The first national Sorry Day was on May 26, 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Federal Parliament.
The 689-page report of the inquiry into the separation of First Nations children from their families put forth 54 recommendations to support healing and reconciliation for the Stolen Generations, their families and the wider public.
One of the recommendations implemented was a national Sorry Day to be commemorated annually — however many of the other recommendations have not been yet been implemented.
Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group co-convener Dierdre Robertson said each year the commemorative event gained more traction.
“Obviously the last two years have been challenging, but even last year between lockdowns, there were a lot of people that came to recognise the importance of the day,” she said.
“This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is ‘Be brave. Make change’; being brave is stepping into that space and finding information, facing it and not walking away from it.
“It’s working to make change for the benefit of all of Australia and recognising Sorry Day is part of that.”
The day will include traditional dance, be performed by students of Greater Shepparton Secondary College, and a guest speaker.
The event will also see schools from around the region gather with students to read the National Apology address.
“Having the involvement of local schools and young people knowing these stories, it’s crucial for change in the future,” Ms Robertson said.
She said to make change, people have to acknowledge Australia’s past but also confront that these issues are still apparent in today’s age.
The commemorative service is at Monash Park, on Thursday, May 26, starting at 10.10am. Register to attend via https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/337077155847
Attendees are asked to remain COVID-19 safe, those feeling unwell are advised to watch the event live-streamed https://www.facebook.com/RespectSRRG
The event is supported by Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and Greater Shepparton City Council.
