Truth-telling remains strong on National Sorry Day

Community members gathered at Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services in Canberra for National Sorry Day in a clear show of commitment to truth-telling and action.

The event, hosted by Winnunga Nimmityjah and supported by The Healing Foundation, brought community together for reflection and healing.

The event honoured Stolen Generations survivors and reinforced the importance of listening to survivors with lived experience. It also welcomed the new From Sorry to Action plan, launched in the early morning of National Sorry Day at Parliament House, which calls for urgent progress on the long-standing recommendations of Bringing them home.

MC’s Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal man, actor and presenter Luke Carroll, and Winnunga CEO Julie Tongs led proceedings.

Despite the cold and windy weather, Elders, survivors, families, schools and supporters came together across generations throughout the day, with a program centred on lived experience and accountability. Winnunga also provided a barbecue, creating a space for people to gather and connect throughout the day.

The Healing Foundation staff provided resources and spoke with community members at a stall.

The Kinchela Boys Home Bus operated as a mobile exhibition space, allowing attendees to hear directly from survivors and engage with personal stories and historical material.

Singer Casey Donovan performed during the program, marking a key moment in the community event.

Survivors who had attended the Parliament House From Sorry to Action Plan launch were also present, reinforcing the national call for action.

The Healing Foundation CEO Shannan Dodson spoke about the Action Plan, a roadmap aimed at turning commitments into practical action and driving reform from now until 2028. She emphasised that the plan sets out clear priorities and commitments to deliver long-awaited change for Stolen Generations survivors after years of calls for meaningful action.

Despite the rain, people stayed and connected throughout the day, representing the strength of commitment to truth-telling, acknowledgment and reflection of National Sorry Day. The event highlighted the role of community-led partnerships in bringing people together to honour survivors while continuing to spread the message.

National Sorry Day is not just remembrance — it is a continuing call for truth, accountability and real change. 

Learn more:

https://healingfoundation.org.au/news-events/news/posts/survivors-call-for-urgent-move-from-sorry-to-action-at-parliament-house-on-national-sorry-day/

https://healingfoundation.org.au/stolen-generations/national-sorry-day/https://healingfoundation.org.au/what-we-do/from-sorry-to-action/

*Photos courtesy of Jess Whaler