Leaders Reflect on Significance of National Sorry Day

A message from the Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney on behalf of the City of Ballarat

"National Sorry Day (May 26) is significant to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities not only in Ballarat but around our nation. 

This day is one of remembrance and commemoration. It reminds us of the immense hardship and treatment endured by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, who were forcefully removed from their families as part of official government policy; and the impact this had on their families and communities. 

These children are now referred to as the Stolen Generations. 

We acknowledge the ‘Bringing them Home Report’ that was tabled in Parliament on 26 May 1997 that included a list of recommendations for the Australian government to move towards reconciling past wrongs.

We also acknowledge that some of our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is made up of children, forcibly removed and placed in the Ballarat Orphan Asylum, Ballarat Orphanage and Ballarat Children’s Home and who have since made Ballarat their home.

National Sorry Day is an opportunity for all Australians to remember past mistakes and for us to continue to build and strengthen a stronger, meaningful, and respectful relationship with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Reach out to them today.”

A message from Karen Heap, CEO- Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) 

"This is such an important occasion. I urge the whole community to stand with their Aboriginal colleagues, friends and families to reflect on the trauma experienced by so many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now live in the Ballarat region.

Generations of Aboriginal people grew up without knowing their families, their culture, their language or where they belong.

We invite the whole community to continue to learn about and celebrate Aboriginal culture.”