Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group

Today, the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group gathered our community to honour National Sorry Day — a time to acknowledge the Stolen Generations and reflect on the ongoing healing, truth-telling, and reconciliation.

We were privileged to begin with a heartfelt Welcome and song in language, along with a powerful smoking ceremony led by Dr Neil Morris, creating a space for reflection, respect, and connection. The spirit of the day was beautifully carried by our next generation leaders, with speeches from representatives of our local secondary schools.

The commemoration also included laying of the wreath by St Mary’s Primary School students, a minute’s silence accompanied by Wilfred Stewart on Yidaki and a Flag Raising led by students from the Berry Street School. Followed by a moving performance by the Mulana Winyarr dancers from Notre Dame College.

National Sorry Day is grounded in the 1997 Bringing Them Home report, which documented the experiences of the Stolen Generations and set out 54 recommendations for justice, healing, and reform. The National Apology in 2008 was one important step arising from that report, but much of its work remains unfinished.

This Reconciliation Week, the theme of ‘ALL IN’ calls on all Australians to actively contribute to reconciliation through shared responsibility, action, and genuine partnerships.
For each of us to show up fully —to listen deeply, to learn, and to actively take part in the ongoing journey of reconciliation.
🖤💛❤️

We extend our sincere thanks to school representatives from:
Numurkah Secondary College
St Anne’s College
Sirius College
All Saints Anglican College
Goulburn Valley Grammar School
Greater Shepparton Secondary College
Cobram Anglican Grammar
Shepparton Christian College
Notre Dame College
Berry Street School
St Mary’s Primary School

This event was supported by Greater Shepparton City Council.

On Friday February 13, the Greater Shepparton community acknowledged the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations .

Each year, the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group run an Apology Breakfast to show support and to commemorate and reflect on the day’s meaning.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend this important event.