National Sorry Day is a time to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors.

Nowra’s Annual Sorry Day Event welcomes all community members to commemorate and reflect on our role in the healing process for our people and nation.

Since its establishment in 2001, the National Sorry Day Walk has drawn thousands of participants to Nowra, and in recent years, this event has seen over 900 participants. Local Aboriginal Communities, non-Indigenous communities, school children from nearby schools, government, and non-government organisations, and groups from up and down the South Coast, all unite for the walk.

“National Sorry Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the suffering and strength of our Stolen Generations and our Elders, and acknowledge the trauma they felt that continues to reverberate down through time.” SCSMAC CEO – Craig Ardler

This year, due to the growing numbers of attendees and their safety, the commemorative walk will begin at Harry Sawkins Park and continue along Scenic Drive up to the Nowra Showgrounds. The walk will be followed by speeches, stories, dance, music, sausage sizzle and picnic lunch. The event will acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.

“This year, we are encouraging attendees to write, colour, or create their own unique commemorative flower as a symbol of support for our Stolen Generations. Attendees can print the template available on our website or pick up one from the Jane Ardler Centre. Bring along your decorated flower on Sorry Day and add it to the commemorative artwork.” Wade Longbottom – Heath & Wellbeing Manager and Event Organiser

Provided by SCMSAC in partnership with CBACH (Children of Bomaderry Aboriginal Childrens Home).

Event Date: Monday 26th May 2025
Event Venue: Nowra Showground – Added Area (Bottom field)
Walking Route: From Harry Sawkins Park to the Nowra Showground
Event Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (assemble 9:30am for walk commencing at 10am)

Everyone in the community is welcome to join the event! While tickets aren’t required, we kindly ask you to register your attendance by clicking on the button below. This helps us manage numbers and catering.

Walking Route: From Harry Sawkins Park, we will walk down past Nowra Bridge, following the walking path to the other side of the highway. We will cross at the pedestrian lights on Bridge Rd and up along Scenic Drive, past the hospital to the Showgrounds.

Accessibility: The walking path includes an incline and several road crossings, which will be assisted. For disabled access, there will be paths along the journey.

Please note: Staff will be onsite to assist, but traffic will not be closed off. Children from schools will need to be supervised by teachers.

Parking
Event parking is at the Showgrounds or around Harry Sawkins Park. If you’re headed to the Harry Sawkins Park meeting place, all-day car parking is available near the fire station on Bridge Road.

Wet Weather Plan
If it has been a particularly wet week leading up to the event, and the grounds are unsuitable for gathering, we will let you know as early as possible. Our team will monitor the weather closely and decide to cancel if necessary.

We understand that wet weather can be disappointing, but safety is our top priority. If we need to cancel, we will make every effort to inform you as early as possible, so please be sure to follow our Facebook page for the latest information. https://www.facebook.com/scmsac

For more information and media enquiries please contact Jess McGeachie: (02) 4448 0200

or email: communications@southcoastams.org.au

Commemorative Sorry Day Flower

Are you planning on attending our Sorry Day Event?  We’re inviting all attendees and school groups to get creative and make their unique commemorative flowers as a symbol of support for our Stolen Generations. You can write, colour, or create your flower using the template available on our website or by picking it up from the Jane Ardler Centre.

On Sorry Day, bring your decorated flower cut out, and add it to our commemorative artwork. It’s a beautiful way to show support and honour those impacted by the Stolen Generations. We can’t wait to see all the unique flowers and share this meaningful day with you. See you on May 26th!

Information & Resources

What to know more about Sorry Day? Check out the video from previous year’s event here:2023 Sorry Day Video

Or the photos and history of the Sorry Day Bridge Walk here:2023 Sorry Day photos