The City of Whittlesea has marked ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Sorry Day with an emotional ceremony remembering the Stolen Generations and reflecting on the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Sorry Day is held each year on 26 May to commemorate the tabling of the Bringing Them ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ report in Federal Parliament in 1997.
As ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Sorry Day fell on a Sunday this year, the City of Whittlesea held its ceremony at the Civic Centre in South Morang on Monday 27 May to ensure staff, students and community members could attend to pay their respects.
A smoking ceremony led by Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey commenced the service before attendees observed a minute’s silence. Gunditjmara man and First Peoples’ Assembly Member (Treaty) for North Metro Troy Austin delivered the keynote address.
Proud Yamatji Noongar woman Aunty Sharon Hughes led attendees on the annual Sorry Day Walk around the Civic Centre, where those present said sorry for the wrongs of the past.
City of Whittlesea Administrator and Whittlesea Reconciliation Group member Peita Duncan said ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Sorry Day, which leads into ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week, was an important time to learn about our shared histories.
“On ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Sorry Day, we say sorry to the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the pain and suffering still felt by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” she said.
“We also come together to recognise the remarkable strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June 2024. This year’s theme is ‘Now More Than Ever’.
The City of Whittlesea is working to advance reconciliation through a number of initiatives, including establishing an Aboriginal Gathering Place at Quarry Hills and developing its Aboriginal Action Plan.
