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Acknowledgement of Country

The Healing Foundation acknowledges Country, Custodians and Community of the lands on which we live and work. We also pay our respects to Elders and to Stolen Generations survivors, of the Dreaming and of the here and now. We recognise the ongoing nature of trauma experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit each day to survivor-led intergenerational healing.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

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From Sorry to Action for National Sorry Day 2026

May 18, 2026
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National Sorry Day 2026 is quickly approaching! 

National Sorry Day on 26 May, is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about and acknowledge the truth of Australia’s Stolen Generations history and the ongoing, intergenerational impacts caused by past policies of forced removal. This year marks the 29th anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing them home report in 1997, which documented the forcible removal of thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and children from their families, Country and culture. 

The Bringing them home report shared this history with the nation and made wide-ranging recommendations to address the enormous harm caused to Stolen Generations survivors and their families. 

A generation on, many of these crucial actions have not been taken. We have lost many survivors over the decades since the report, and time is running out for those who are left to see justice.  

Survivors involved in this inquiry nearly 30 years ago are still fighting for the same things, and that’s not good enough.

I’ve had conversations with survivors who gave evidence at the inquiry and who felt the excitement and anticipation of change. Yet they still wait for Sorry to lead to action. 

Sorry without action is not enough. This year’s national theme, From Sorry to Action, reflects expectations that governments take urgent steps to create tangible and measurable change within survivors’ lifetimes.

This moment demands leadership, accountability and action.

We encourage you to mark National Sorry Day on 26 May, and to stand with us to ensure this day is part of an ongoing commitment to healing and justice for survivors.

National Sorry Day events nationwide

Around the country, Stolen Generations Organisations and Link Ups will host National Sorry Day events in communities large and small—bringing people together to honour survivors, acknowledge the truth of their experiences, and call for action that goes beyond words. 

\We’re sharing community-led Sorry Day events on our website and across our social channels so more people can attend, learn and show support.

Find a National Sorry Day event near you

Hosting an event? If you’d like us to list it, please share the details with us here. 

Can you help us promote National Sorry Day?

We’ve put together a suite of shareable resources to help you promote National Sorry Day 2026 across your networks and social channels.

Visit our National Sorry Day webpage to download the social media kit. It includes a short campaign explainer plus some ready-to-post tiles with captions.

You’ll also find a colouring-in sheet (for the young and young at heart), a National Sorry Day fact sheet, and downloadable Teams backgrounds. 

 

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© 2026 The Healing Foundation. All rights reserved.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Healing Foundation acknowledges Country, Custodians and Community of the lands on which we live and work. We also pay our respects to Elders and to Stolen Generations survivors, of the Dreaming and of the here and now. We recognise the ongoing nature of trauma experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit each day to survivor-led intergenerational healing.