What Is Truth-Telling?
Truth-telling is a process of honest dialogue about Australia's history and its ongoing impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It involves creating spaces where First Nations Elders and community members share lived experience — including the effects of colonisation, forced removals, institutional racism, and the Stolen Generations.
Truth-telling is not about blame. It is about building a shared understanding of what happened, why it matters, and what structural changes are needed. Survey data from Reconciliation Australia shows that 83% of the general community and 87% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples support formal truth-telling processes.
Truth-Telling in Wynnum, Brisbane
Wynnum Allies hosts Elder-led truth-telling sessions at Wynnum Library on bi-monthly Saturdays, 2.30–4.30 PM. These sessions are grounded in lived experience and led by Aboriginal Elders. They are open to all community members seeking to listen, learn, and build genuine relationships.
Queensland: The Brisbane Hearings (September 2024)
In September 2024, the Queensland Truth-Telling and Healing Inquiry held three days of hearings in Brisbane (Meanjin). Despite the subsequent repeal of the Inquiry, the testimonies are irreplaceable historical records — including evidence from Elders like Aunty Lesley Williams regarding the “Act” and life at Cherbourg.
Full recordings and transcripts: Primary Evidence Repository
Brisbane Hearing Recordings
Victoria: The Yoorrook Justice Commission
Victoria's Yoorrook Justice Commission is the most comprehensive formal truth-telling process in Australian history. Over 180 video testimonies covering Land, Sky, Waters, Criminal Justice, and Child Protection. The final report Truth Be Told (July 2025) contains 100+ recommendations for structural reform.
Shared Truths Video Library • YouTube Channel • Final Report
Victorian Government Historic Apology
Federal: The National Movement
Walk for Truth (2026): 800km walk to Canberra led by former Yoorrook Commissioner Travis Lovett. Resource Hub
Truth-Telling Together Guide (2025): Practical guide for non-Indigenous truth-listening. Download (PDF)
The Healing Foundation: Intergenerational trauma and healing. Visit site
Foundational Reports
Bringing Them Home (1997)
National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children. Full Report
Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody (1991)
National Archives • Full Report (AustLII)
Join a Truth-Telling Session
Next Elder-led session: Saturday 18 April 2026 at Wynnum Library. Everyone is welcome.
Register Your Interest