The Healing Foundation would like to thank the Honourable Linda Burney MP for her commitment to Stolen Generations survivors and her contribution to supporting their healing.
“Minister Burney has been a strong supporter of the unique healing models that best support ageing survivors,” The Healing Foundation’s Chair Professor Steve Larkin said today.
“Most recently, on National Sorry Day in May, Minister Burney announced an additional $3.5 million to support healing activities for Stolen Generations survivors over the next two years.
“This funding is much-needed by the incredible Stolen Generations organisations that work on the ground and support survivors around the clock,” Mr Larkin said.
“Minister Burney and her staff have actively listened and looked for solutions to address the complex needs of survivors. We thank them for their openness and commitment to seeking understanding and action,” The Healing Foundation’s CEO Shannan Dodson added.
Minister Burney has also been outspoken about the “remarkable” impact a national truth telling process would have on Australia, and the impact of intergenerational trauma resulting from the Stolen Generations policies, among many other important issues. In 2015 she advocated strongly for the NSW Stolen Generations reparations inquiry to travel to regional and remote locations to hear directly from those survivors in their home locations.
Minister Burney marked Sorry Day 2024 with a visit to Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation’s event, Walking Our Healing Journey. Coota Girls was established more than a decade ago by a courageous group of Stolen Generations survivors and former residents of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home and delivers survivor-led support with holistic and practical programs. She also announced funding for NSW Stolen Generations organisations to support their work.
We thank Minister Burney for her tireless efforts to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly Stolen Generations survivors and pay tribute to her many achievements. She has left a long lasting legacy and we wish her the best for the future.
