Truth-telling walk brings hope, healing to Geelong

AN HISTORIC walk for truth raising awareness for Australia’s first truth-telling inquiry passed through Geelong this week, bringing together Indigenous leaders, local mob and allies.

More than 150 people gathered in Waurn Ponds on Tuesday to join Commissioner Travis Lovett, the deputy chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, for the second local public leg of his 400km walk from Portland to Parliament House to deliver the inquiry’s final report.

The report, which has been more than four years in the making, will establish an official record of the impact of colonisation on First Peoples in Victoria and includes more than 100 recommendations across areas such as health, education and youth justice.

 

Setting out from the Waurn Ponds Library, attendees walked 8km together along the Waurn Ponds Creek trail, weaving their way along the Barwon River

Addressing the crowd after the walk, Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles spoke of the challenges local mob have faced since the failed Voice to Parliament referendum.

“But today, you make us feel that little bit lighter with every step that you take alongside us,” she said.

“We continue to hold onto hope because with every step that we take, we hope the next generation’s steps are softer.

 

“Continue to be brave. Walking, talking, yarning; challenge those spaces that you’re in. We can’t be a voice at every table – we want to be a voice at every table, but we’re such a minority that we need our allyships and we need you all to be that voice.

“We need change. We know every generation before us has sacrificed for us, and here’s the sacrifices that we’re seeing today being made for the next generation. Let’s hold onto hope for a better world, for respect and recognition for traditional lands and Country, for returning cultural practices.”

She acknowledged the community leaders who had “put down the tools” to join the walk and set an example for their respective organisations, and thanked an emotional Commissioner Lovett for his journey across traditional lands to deliver a “vital message” of truth that can no longer be pushed “under the carpet”.

 

“In everything he does, he’s removed from his family and his responsibilities as a father, as a husband, as a brother. All those responsibilities he leaves behind and he does this for our mob and for our future.”

The Walk for Truth continued on Thursday with public legs through Geelong’s CBD, Corio and Lara. Commissioner Lovett is expected to reach Parliament House in June 18.