Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week

Honouring Our Past, Building Our Future: Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

Each year, Australians come together to acknowledge a vital part of our shared history during Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. These important occasions offer us a time to reflect, remember, and work towards a future grounded in respect, understanding, and unity.

National Sorry Day — held on May 26th — commemorates the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations. On this day, we remember those children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities as part of government policies aimed at assimilation. It is a solemn moment to acknowledge the pain caused by these actions and to express our sincere apology and commitment to healing.

Following Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week held this year from May 27th to June 3rd provides an opportunity for all Australians to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. The week encourages us to engage in conversations and actions that promote respect, truth, and positive relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The theme for this year’s Reconciliation Week is “Be a Voice for Generations” — a call to stand together in solidarity to ensure a brighter future for all. Whether through community events, educational activities, or personal reflection, everyone can play a role in advancing reconciliation.

As we observe Sorry Day and participate in Reconciliation Week, we remember that reconciliation is not just about acknowledging the past, but also about creating a more inclusive and just society today and for generations to come.