Sorry Day is held the day before National Reconciliation Week begins, commemorating the anniversary of the day the Bringing them Home Report was tabled in Parliament, on 26 May 1997. It is a day to reflect on, honour and acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations. 

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how we can all contribute to reconciliation with First Peoples communities. 

Each year, NRW commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision. 

This year’s theme Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us. 

Yarra Council hosted a number of events for Sorry Day and NRW in partnership with local organisations, including: 

• Sorry Day – an event bringing the Yarra community together to foster healing and create a shared path forward, with a special performance by musician Amos Roach.  
• Reconciliation on the Rooftop – a family-friendly event hosted by Yarra Libraries and Aboriginal Housing Victoria to reflect on and learn more about Australia’s reconciliation journey.
• Birrarung Cultural Walk and Yarning Circle – presented in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation’s Education Unit, this event explored the Wurundjeri People’s cultural connection with the Birrarung (Yarra River) and contribute to the river’s restoration. 

We’re also currently showing the exhibition Takariliya by artist Thelma Beeton at Fitzroy Library. Meaning ‘family’ in the Palawa language, Takariliya centres on Beeton’s maternal family, as well as the culture of the Palawa people, who originate from Truwana (Cape Barren Island) off the northeast coast of Tasmania. 

How can I support Reconciliation? 

At Yarra, we deeply value the contribution First Peoples have made and continue to make in our community.  

There are many year-round opportunities for everyone in Yarra to learn about and support reconciliation:  

• Download the Yalinguth App and do the Yalinguth walk to learn about First Peoples’ history in and around Gertrude Street in Fitzroy.
• Stay informed by following the work of organisations like Treaty Victoria, the Yoorrook Justice Commission and Reconciliation Victoria
• Visit the Stolen Generations Marker ‘Remember Me’ in Atherton Gardens in Fitzroy to remember and reflect on struggles of the Stolen Generations as well as acknowledge the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Find out who the Traditional Owners are for the land where you live. 

Visit our dedicated Aboriginal Yarra page to learn more about First Peoples history and culture in Yarra.