Peoples in Victoria, is expected to include more than 100 recommendations across areas such as health, education and youth justice.

All are invited to join the walk, which began on Sunday along the Portland foreshore, the site where the first permanent European settlement was established 190 years ago in what became Victoria.

Commissioner Lovett and the Walk for Truth will reach the Surf Coast on June 9, on day 16 of the trek, travelling approximately 4km from the Modewarre Memorial Hall to Moriac’s Newling Reserve, between 1.30pm and 2.30pm, in the first and only local public leg of the walk before it continues on to Geelong.

“The Walk for Truth is about bringing all Victorians together to share truths, to listen and to learn. It will be truth telling in action and all Victorians are invited to take part,” Commissioner Lovett said.

“Over the last four years, Yoorrook has heard powerful truths from people right across the state who gave evidence about the past and ongoing impacts of colonisation, as well as the strength, resistance and achievements of First Peoples.

“These truths form the basis of Yoorrook’s final reports, documenting the past and providing a roadmap to transform the future.

“The walk will be a powerful way to build our collective understanding of these truths and our history in Victoria, while walking together towards a better future for all Victorians.”

As part of the Walk for Truth, an event offering the community the opportunity to hear from local leaders on Victoria’s truth telling, culture and history will also take place at Bells Beach on Friday, June 9 from 3.30pm.

For more information, or to register for a community event or public leg of the Walk for Truth, head to yoorrook.org.au/walkfortruth