TUESDAY’S National Sorry Day morning tea, held in the Nambucca Valley Council Chambers, brought local Aboriginal Elders and community members together for a conversation about the Stolen Generations.
Virginia Jarrett gave a Welcome to Country in Gumbaynggirr language and Aunty Sandra Buchanan and Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee both spoke to attendees.
Mrs Buchanan was raised at Corindi Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, before moving to Bowraville, her mother’s country, when she was eight.
“I had two brothers who were taken from our family to the Kinchela Boys Home in Kempsey and they had a very hard life,” she said.
“I was taken by the protection board to Sydney when I was just 14.
“People don’t realise it was a very different world back then, it was racist.
“I am so thankful my grandchildren don’t have to go through it.
“I am grateful for Charlie Perkins and his actions to fight for civil rights for Aboriginal people.
“It was his freedom rides and other actions through the 1960s which led to Sorry Day today.”
Cr Lee said the Nambucca Valley community was committed to Reconciliation and celebrating Gumbaynggirr culture.
“Today we honour the survivors of Kinchela Boys Home, the members of the Stolen Generation and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to carry strength through hardship,” he said.
“As we reflect today, let us move forward with compassion and commitment – committed to truth, committed to healing and committed to a more united Australia.”
Council thanks the Jaanymili Bawrrungga Aboriginal Corporation for supporting the delivery of the Sorry Day morning tea, by transporting elders to and from the event.
Following National Sorry Day on Tuesday 26 May is Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June.
The theme this year is “All In”, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to Reconciliation every single day.
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