maggolee

here in this place
The Maggolee website, developed by Reconciliation Victoria, supports engagement and partnerships between local government and Aboriginal communities.

why is this important?

Truth-telling is a central part of the Victorian Treaty process and core element of the Uluru Statement From the Heart’s call for ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth’. Understanding our history is essential if we want to understand our future. It is essential that local councils engage with truth-telling because identity is so closely linked to place. Your municipality must showcase the deep and rich First Peoples histories and cultures that enrich your community.

The Yoo-rrook Justice Commission is Victoria’s official truth-telling body. The Commission will investigate both the historical and contemporary injustices committed against First Peoples since colonisation. There are many opportunities for council’s work to align with the groundbreaking truth-telling work of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission.

Recommended Strategies

  • Make council records and resources available to research and document First Peoples histories. 
  • Work with the local First Peoples community to research, document and promote First Peoples histories.
  • Commission truthful community narratives of local history.
  • Commission a specific work on the First Peoples history of your municipality. 
  • Stay updated on the work of the Yoo-rrook Justice Commission and work with your local community to find appropriate ways to respond. 

Case Studies

Hume City Council held a truth-telling session with a Wurundjeri Woi wurrung Elder and members of their Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group that was attended by councillors and directors. Attendees were told about the history of the area from an Aboriginal perspective and the personal stories that were shared meant that attendees could deepen their understanding of the ongoing daily impacts of colonisation, government policies, racism and intergenerational trauma.

links & resources

Yoo-rrook Justice Commission | First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria

Truth and Justice in Victoria | Aboriginal Victoria

Yoo-rrook Justice Commissioners Announced | Premier of Victoria

Some facts about Truth-telling | The Age

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