A pivotal moment: the nation’s only truth telling commission nears its end

Lunch with Professor Eleanor Bourke AM

Ahead of the release of the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s landmark final report, hear Chair Eleanor Bourke AM speak about the Commission’s work and the path ahead.

Moderated by ABC News Breakfast’s Bridget Brennan.

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Professor Bourke AM is a proud Wamba Wamba and Wergaia Elder and Chair of the Yoorrook Justice Commission.

Her Melbourne Press Club address will mark a pivotal moment in Victoria’s history, as the nation’s first and only truth-telling commission nears its end. It will look back on the challenges and achievements, forward to what’s needed to create a better future for all Victorians, while also delivering personal insights into this historic process.

Professor Bourke will canvas the Commission’s work as the first formal truth-telling process in the country and provide exclusive insight into what to expect from Yoorrook’s final recommendations. She will also consider what weight to apply to the many apologies made by Government to Victorian First Peoples.

Professor Bourke will share some of the truths that moved her, while paying tribute to the many leaders and Elders who have contributed to Yoorrook’s work, many of whom have sadly passed away along the journey.

Professor Bourke will argue that in order to move forward, we must learn the truth of the past and understand how this history connects with the present.

Don’t miss this address by one of the state’s most respected Elders at a time of historic significance.

About the moderator

Bridget Brennan is newsreader and co-host of News Breakfast. She was previously the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs Editor, Europe Correspondent in London and the National Indigenous Affairs Correspondent.
She’s covered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for more than a decade and is a Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman.

Getting to the venue

By Public Transport:

From Flinders Street or Melbourne Central stations, take a route 19 or 59 tram up Elizabeth Street and get off at Haymarket/Elizabeth Street (Stop 9). You will need to walk about 250m east on Pelham Street to reach your destination. From Spencer Street Station, take any tram up Bourke Street, heading toward Parliament House. Get off at Elizabeth Street and follow the directions above. 

While a slightly longer walk, you can also catch routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 to Lincoln Square (Stop 3) and walk around 300 metres west along Pelham Street, through Lincoln Square.

By Car:

If you are driving, Melbourne University’s car park can be entered from 244 Bouverie St or entrance at 206 Berkeley St (just off Grattan Street). Parking will be charged upon exit. Exiting the car park from the lifts, you will need to walk across the University Square Park to the conference centre. There are a number of metered car parks on Royal Parade and Grattan Street. Secure Parking is available on Royal Parade.