The Blacktown City community came together this week to remember the Stolen Generations and continue the walk towards reconciliation.
Blacktown City is home to one of the largest urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in Australia, with over 11,900 residents identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, making up three percent of the city's population.
On National Sorry Day, Council held a ceremony to acknowledge the truth of the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families, communities, culture and Country under past government laws and policies.
It followed a Reconciliation Walk and gathering at Mount Druitt, where Elders, families, community members, local organisations, Councillors and Council staff walked together. Mayor Brad Bunting, Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic MP and State Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla MP joined the community to show their support.
Mayor Bunting said National Sorry Day was a time to face the truth of the Stolen Generations and honour the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"Today, we remember the Stolen Generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from family, community, culture and Country," Mayor Bunting said.
"We acknowledge the hurt, and we honour the strength of the Stolen Generations, their families and communities."
"After the Reconciliation Walk at Mount Druitt, we are reminded that healing and reconciliation are ongoing. We keep walking, listening, learning and building respect."
The Sorry Day ceremony and Reconciliation Walk were moments for the community to gather, reflect and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Blacktown City community.
Council thanks the Elders, speakers, families, community members, organisations and staff who came together to remember, listen and walk in respect.
