01 June 2023

On Friday 26 May I was invited to commemorate National Sorry Day at the Liverpool Regional Museum. An important day in our national calendar, National Sorry Day invites us to reflect on the pain and suffering felt by Stolen Generations survivors and to recognise the need for reconciliation, healing and truth-telling in New South Wales and across Australia. The event featured poignant remarks from Aunty Pearl Wymarra and Julie Dannevig, as well as a wreath‑laying ceremony at the Stolen Generations memorial tree. Accompanied by touching performances from Nulungu Dreaming, the event brought home the importance of the day. Moreover, I enjoyed speaking with Uncle Darrell of the Gandangara seniors' group and sharing in his valuable knowledge about the history and customs of the local Darug peoples, including the fact that Liverpool is yam country. I acknowledge the efforts of the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council in putting the event together, as well as Liverpool City Council for helping honour the strength of Stolen Generations survivors.