First Nations Elders, young people, community members and local services are invited to gather at the Sorry Rock on Tuesday, 26May 2026 to commemorate National Sorry Day.
Council's First Nations Community Development Officer Teneille McDonald is encouraging the wider community to reflect on the significance of this national date.
"It's been 29 years since the first National Sorry Day was held, marking the anniversary of the 1997 Bringing Them Home report being tabled in Federal Parliament, which was a national inquiry into the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families," Ms McDonald said.
"The commemorative ceremony will take place at 10am on Tuesday 26 May at the Sorry Rock, Wollundry Lagoon, near the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre (off Burns Way) on Wiradjuri/Wiradyuri Country."
The Sorry Day Rock was unveiled in 2018 to honour the Stolen Generations, including children sent to institutions such as the Cootamundra Girls Home and Kinchela Boys Home, where they were trained in domestic and farm labour.
"As guided by local Elders, this year's event will again feature our young people, with children and youth from our local schools presenting poems, songs, and sharing cultural dances," Ms McDonald said.
Light refreshments will be served after the official proceedings. No bookings are required.
National Sorry Day is followed by National Reconciliation Week 2026, running from Wednesday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June.
"It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how we can contribute to reconciliation."
Council will host two Reconciliation Film Club evenings as part of the program.
The Historic Council Chambers, Coat of Arms in the Civic Centre Forecourt and trees in Fitzmaurice Street will be illuminated in purple throughout National Reconciliation Week.
