Acknowledgement
We recognise the Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the lands across Queensland as the first custodians of this land. We acknowledge their ancestors, spirits, resilience and legacy.
We recognise the many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland – the freshwater peoples, saltwater peoples, desert peoples and rainforest peoples. Each have their own unique laws, traditions, languages, culture and traditional knowledge and are the care takers of their lands, seas, waters, air and resources.
The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will complete the picture of Queensland’s history through truth-telling. The Inquiry acknowledges that the colonisation of Queensland and the dispossession of peoples, lands, seas, waters and air has had devastating, and ongoing, impacts on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Truth-telling uncovers experiences of endurance, resilience and strength of Queensland’s first peoples and is a powerful way to begin the healing process. Healing will help Queensland move towards a more positive relationship with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our aim is to create a shared future that is inclusive of all and embraces our diversity. Our future is one of truth, reflection, healing and respect.
At this first Meanjin (Brisbane) hearing, the Inquiry expects to hear evidence from several participants about their lived experiences, experience of their families and their knowledge relevant to the Inquiry's Terms of Reference.
This hearing will centre on experiences of living under what was known as the 'Protection Act', such as removals and living on missions and reserves.
Participants will share experiences of resistance and strength from early 20th century to now.
The hearing is open to the public to attend in person from Wednesday 18 September to Friday 20 September 2024.
Please note the hearing is not catered but people are welcome to bring their own food and water.
When
Wednesday 18 September to Friday 20 September 2024
9.30am to 4.00pm each day
Please note that scheduled times are approximate.
Where
Boulevard Room
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Entry via Grey Street (opposite ABC South Bank)
South Bank, Meanjin (Brisbane), Queensland
RSVP
The hearing is open to the public to attend in person. There is no need to register your attendance for this event.
For any queries, please contact [email protected]
Independent Counsellors
The Inquiry engages free and independent First Nations counsellors to support participants before, during and after a hearing.
Family and people supporting participants, as well as members of the public attending the Truth-telling and Healing hearing on 18 to 20 September 2024 can also access this free counselling service.
Independent counsellors provide support and advice during truth-telling hearings. This helps to ensure each hearing is conducted in a culturally responsive, trauma-aware and healing informed way.
Break-out spaces are available if members of the public wishes to speak to counsellors at any time.
Learn about the independent counsellors.
Acknowledgement
We recognise the many distinct Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples of the lands across Queensland as the first custodians of this land. The Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry will complete the picture of Queensland's history through truth-telling. Our future is one of truth, reflection, healing and respect.