National Sorry Day is this Thursday, 26 May.
National Sorry Day acknowledges the Aboriginal children removed from their families, who we now know as the Stolen Generations.
National Sorry Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the strength and resilience of survivors of the Stolen Generations, and to remember those who did not survive.
To this day, Aboriginal children in Victoria are 17 times more likely to be in out-of-home care than non-Aboriginal children.
Since 26 May 1998, National Sorry Day has marked a day of mourning, reflection and reconciliation across Australia.
We have recorded a message to recognise National Sorry Day and to raise awareness of the hurt caused to so many who were taken away, and to those who live with the intergenerational effects of family removals.
In the spirit of reconciliation, we encourage employees to share the announcement during team meetings and huddles on National Sorry Day. You can access the recording here.
You can also listen to the recording by pressing the play button below.
National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week can be an especially difficult time for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander colleagues and patients. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of the emotional significance of National Sorry Day. Remember to contact the Aboriginal Health team if you, or your Aboriginal patients and colleagues need support.
Approved by Julia Oxley, Karen Lowe and Louise Kanis