Central Coast Council acknowledges that today, 26 May is National Sorry Day.

Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said National Sorry Day is an opportunity for Council and our community to reflect and remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations.

“The stolen generations are those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were separated from their families as children. Despite the evolving situation with COVID-19 impacting on our day-to-day lives, it is important we take time to reflect on this day,” Ms Vaughan said.

“To mark National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) Council has installed street flags celebrating artworks developed by local schools through the Maliga program – a tradition we have continued to support despite COVID-19.

“The flags are currently displayed in The Entrance, Toukley and Long Jetty and will also be installed along Tuggerah Straight in June. Today and over the next week I encourage our whole community to pause, reflect and celebrate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture we have on the Central Coast.”

Central Coast Mayor Lisa Matthews said the historic tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report 23 years ago has meant greater awareness and understanding of the issues impacting the stolen generations, many of whom belong to our Central Coast community.

“The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998 to commemorate the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report in Federal parliament, and it was this report that formally recognised the stories of the stolen generations,” Mayor Mathews said.

“It is important we continue to acknowledge moments of significance for members of our community. While we have been unable to hold our traditional Maliga and Sean Lonergan Schools Project exhibitions this year, Council is committed to supporting reconciliation through the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”