We are sorry
On Monday 26 May, Knox City Council held its 20th National Sorry Day ceremony around the Yarning Circle at the Knox Civic Centre.
National Sorry Day is a day for our nation and community to remember and honour the Stolen Generations; the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, their communities, and their culture.
There are an estimated 1500 Aboriginal people living in Knox today, many of whom still live with the immense pain, grief and psychological damage of being separated from their families and their culture.
Knox Mayor, Councillor Lisa Cooper, said, “We mark Sorry Day each year as a way of ensuring the Stolen Generations' stories and pain are not ignored or forgotten. As the Mayor of Knox City Council, I am sorry. As the local government, we are sorry. We understand that saying sorry is just the beginning. We must continue to work towards healing and create spaces for truth-telling and reconciliation.”
The ceremony was attended by the Stolen Generations, their families, descendants, and the Knox community. Uncle Tony Garvey gave the Welcome to Country, and Uncle Chris Hume led the fire lighting and smoking ceremony. Guest speaker Aunty Esme Bamblett, Member of the First Peoples' Assembly, delivered a heartfelt speech.
Knox City Council’s First Nations Lead Adrian Greenwood, CEO Bruce Dobson and Mayor Lisa Cooper also spoke at the ceremony, bringing the community together to reflect, listen, and move towards healing.
Knox City Council reaffirmed its commitment to listening to the stories and hearing the truth about what happened in Knox.
Council is committed to advancing reconciliation and truth-telling through its Reconciliation Action Plan, developed in collaboration with a working group of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Elders and local First Nations communities.
The plan focuses on six key areas: recognition and respect, cultural heritage, health and wellbeing, civic participation, employment and economic development, and voice and governance.
“As the level of government closest to communities, we are well-placed to lead and influence positive changes that strengthen relationships and benefit everyone,” said Mayor Lisa Cooper.
Through the Reconciliation Action Plan, Knox City Council is committed to a range of initiatives such as preserving and protecting significant First Nations sites, supporting First Nations housing and services, various educational workshops and sessions, acknowledging Country through Council’s signage and documents, providing opportunities for Welcome to Country ceremonies at local events, cultural walks, and land management activities.
How you can get involved
- Attend local reconciliation events, especially during National Reconciliation Week starting tomorrow.
- Join an online community training session on Building Aboriginal Cultural Competency on 4 June from 6:30-9 pm.
- Sign up for the First Nations e-Newsletter to stay informed about Knox’s First Nations events, news, and Council updates.
What's happening
