February 13 marks the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. It was a significant milestone for healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who suffered as a result of past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. It is important that, as a nation, we commemorate and acknowledge the wrongs of the past, while reflecting on the work that still needs to be done to address the impacts of unresolved trauma.
Stolen Generations survivors are some of Australia’s most vulnerable people and many have kept their stories and experiences secret for many years, even decades.
Through hearing the resilient stories of Stolen Generations survivors there is now a willingness for Australians to join in on the healing journey. To be part of solutions into the future. This is the spirit of the anniversary.
Shannan Dodson (Yawuru), Healing Foundation CEO
“I think that what is needed is particularly for all Australians to educate themselves about the Stolen Generations and the impact that it still has today…. because we can never forget that this has happened in our country.”
“We still don’t see compensation for all survivors. We still don’t see prioritisation from institutions for access to records for these survivors. It’s their stories, it’s their histories and there’s still many that don’t know those histories or those stories. We’re still seeing that aged care services are at risk of retraumatising Stolen Generations survivors, and we just cannot risk that. And we cannot risk the loss of these Stolen Generations organisations that provide that support, not only to survivors, but also to families, to descendants who continue to carry the weight of the experiences of those survivors.”
“And so it is really up to all of us to understand the urgency and the need to ensure that those recommendations are implemented fully, not in five years, not in 10 or 20 or another generation, but now, it’s really now that we need to take that urgency seriously. We can’t lose any more survivors.”
2025 National Apology Anniversary Events
Please find a work in progress list of National Apology Anniversary Events from around Australia. More will be added as information is received.
If yours isn’t listed, please email us at hfmedia@healingfoundation.org.au and we can add it here:
Weston, ACT
Join The Gulanga Program, Sisters In Spirit Aboriginal Corporation and ACTCOSS – ACT Council of Social Service Inc. for the 17th Anniversary of The National Apology to Stolen Generations & Indigenous People of Australia.
When: Thursday 13 February 2025 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Weston Neighbourhood Hall, 6 Gritten St, Weston
Contact: gulanga@actcoss.org.au
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Apology Day
Mark the day with a dedicated event at Nepean Hospital or by attending an event at Community Health Centres, Springfield Cottage, Blue Mountains and Lithgow Hospitals.
When: Thursday 13 February 2025 at 10am to 10:45am
Location: Nepean Hospital
Building D Auditorium Gate 3
Derby Street, Kingswood
RSVP: NBMLHD-events@health.nsw.gov.au
Mount Druitt, NSW
Link-Up (NSW) 2025 National Apology Event
Join Link Up (NSW) as community come together to watch Kevin Rudd’s National Apology on the big screen to mourn the impacts of the past government policies while acknowledging the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This is a free event for the community; everyone is welcome to attend!
When: Thursday, 13th of February 2025
Location: Mount Druitt Community Hall
87 Mount Druitt Rd, Mount Druitt NSW 2770, Australia
For further information visit the website here
Penrith, NSW
Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC)
SRAC is a community organisation based in Penrith providing NDIS and MAC Services, Disability Advocacy, Aboriginal Community Outreach & CHSP Social Support services to support Aboriginal disabled and/or aged clients.
When: Thursday, 13th of February 2025 I 10:00am-2:00pm
Location: 51-57 Henry Street, Penrith
For further information contact: Info@srac.ngo
Macleay Valley, NSW
Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation
Truth-telling session for National Apology Day, with a Q&A opportunity
In commemoration of the 17th anniversary of the National Apology, Kempsey Shire Council together with Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation will host a Truth Telling Session at the The Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery.
When: Thursday, 13 February 2025 | 01:00 PM – 02:30 PM
Location: Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery at the Slim Dusty Centre, 490 Macleay Valley Way
For further information visit the event website here
Wagga Wagga, NSW
Wagga Wagga City Council invites you to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the National Apology on the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Lawns on the Wollundry Lagoon. The commemorative event will begin with a Welcome to Country by local Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Dorothy Whyman, followed by a cleansing smoking ceremony, youth cultural dancers, and reflections from local Elders on the path of healing.
When: Thursday 13 February 2025 | 10am to 11am
Location: Wollundry Lagoon lawn in front of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way
For further information visit the website here
Victoria
Link Up Victoria and Connecting Home
17th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations
When: Thursday 13 February 2025 at 10am for a 10:30am start
Location: Darebin Town Hall, 286 Gower Street, Preston at the Stolen Generation Marker
RSVP to Connecting Home at administration@connectinghome.org.au
Adelaide, SA
Nunkuwurrin Yunti of South Australia (Nunku)
Each year, to commemorate the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generation, we walk together to acknowledge the legacy of broken cultural, spiritual and family ties, whilst united we share in the healing.
Join us on the northern side of Birkenhead Bridge as we walk across to the southern side (towards Hart’s Mill) where a Smoking Ceremony and Kaurna Welcome to Country will take place, followed by a networking BBQ.
When: Thursday, 13 February 2025, 10:15am (10:45am start)
Where: Birkenhead Bridge (Northern side)
For further information visit Nunku’s website here
Berri, SA
Riverland Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council
Riverland National Apology Day BBQ brunch, arts and crafts. ALL Community members invited to recognise the National Apology to the Stolen Generations Apology.
When: Thursday, 13 February 2025, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Berri Senior Citizens Club, 9-12 Crawford Terrace. Berri, SA
Contact: riverland@adac.org.au
Halls Creek, WA
Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation
Yura Yungi Medical Service like to invite all for their Natonal Apology Day Event.
When: Thursday, 13 February 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Yura Yungi Medical Service Community Room, 342 Terone Street, Halls Creek, WA,
Contact: receptionists@yyms.org.au
Leederville, WA
Yokai Healing Our Spirit
National Apology Anniversary screening of Genocide in the Wildflower State, with a panel discussion followed by an afternoon tea for mob and allies.
When: Thursday 13 February 2025 | 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Location: Luna Palace Cinemas,155 Oxford Street Leederville
Burswood, WA
Yorgum Healing Services
Were you or someone you know impacted by the Stolen Generations? You are warmly invited to join in reflecting on the journey since the Apology 17 years ago.
When: Thursday 13 February 2025 | 9.30 am – 2.30 pm
Location: Burswood on Swan 1 Camfield Dr, Burswood WA
Contact: yarn@yokai.com.au
Burleigh Heads, QLD
Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre
National Apology Day Event – More details to come
When:Thursday 13 February 2025 | 5:30pm-7:00pm
Where: Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, QLD
Contact: events@kalwun.com.au
Brisbane, QLD
Link Up (QLD)
Anniversary of the National Apology (2025)
When: 10am, Thursday 13 February 2025
Location: Concert Hall Foyer, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), South Brisbane
For further information visit the website here
Ipswich, QLD
Kambu Health Afternoon Tea with CEO, Simone Jackson
Join Kambu Health as we come together in reflection and healing for National Apology Day 2025.
At Kambu Health, we honour the strength and resilience of our people as we continue the journey of truth-telling and healing.
If you or someone you love needs support, our Social Health team is here to walk with you on your healing journey. Call us on (07) 3810 3000 – option 4.
National Apology Day is a time to acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations and reaffirm our commitment to truth, justice, and healing. This gathering is an opportunity to yarn, share, and stand together as a community.
📩 RSVP by Monday, 10 February 2025
📞 Contact Lillian Fisher on (07) 3810 3064
Location: Kambu Health, 27 Roderick Street, Ipswich
Time: 2:00pm | Thursday 13 February 2025
