The Walk for Truth

National Walk for Truth (2026)

The National Walk for Truth brought together thousands of people in support of truth-telling and a national process to better understand the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation on First Peoples.

Led by Travis Lovett, Executive Director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for Truth-telling and Dialogue, the Walk travelled more than 900-kilometre from Naarm (Melbourne) to Parliament House in Canberra between April and May 2026, engaging communities across Victoria, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

The Walk concluded on Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country on 27 May 2026, the first day of National Reconciliation Week. At Parliament House, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the walkers and received message sticks and an open letter calling for a national truth-telling process, inscribed on kangaroo skin. The moment marked a significant milestone in a growing national movement for truth-telling, justice and reconciliation.

The University of Melbourne was proud to support the National Walk for Truth through its ongoing commitment to truth-telling, justice and reconciliation. Staff, students, alumni and community members participated in walks and events across the country, helping amplify the call for a more honest understanding of Australia's shared history and a more just future.

Building on the Victorian Walk for Truth (2025)

The National Walk for Truth built on the legacy of the Victorian Walk for Truth, a 500-kilometre journey from Portland to Parliament House in Melbourne led by Yoorrook Justice Commission Commissioner Travis Lovett.

The University of Melbourne proudly supported the Victorian Walk for Truth, which symbolically and physically traced the path of colonisation and resistance across Victoria. Traversing Country and passing through sites of deep cultural and historical significance, the Walk created opportunities for communities to come together, listen, learn and engage in truth-telling.

The University's Commitment to Truth-telling

The University's support for both Walks reflects its broader commitment to truth-telling through research, education, partnerships and community engagement. This includes the work of the Centre for Truth-telling and Dialogue and the University's Truth-Telling and Justice Project, which seek to create opportunities for dialogue, learning and action while supporting First Peoples-led approaches to truth-telling and justice.

Photography by Cam Matheson and Scarlet Barnett

Read more on our partnership initiative