Walking Through History
Lovett began his journey on May 25 in Portland, which was the first point of colonial contact in Victoria. Over the next few weeks, he walked through Warrnambool, Colac, Geelong, and finally reached Melbourne’s Parliament House. The route was planned with input from Elders and traditional owner groups to honor sites of cultural and historical importance.
“Truth telling has never been more important,” Lovett said. “What I’m most proud of is walking alongside our people and highlighting the places they chose.”
A Symbolic and Physical Journey
Facing harsh weather and long hours, Lovett described the walk as physically tough but spiritually meaningful. Sometimes he was joined by hundreds; other times, he walked alone. He drew energy from the stories shared during his time on the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
“That’s when you dig deep,” he said. “I reflected on the truths I’ve heard as a commissioner, our people’s lived experience.”
The walk encouraged participation from the public. Andrew Gunstone, co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria, praised the community’s response, especially after the disappointment of the failed Voice to Parliament referendum.
“There’s been a real desire to do something,” Gunstone said. “People are coming together to walk for truth and healing.”
Among the participants was Peter Sharp, the great-grandson of former Prime Minister Alfred Deakin. Sharp publicly recognized his ancestor’s role in the 1886 Aboriginal Protection Amendment Act, which set the stage for the policies that led to the Stolen Generations.
“This walk retraced my personal journey, from ignorance to understanding,” Sharp said.
Truth, Justice, Treaty: A Path Forward
Lovett stressed that truth and justice must be the foundation for any move toward a treaty.
“We want to move forward,” he said. “But it must be based on truth and justice. Healing can happen, so we can all live in a more shared and prosperous future.”