26 May, 2025

Today on National Sorry Day, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) extends a heartfelt message of healing and solidarity to the Land Rights Network and Aboriginal communities across NSW.

The day offers a national opportunity to reflect on the pain and trauma inflicted on our youngest community members, caused by government policies that led to the forced removal of First Nations children from their families, communities and Country.

Cr Kelly said that the dark history of the Stolen Generations continues to reverberate through our communities today.

“The forced removal of  our children will always be a painful part of our history, as not just a failure of government policy, but a direct assault on the sovereignty and dignity of our peoples.

“On behalf of the Council we remember those lost, and acknowledge the enormous strength of survivors and their families.”

In 1997, the Bringing Them Home report made 83 recommendations aimed at addressing past injustices. However, many crucial actions have yet to be implemented. A recent report by the Healing Foundation, titled “Are you waiting for us to die? The unfinished business of Bringing Them Home” found that only 6% of the recommendations from the Bringing Them Home report have been acted upon. 

“This statistic is a stark reminder of a lack of sustained commitment by governments, although we are living in a time where there are real opportunities for meaningful change,” Cr Kelly said.

“NSWALC will continue to advocate for Aboriginal community-controlled solutions in addressing social, cultural and economic gaps, government accountability on addressing past wrongs and a genuine commitment to truth-telling and reconciliation.

“The courage of the Stolen Generations Survivors and our Elders to heal and lead, lights the way forward for all of us.”