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National Sorry Day 2024

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

Wagga Wagga City Council invites you to commemorate National Sorry Day by gathering together at the Sorry Day Rock to acknowledge the past with sincerity and empathy, paving the path towards healing and reconciliation.

National Sorry Day Commemoration

Sunday 26 May 2024
10:00am to 12:00noon
Sorry Rock, off Burns Way
Wagga Wagga, Wiradyuri Ngurambang
No registrations required.

Light refreshments will follow the official proceedings.

The Sorry Day Rock, located in the Wollundry Lagoon precinct, was unveiled in 2018 to commemorate the children sent to the Cootamundra Girls Home and Kinchela Boys Home where they were taught farm labour and domestic work.

Accessibility and Inclusion
The location is wheelchair accessible and seating will be available.
Accessible bathrooms will be available via the side entrance of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.

The location of the event is outside with marquees and outdoor heaters; however, our team recommends dressing for the colder weather. Staff will be present to answer any questions and support where possible.

Parking: Disability permit parking is available along Tarcutta, Baylis and Morrow Streets surrounding the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre.

*** Please note that Burns Way (private road) will be closed off the vehicle access as this will be a pedestrian only area for the duration of the event. ***

For further information:

If you have any questions or need more information contact Council’s Aboriginal Community Development Officer on 1300 292 442 or email first.nations@wagga.nsw.gov.au.


Learn more about National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Parliament. The Bringing Them Home report is a result of a Government Inquiry into the past policies which caused children to be removed from their families and communities in the 20th century.

Following this, in 2000, there was one issue that was high on the agenda at the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk for reconciliation – an apology to the Stolen Generations.