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Thanks for your patience over the next few weeks while we clean up fallen trees after the recent storms. Find out more about free storm related waste drop offs at the Knox Transfer Station and extra bin collections.

National Sorry Day

May 26 is the National Sorry Day. It is recognised by Knox City Council every year.

The City of Knox acknowledges that it sits on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation. Knox City Council recognises, respects and shares in the customs of the people of Wurundjeri and the Bunurong.

Sorry Day and the Stolen Generations

National Sorry Day acknowledges and recognises members of the Stolen Generations.

Stolen generations are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families and communities.

Together we can take steps towards healing our Stolen Generations, their families and communities. Recognising Sorry Day each year is one such step.

The first National Sorry Day

The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998. This came a year after the Bringing Them Home report was passed through Parliament.

The report was about the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. It was a result of an inquiry by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

2024

The next National Sorry Day is on Sunday 26 May 2024.

2023 

We observed National Sorry Day on Friday 26 May 2023.

A ceremony at the Knox Civic Centre yarning circle included:

  • a traditional Welcome to Country
  • fire Llghting and Smoking ceremony
  • guest speaker Commissioner Sue-Anne Hunter from the Yoorrook Justice Commission.
  • dance and diidgeridoo performances,

2022

We observed National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week with a ceremony at Knox Civic Centre on Thursday 26 May 2022.

We remembered and acknowledged the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

2021

In 2021, Knox City Council observed National Sorry Day and the start of Reconciliation Week with a live stream event set among a 'Sea of Hands' installation symbolising solidarity with First Peoples across Australia. The virtual event included traditional Aboriginal ceremonies, a didgeridoo performance by world renowned musician Ash Dargan and the raising of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

2020

Our 2020 National Sorry Day event was held online. It included an address by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, the Mayor and a stirring performance by spoken word artist Nikki Madgwick titled 'Unity in the Community'.

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Or call our Council's Community Development Officer - Access and Equity on 9298 8000.

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