National Apology Day 2026
Date: Friday 13th February 2026
Time: 10am to 11am
Location: Wollundry Lagoon lawn in front of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way
Wagga Wagga City Council invites you to commemorate 18th anniversary of the National Apology on Friday 13th February 2026 in the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. The commemorative event will begin with a cleansing smoking ceremony, conducted by Luke Wighton, on the lawns of the Wollundry Lagoon. We will then move inside the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre where a Welcome to Country by local Wiradyuri Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson will be delivered, followed by youth cultural dancers, a viewing of the National Apology by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and reflections from local Elder Uncle Hewitt Whyman on the path of healing.
Wiradjuri Country | Wiradyuri Ngurambang
Wagga Wagga City Council is committed to reconciliation and by commemorating National Apology Day, we can collectively work towards a future where past wrongs are acknowledged, and meaningful change is implemented. It is a day that promotes compassion and unity, reminding us of the power of apology and the potential for healing and understanding.
If you have any questions or need this information in a different format, please contact the Community Development Team on 1300 292 442 or email first.nations@wagga.nsw.gov.au
The National Redress Scheme representatives will be attending this event and are available for meaningful yarns after the ceremony for Community needing assistance or support.
Why is National Apology Day important?
National Apology Day is an important day held on the 13th of February each year and commemorates the day that former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the 'Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples' on behalf of the Federal Government in 2008.
The Apology acknowledged the historical mistreatment of the Stolen Generation Survivors who were forcibly removed from their families, many of which who were never returned to their family. Resulting in profound trauma, loss of families, grieving communities and the loss of their culture.
It was a significant step towards reconciliation by promoting understanding and awareness of the intergenerational trauma that was caused from the removal of First Nations children. Survivors are still searching for their long-lost family members to this day.
On this day, the nation comes together to reflect on the past and acknowledge the pain and suffering that certain individuals and communities have endured.
National Apology Day provides an opportunity for affected individuals and communities to be heard, validated, and to begin/or continue their process of healing and reconciliation.
This date serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and learning from past mistakes to ensure they are not repeated. National Apology Day encourages ongoing efforts to address systemic issues, promote equality, and create a more inclusive and moral society for all.
Video: Wagga Wagga Acknowledges National Apology During COVID 2022
In collaboration with members of the local First Nations community, Wagga Wagga City Council created a video to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Australian Government's National Apology in 2022.
In this video you will hear a Welcome to Country from Wiradjuri and Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Mary Atkinson, Mayor of Wagga Wagga City, Councillor Dallas Tout talking to the importance of the National Apology, Wiradjuri man Luke Wighton playing the Didgeridoo, and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Fay Moseley speaking about her experiences as part of the Stolen Generation and the importance of learning from the past to stop similar issues from continuing to occur in the future.
Viewers are advised that the following video may contain images and voices of people who have passed away.