Travis Lovett’s 850km journey brings a desire for justice and reconciliation through Yorta Yorta country

Mr Lovett, a Kerrupmara and Gunditjmara man, served as the deputy chair and commissioner of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, a first of its kind truth-telling body that recorded and shared evidence of the historical and ongoing impact of colonisation on First Peoples in Victoria.

Yoorrook delivered its final report in July 2025, making 100 recommendations to the Victorian Government.

Mr Lovett is carrying with him a message stick and an open letter burned into a kangaroo skin calling for a formal truth-telling process at a national level.

He has passed through Seymour, Nagambie and Murchison and will go through Dookie, Benalla and Wangaratta before he reaches the capital.

“It’s a privilege to be welcomed on to now three countries; we started on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung country, come through Taungurung country and now we’re on Yorta Yorta Woka,” Mr Lovett said.

Mick Bourke, a Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung man, spent some time with Mr Lovett at the Mooroopna War Memorial appreciating the installation acknowledging the sacrifice of Yorta Yorta servicemen and women.

More than 20 members of the Lovett family have served in Australia’s armed forces and Mr Lovett said it was significant and fitting for him to be walking on Anzac Day, in recognition of the service of his grandfather and grand-uncles.

“We stood in mateship and solidarity with non-Aboriginal people to fight for and protect our country, and it’s disheartening for our Mob to have our contributions diminished,” Mr Lovett said.

As the Walk for Truth crossed The Flats, Mr Lovett was guided by Yorta Yorta elders Aunty Rochelle Patten and Aunty Cheryl Bourke.

“That’s what this is about, knowledge holders and Traditional Owners being empowered to be able to lead and share knowledge,” Mr Lovett said.

Mr Lovett was also joined by 10 students from St Mary’s Primary School, who will write about their experience on the walk for the school’s newsletter.

Learning support officer Tahlia Cooper said: “I love that the kids are getting involved, I’m glad they came.”

At the end of the day, the Walk for Truth stopped in the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, where Mr Lovett spoke about the journey and connected with the local community.

Mr Lovett was met with a full house, including Yorta Yorta elders Uncle Paul Briggs and Uncle Boydie Turner.

“We’re calling on the prime minister to deliver on the promise he has made to all Australians to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, and truth-telling is a key pillar of that statement,” Mr Lovett said.

“The prime minister promised us no Australian would be left behind and we know First Nations are being left behind because only four of the 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track.”

Munarra chief executive Ange Burt praised the decision to travel through Shepparton.

“It’s very important, it’s a show of respect to Yorta Yorta peoples and a real showcase of what truth telling can bring,” she said.

“The process is worth it and has outcomes, you just have to bring it to life.”

Mr Lovett is scheduled to arrive at Parliament House on May 27 after 39 days of walking.