First Peoples - State Relations

Thousands gathered at the Royal Exhibition Building earlier this month for the 125th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Parliament.

Formal proceedings were followed by two days of free public events including guided tours and cultural performances.

An exhibition of artefacts and artworks were on show from the original 1901 celebrations, including the carriage used by the Duke of Cornwall and York, and Charles Nuttall's painting of the opening of the first Australian parliament.

One of only four official copies of the Victorian Statewide Treaty document was also on public display for the first time since its signing, alongside ‘Yoorrook Truth be Told’.

‘Yoorrook Truth be Told’ is the Official Public Record of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, Australia’s first formal truth-telling process. It provides an account of the history of the State of Victoria from the start of colonisation. It helps us understand our history from the perspective of Aboriginal people, how it impacts on their present, and how Treaty can be the pathway to practical solutions.

Melbourne Museum 📸Tom Breakwell