National Sorry Day 2024

26 May is National Sorry Day, the day we remember and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

Now known as ‘The Stolen Generations’, these survivors were denied access to their culture and language. As this practice was still taking place in the 1970s there are many survivors still around today, and the effects of these acts are still felt in communities across the country.

Even today, Stolen Generation survivors may struggle in healthcare settings, which can trigger their adverse experiences and memories from institutions.

Sorry Day is a time for us to recognise the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the power of saying ‘sorry.’

For our part, Eastern Health continues to be committed to creating culturally safe environments in all of our clinical spaces for First Nations patients and their families.

We continue to listen to Elders and Community members in our catchment and appreciate their guidance on this journey.

Aboriginal artwork was painted for Eastern Health by local Woiwurrung & Yorta Yorta Artist Simone Thomson
@simonethomsonart