Link-Up Victoria and VACCA, in partnership with Taungurung Traditional Owners are hosting a free event in Kyneton on 26 May, the Anniversary of National Sorry Day.
26 May 2022 commemorates the 25th Anniversary of the publication of the Bringing them Home Report, and the 24th Anniversary of National Sorry Day. It’s a day for reflection, connection and healing. Its also a day to show support to all the Stolen Generations and their families for the injustices of the past that still impact on our communities today.
This is the first time that Stolen Generations will be supported to gather together on the lands of the Taungurung people to commemorate National Sorry Day.
“We would like this event to focus on how important it is for all the Traditional Owner Groups in Victoria to acknowledge, welcome and support in every way possible Stolen Generations who are from or living on their country” says Aunty Bev Murray, Link-Up Victoria Program Manager.
“Too many Stolen Generations survivors are still waiting to be welcomed home. While the first of its kind, this event will not be the last. We don’t want to leave anyone behind,” Aunty Bev said.
Held in Kyneton on Taungurung Country, the full day event will provide Victorian Stolen Generations the opportunity to talk with Traditional Owners across Victoria and unite together in addressing needs identified in the Bringing Them Home report that are still to be fully implemented.
VACCA CEO Muriel Bamblett AO says it’s an important day in history, and that similar events focused on healing and connection to country should be offered in other states across the nation.
“We want Stolen Generations survivors and their families to know that they have not been forgotten. Traditional Land owners are central to the reunification and healing process for Stolen Generations, they have a significant part to play in the ongoing healing process,” she said.
“We need to see our Stolen Generations properly supported and strongly connected with their Traditional owner group in all major cities and rural towns across the nation. This event is our commitment to community that the waiting is over,” she added.
Through commemorative events, development of educational resources about the Stolen Generations, and placement of markers in cities across Victoria we can continue to encourage conversations about the nation’s true history and acknowledge the trauma faced by those who continue to feel the impacts of being removed from family, culture and Country.
We are still bringing our people home.
Event Information
National Sorry Day for Stolen Generations - Thursday 26 May 2022
Taungurung Country - Kyneton Mechanics Institute Hall, 81 Mollison Street, Kyneton 3444
VACCA, Link-Up Victoria, invite Victorian Stolen Generations and Traditional First Nations Groups to join us on Taungurung Country in Kyneton.
- To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Bringing them Home Report publication
- To commemorate the 24th Anniversary of National Sorry Day
- Hosted by Matthew Burns, CEO, Taungurung, Guest speakers to include Muriel Bamblett, CEO Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), Kyle Vander Kuyp, Director, Connecting Home, Address from Yoorrook Justice Commission and featuring performances from Taungurung First Nations people
For event enquiries contact Bev Murray - Program Manager, Link-Up Victoria
0402 095 567 or bevm@vacca.org
About Link-Up Victoria
Link-Up Victoria provides support to the Stolen Generations, helping them to find and reunite with family, reconnect to culture, proudly walk their Country and reclaim their Aboriginal identity.
Link-Up is the only service in Victoria to provide reunions for the Stolen Generations. These reunions help create connections to family, culture and Country to encourage healing and gives survivors a sense of who they are and where they belong.
To access Link-Up Victoria’s services, visit www.linkupvictoria.org.au or call 1800 OUR MOB (687 662)
About VACCA
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is the State’s leading Aboriginal child and family services organisation, and the largest provider of services for Aboriginal family violence and homelessness. We have been supporting children, young people and families in the community for over 40 years, as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
Through our vision of self-determination – Live, Experience, and Be – we work towards the healing of the Aboriginal community by strengthening the safety, wellbeing and culture connectedness of vulnerable community members, particularly children.
Issued by Nikita Blom, Communications Manager VACCA T: 0422 048 352 / E: nikitab@vacca.org