This year, SGCH marked National Sorry Day with two special community events, honouring Stolen Generation survivors and their families while reinforcing our commitment to reconciliation and truth-telling.

Our Bonnyrigg event

Marking National Sorry Day at The Hub@Bonnyrigg Dhanawi, Wiradjuri customer Maureen and the SGCH Aboriginal Tenant Group created a powerful space for remembrance and healing. The event centred on the remarkable story of Aunty Fay, a Stolen Generation survivor who transformed personal trauma into a message of strength and advocacy.

Taken from her family at just 10 years old and placed in Cootamundra Girls Home, Aunty Fay was told she was of “nil intelligence”. Despite this devastating start to life, she built a distinguished career in nursing and the Australian Public Service before becoming an accomplished artist who has works displayed in major Australian museums and galleries.

“Painting is healing. It helps me heal my past hurts. My painting tells the stories of each and every one of the traumas we’ve been through,” Aunty Fay said, holding a work she created during Kevin Rudd’s Apology – depicting the former Prime Minister as a superhero cutting metaphorical barbed wire to set her free.

The gathering featured family mementos and images of First Nations soldiers, as well as peg dolls representing the makeshift toys of stolen Cootamundra girls. Students from Bonnyrigg Public School welcomed visitors to Country and the Marrabang Wagagee dance group performed some traditional performances.

Our Redfern event

At our Gibbons Street property in Redfern, SGCH staff and community members gathered for an exploration of reconciliation and healing. Hosted by SGCH Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Lead Todd Phillips, a proud Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr man, the event emphasised our collective responsibility in the reconciliation journey and the importance of culturally safe, inclusive practices across our organisation.

Associate Professor Uncle Boe Rambaldini, a proud Bundjalung man with more than 40 years of experience in Aboriginal affairs, served as guest speaker. Uncle Boe shared heartfelt reflections on colonisation’s ongoing impacts while highlighting the importance of truth-telling, community-led solutions and walking forward together with honesty and respect.

A particularly moving moment came as Uncle Boe discussed the Rambaldini Model of co-design, which centres Aboriginal voices in research and health outcomes. His call to “leave pride, blame and guilt at the door” and work together toward healing resonated with attendees.

The event marked the beginning of National Reconciliation Week 2025, with this year’s theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’ encouraging reflection on past lessons while looking to a more inclusive future. Uncle Boe’s words perfectly captured this spirit: “I wanted to build bridges so we could come together… If whatever you do builds a bridge, you’re on the right track.”