Today marks the 15th Anniversary of the National apology to the Stolen Generations survivors that was given by former Hon Kevin Rudd, MP, Prime Minister of Australia at Parliament House in Canberra in 2008.
The community gathering and wreath laying ceremony was held at the Shire Hall. The day was organised by Link-Up Victoria in Partnership with Connecting Home and the City of Darebin.
The event was welcomed by MC Colin Hunter Jnr, Wurundjeri Woi Wurung Elder followed by words from Councillor Julie Williams, Mayor, City of Darebin with guests’ speakers Corey Harrison the Director of Statewide Programs of VACCA with a minute silence for those who have passed onto the Dreaming and for those who were taken but never made it back home.
Kyle Vander-Kuyp Director of Connecting Home gave a heartfelt speech and message to the community, and we heard from Darren Lovett the Manager of the Health and Wellbeing Program, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service.
There was a smoking ceremony held at the Stolen Generations Marker where elders met with the wreath of white flowers which symbolizes loss and grief and all guests were invited to pay purple flowers inside the cooloman that symbolize the strength and resilience of all Stolen Generations.