National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day is an important day in the Australian calendar. Recognised on May 26th each year, the day of remembrance and commemoration highlights the impact of the past policies of forcible removal on the Stolen Generations, their families and their communities. This year’s Shepparton Sorry Day Ceremony was held in Monash Park and a number of our students took part. Speakers from all three campuses informed guests about the significance of the day and the Bringing Them Home Report, which prompted the original apology from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008. Our Marrung dancers also performed and presented skins to guest speaker, Aunty Faye Lynam. 

Aunty Faye, who was stolen from her family in the 1950s, told the harrowing story of the abuse and mistreatment that she suffered and the long lasting impact that this had on her life. She spoke about seeing significant positive changes in society around the understanding and responsibility taken by the government to right these injustices and appealed to our youth to make sure that they seek help when they see something that is not right. 

May 27th also marks the beginning of Reconciliation Week; this year marking 20 years of reconciliation efforts in Australia. This year’s theme More than a Word: Reconciliation Takes Action urges people to take action and add your voice to reconciliation efforts in our country. We encourage our school community to learn more: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

Amy Gallacher

Assistant Principal

Wanganui Campus