26 May

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

The first Sorry Day was held in 1998, following the publication of Bringing Them Home, the report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander children from their families.  The RCH also marked this day with staff signing personal apologies to Indigenous Australians. These signings are now stored in the hospital archives.

We continue to commemorate Sorry Day, to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the healing of the Stolen Generation.

Each year, we mark Sorry Day with a special flag raising ceremony, which all staff can attend.  We take time to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, and the impact this has had on the health and wellbeing of First Nations peoples.

Please see the following links to see how we have commemorated the event over the last few years.

Sorry Day 2021

Sorry Day 2020

Sorry Day 2019

Sorry Day 2018

Sorry Day 2017

Sorry Day 2016

Sorry Day 2015

Sorry Day 2014

Sorry Day 2013

Sorry Day 2012