Tim Bach

My wife and I recently joined part of the Yoorrook Walk for Truth: a  400kilometre journey across Victoria led by Commissioner Travis Lovett of the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Starting in Portland on 25 May, the walk is tracing a path through Gunditjmara, Wadawurrung, and Wurundjeri Country, and  will culminate with the presentation of the final report of the Yoorrook Justice Commission at Parliament House in Melbourne on 18 June.

Commissioner Travis Lovett

Commissioner Travis Lovett is a proud Kerrupmara/Gunditjmara man and Traditional Owner, who is serving as the Deputy Chair of the Commission. He has dedicated his life to advocating for truth and justice for First Peoples, with a deep commitment to practicing his culture, working with the community, and preserving Aboriginal languages. His leadership in the Walk for Truth demonstrates his dedication to bringing all Victorians together to share truths, listen, and learn, fostering a shared and equitable future. 

The walk isn’t just about covering the distance. It’s about listening, learning, and acknowledging the truths of colonisation in Victoria—truths that continue to affect First Peoples across the state today. Along the way, we met local Traditional Owners and supporters from communities near and far. We heard stories from Aboriginal Elders and shared yarns with some of the hundreds of people who joined the walk. We had a chance to reflect on the work of truth-telling that the Yoorrook Commissioners have heard over the past four years from Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike.

We walked the section from Port Fairy to Killarney Beach, one of my favourite swimming beaches in Victoria. But the stories of the horrors that occurred there will haunt me whenever I return. We also walked the section from Wangoom to the Framlingham Mission and heard stories from people who live there of the persecution and injustice that Indigenous people suffered from people in surrounding communities and from the government agencies responsible for their welfare.

Beautiful weather and picturesque countryside welcomed walkers on the section from Wangoom to Framlingham Mission.

An evening at Warrnambool’s Lighthouse Theatre featured a panel including Commissioner Lovett and Shane Howard who, of course, led a rousing performance of Solid Rock accompanied by a local choir. Other panellists included Jess Chatfield, Reuben Berg, and Tina Mullet Walsh. They spoke passionately about the importance of learning and remembering both the sad, difficult truths of our shared history, and the incredible stories of First Nations resistance, leadership and innovation. Panellists were hopeful of the opportunities Treaty brings for healing and justice.

Commissioner Lovett is walking the full distance from Portland to Parliament House and he has invited anyone to join him to walk in solidarity and learn about our shared history. There is still time to join the Walk for Truth –  to walk with people and support the call for truth and justice. You can find the remaining route details, dates, and registration form via the official Yoorrook Justice Commission website.

Joining the walk was a moving and meaningful experience. It reminded us that change starts with listening, learning and walking together.

Related Stories:

Dja Dja Wurrung Take First Steps Towards Local Treaty Negotiations

Tim Bach is a Daylesford resident and the Editor of The Wombat Post. He is married to Margaret Hodge.