The unfinished business of Sorry Day
On 26 May each year, Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament in 1997 and commemorates Stolen Generations survivors. The report was a landmark truth telling process, sadly almost 30 years on a number of the report’s 54 recommendations remain unmet.
Remaining Stolen Generations survivors are ageing, and many do not have access to a full and fair redress scheme, or to the records that hold keys to their stories.
The time to act is now. We must ensure that Stolen Generations survivors are supported to age with dignity and respect.
Resources
Download our Sorry Day Factsheet
Download our Sorry Day Social Media Kit for social content you can share
Download our Sorry Day Illumination Map
The Healing Foundation has created a series of social media posts and Sorry Day 2024 imagery for supporters to use across their own social media channels in the lead up to May 26.
We’ll also be sharing new videos and other Sorry Day content across our channels during May, using the hashtags #unfinishedbusiness and #bringingthemhome. Please give us a share, like or comment if you like what you see!
Facebook: @healingfoundation
Instagram: @healingourway
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-healing-foundation/
National Sorry Day events:
Please see below a collection of National community events recognising National Sorry Day. This list will remain a work in progress. If you would like your event to be included, please fill out the form and submit it. The form is available at the end of the page.
Australian Capital Territory
National Sorry Day Bridge Walk
The Healing Foundation is proud to partner with Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service for the return of the National Sorry Day Bridge Walk on Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country.
Everyone is invited to join the community for the Bridge Walk, the event will include a Smoking Ceremony, Schools Banner Competition, food, entertainment and more.
When:10:00am for a 10:30am start, Friday 23 May 2025
Where: Meet at Regatta Point, Parkes, ACT ( Corner of Barrine Dr)
New South Wales
City of Parramatta
Join us for a day of acknowledgement, reflection and healing. Observe National Sorry Day by learning the stories of the Stolen Generation and reflecting on the importance of acknowledging historical trauma.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and civic leaders will honour the significance of National Sorry Day at a gathering with Smoking and Welcome Ceremonies and performances.
Parramatta, being a city with a rich Indigenous history and culture, is an important location for observing this significant day.
When: Monday. 26 May 2025
Where: Sydney
Kiama
- Aboriginal Flag raising
- Welcome to Country
- Council’s welcome speech
- Stolen Generation story telling
- Smoking Ceremony.
Monday, 26 May 2025 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Further information can be found here.
Nowra
National Sorry Day Event
This event is a powerful day of remembrance, resilience, and unity, acknowledging the history of the Bomaderry Aboriginal Children’s Home, one of the earliest Aboriginal children’s homes in NSW. The event will acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.
Bring along a picnic lunch or enjoy a sausage sizzle, and stay for a yarn after.
• Dance • Music • Truth-Telling • Sausage Sizzle • Connection
Everyone in the community is welcome to join the event! While tickets aren’t required, it’s kindly asked to register your attendance. This helps manage numbers and catering.
Date: Monday 26th May 2025
Location: Nowra Showground – Added Area (Bottom field)
Meet:Harry Sawkins Park, Nowra
For further information and to register click here.
Assemble @: 9:30am | Walk begins: 10:00am
Parramatta
When: Monday. 26 May 2025
Where: Dharug Circle, Parramatta Square (near Parramatta Town Hall)
Further information can be found here.
Kinchela Boys Home BBQ lunch for community members
When: Monday. 26 May 2025
Link Up NSW Sorry Day Luncheon for Elders, Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony
When: Monday, 26 May, 2025
Location: Baabayn Emerton
NSW ACT Stolen Generations Council
When: Monday, 26 May, 2025
Locations: Sydney, Bathurst, Mid-North Coast
Coota Girls Home Sorry Day Stolen Generations Community Gathering 2025
When: 10:00am-2:00pm Sunday 25th May 2025.
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Gadigal Country
Victoria
Connecting Home LTD/Vic Link UP Sorry Day
When: Monday, 26 May, 2025
Location: Melbourne & VIC regions
Queensland
Link-Up (Qld)’s annual Sorry Day breakfast
Join Link-Up (QLD) for breakfast at the site of the former Cranbrook Aboriginal Girls Home, as they honour the resilience of Stolen Generations survivors and descendants, and show our support for their ongoing healing. This year’s event will feature inspiring guest speakers and moving cultural performances.
When: 8am-10am on Friday 23 May 2025
Location: Cranbrook Place in Orleigh Park. West End (Brisbane).QLD
Further information including event flyer can be found here.
Western Australia
Kimberly Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corp
When: Monday 26 May 2025
Location: Notre Dame Hall, Broome
Yokai – Healing Our Spirit
When: Monday 26 May 2025
Location: Wellington Square, Perth
South Australia
Nunkuwarrin Yunti
When: Monday 26 May 2025
Location: Adelaide (Colebrook Home)
Northern Territory
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
When: Monday 26 May 2025
Where: Alice Springs (NT)
Northern Territory Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation
Luncheon with discussion
Location: Malak Community Centre
