National Sorry Day – a time for acknowledging the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors.

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

Since its inception in 2001, thousands of people have gathered in Nowra each year to take part in the National Sorry Day Bridge Walk. People from local Aboriginal Communities, non-Indigenous communities, kids from local schools, government and non-government organisations, along with groups from Sydney and surrounds, have all joined together in the three kilometre walk from Moorehouse Park across the bridge and up to Bomaderry Homes.

“Each year on Sorry Day, we gather and reflect on the past suffering and continued strength of our Stolen Generations. It is important to acknowledge the trauma they felt and connect as a community.” SCMSAC CEO – Craig Ardler.

With Nowra Bridge renovations almost complete, we can again walk together across the bridge up to the Bomaderry Homes, 59 Beinda Street Bomaderry. The walk will be followed by speeches, stories, dance, music and free food and drinks. 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. Those who are unable to, or do not wish to walk, can assemble at Bomaderry Homes.

“We encourage attendees and school groups 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 from the Jane Ardler Centre. Bring along your decorated flower mounted on a paddle pop stick on Sorry Day and add it to the commemorative garden.”
Nathanael Curtis – SCMSAC Manager and Event Organiser.

Event Date: Friday 26th May 2023
Event Venue: 59 Beinda Street Bomaderry
Walking Route: From Harry Sawkins Park to the Bomaderry Homes
Event Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm (assemble 9:30am for walk commencing at 10am)

Parking
Event parking in Nowra can be challenging, especially at the homes where parking is limited. We recommend parking on Beinda Road or at Bomaderry Oval. If you’re headed to the meeting place at Harry Sawkins Park, there is all-day car parking available near the fire station on Bridge Road.

Wet Weather Plan
In the event that it has been a particularly wet week leading up to the event, and the grounds are not suitable for gathering, we will let you know as early as possible. Our team will monitor the weather closely and make the decision to cancel if necessary.

We understand that wet weather can be disappointing, but safety is our top priority. If we do 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 Nathanael Curtis (02) 4448 0200 or email: nathanael@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 own unique commemorative flower 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 along your decorated flower mounted on a paddle pop stick, and add it to our commemorative garden. It’s a beautiful way to show support and honour those who were 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!

DOWNLOAD SORRY DAY FLOWER PRINTABLE HERE

Provided by SCMSAC in partnership with CBACH (Children of Bomaderry Aboriginal Childrens Home), The Children of the Bomaderry Aboriginal Children’s Home Inc.,Waminda, Cullunghutti and Oolong House. Funded by Prime Minister