“It’s an emotional day; it’s a day of stories.”
Those were the words of Deirdre Robertson during Shepparton’s Sorry Day observance, on May 26 at Monash Park — something she, along with Uncle Bobby Nicholls, has worked to establish as an annual observance.
The date is of special importance. It is the anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report, presented to the federal parliament on May 26, 1997.
The historic 689-page report described the forced taking of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children away from their families and proposed 54 steps towards healing the intergenerational trauma inflicted upon them, including the creation of National Sorry Day.
The Shepparton ceremony united community members, school students and representatives, including City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali and councillors.
Despite the chill and grey weather, the ceremony commenced with a Welcome to Country by Neil Morris and a smoking ceremony. Speeches by community leaders followed.
“We are not going anywhere, we are here to stay,” Uncle Bobby Nicholls told the crowd, before reminding them that “out of the 54 recommendations in the report, very few were implemented”.
“Today is also about acknowledging that children are still removed from their families,” Ms Robertson said.
“As a nation, we have a lot more to do to right the wrongs.”
Students from various schools around the region — All Saints, Goulburn Valley Grammar and Sirius College — delivered speeches, and a wreath was laid at the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags to commemorate the Stolen Generations.
A minute of silence was then observed.
Performances followed, including a dance by Notre Dame College students, and school captains at Notre Dame, Shepparton Christian College, Numurkah Secondary College, Cobram Anglican Grammar School and Greater Shepparton Secondary College spoke about the day’s meaning.
Sharon Jones, who attends each year, said the event was an occasion to “represent and support our Stolen Generations”.
“It’s important to acknowledge the atrocities we’ve experienced,” she said.
The importance of increased awareness was also emphasised by Linley Walker.
“It’s important to acknowledge the deep hurt but also the families that continue to experience the impact (of the Stolen Generations) today,” she said.
“I am deeply concerned about Aboriginal children who continue to be removed from their families.
“The effects of these past generations come right through to what’s happening today.”