Collective action will drive meaningful progress – next steps to move From Sorry to Action

Coordinated and collaborative action is needed to enact real change for Stolen Generations survivors before the 30th Anniversary of the Bringing them home report in 2027. 

The Healing Foundation hosted an online event ‘Unpacking From Sorry to Action: a plan to act on Bringing them home (2026-2028)’ to discuss with government officials and representatives from organisations about how they can support real change for Stolen Generations survivors, descendants and their families.

Those who attended heard directly from The Healing Foundation CEO Shannan Dodson and Policy and Programs Director Nicole Kilby about the two-year plan.

The plan is a time-critical roadmap which asks governments, organisations, and agencies to make firm commitments and demonstrate progress leading up to the 30th anniversary of the Bringing them home report in May 2027.

Ms Dodson said progress on the actions identified in the plan would be underpinned by collective action from federal, state and territory governments, police, churches, and other agencies and organisations – all of which have a responsibility to create meaningful change for survivors, and their descendants.  

“The Healing Foundation is a small organisation with a national remit. We’ll always continue to fight for survivors and their needs, but we need all political parties, all governments and organisations to come to the table to help us to progress these actions,” she said at the event.

“This means change will require coordinated effort to problem solve to ensure progress can be made.

“Survivors have waited nearly 30 years. They’ve told us they are exhausted from decades of calling for action. Sadly, many have passed away without ever seeing justice.” 

Priority areas outlined in From Sorry to Action plan

The action plan outlines the many tangible actions across five priority areas we’ve identified in consultation with survivors, Stolen Generations Organisations, and in conversation with governments around what is achievable within the next two years. Priority areas are: 

• Health, wellbeing, and ageing
•  Records access and redress,
• Sector sustainability
• Education, data and research
• Governance and accountability

Watch the From Sorry to Action Plan webinar recording to learn more

A full recording of the event is available on YouTube for attendees and those who missed the webinar to explore the topics discussed.

During the webinar attendees participated in a Q&A session. A range of topics were discussed including, accountability of historical actions across jurisdictions, influencing senior leaders and ministers, education, records access and capacity to implement the plan.

The Healing Foundation is calling for support to continue to champion the action plan.

For more information about the action plan,  contact The Healing Foundation: 

Related information

From Sorry to Action Plan Launch

From Sorry to Action Plan 

Webinar: Unpacking From Sorry to Action: A plan to act on Bringing them home (2026-2028)