National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

Published on 24 May 2023

Acknowledging National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

In the coming week we commemorate National Sorry Day on 26 May and National Reconciliation Week from 27 May – 3 June.

On National Sorry Day we acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations, the many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

We also reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process.

Council buildings including the Darebin Arts Centre, Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre and the municipal offices in Preston will be lit up in purple, the colour symbolising the Stolen Generations.

Here in Darebin, Dardi Munwurro is organising a Sorry Day Healing Ceremony on Friday 26 May, at 11am at Aunty Alma Thorpe’s Gathering Place, 558 High Street Preston.

This is a public community event, with a Smoking Ceremony at 11am, followed by a performance by Uncle Wayne Thorpe and a lunch of damper and stew. All welcome.

VACCA, Link-Up Victoria and Connecting Home also invite Stolen Generations, their families and all other members of community to gather on Boonwurrung / Bunurong Traditional Country in Frankston for a day of reflection, connection, unity and healing to commemorate National Sorry Day.

To find out more and to register, please visit the event page.

This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is “Be a voice for generations”.

It’s a reminder for all allies to learn about First Nations histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving truth and justice in Australia.

To find out more about National Reconciliation Week visit reconciliation.org.au.