General News
6 June, 2025
Spreading Indigenous history for reconciliation
AS the country marks Reconciliation Week this week, strong numbers attended a community event at the Camperdown Cemetery to reflect on the district’s Indigenous history.
Close to 100 people descended to the cemetery on Tuesday, walking up to the Wombeetch Puyuun monument as part of the Walk for Truth being run by the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
The walk began in Portland on Sunday, May 25 and aims to bring people together to celebrate the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples as reconciliation continues across the country.
Walk for Truth recently had events in Warrnambool, Noorat and Colac, and will see stops in Geelong and Melbourne before reaching Parliament House.
Yoorrook Justice Commission deputy chair commissioner Travis Lovett spoke at the Camperdown event, sharing his reasoning behind the walk and asking attendees to engrave a message or symbol on a message stick to be taken to Parliament House on June 18.
He was joined by Camperdown and District Historical Society vice president Bob Lambell, who spoke about the history of the Wombeetch Puyuun monument, including the friendship between James Dawson and the Indigenous peoples of the western district.
South West Reconciliation’s Chris Warren also spoke at the event, talking about the formation of the local group and the importance of reconciliation and sharing the history of local Indigenous peoples.
“The importance is that people show up – for reconciliation, to demonstrate their support for Indigenous people and for the land in contrast to the negative history that this particular part of the country has,” he said.
“People would have learned a lot from Bob about the history of Dawsons and the Djargurd Wurrung.
“Hopefully they create some links together – people can join together and know they’re not by themselves in supporting Indigenous reconciliation.”
Eastern Maar’s John Clarke was also in attendance, saying the crowd in Camperdown was “really good”.
“I’ve been to several of the public events, and the crowds have been really high,” he said.
“There’s a lot of participation.
“I’ve been to Mt Noorat, Warrnambool and Port Fairy.
“All four events were very well-attended, and there are some who are also following Travis in the walk as well.
“There are some who are attending each of the public events, which is good to see.”
Mr Clarke said Mr Lovett will be continuing the walk from Camperdown, carrying the message stick from the district with him.
“I actually leave the walk from here, but Travis will be continuing,” he said.
“He’s putting in a lot of hard work to get there, and there’s a lot of physical and mental strain to do it, but his commitment is second-to-none.
“He’s carrying a great responsibility with what he’s doing and the message he’s taking forward.”
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