A little bit of rain didn’t stop Kiama from holding its annual Sorry Day ceremonies, as residents and students from the area filled the Kiama Pavilion on Friday morning to take part in the proceedings.

National Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the introduction of the Bringing Them Home report, a landmark document detailing the treatment of the Stolen Generation of First Nation children who were forcibly taken from their homes.

While this year is the 26th Sorry Day in Australia’s history, it wasn’t until 2007 that the Australian government recognised the occasion in any official capacity.

Kiama Councillor Stuart Larkin and Aunty Gwenda Jarrett

Kiama Council’s ceremonies were presided over by Stuart Larkin, our first councillor of First Nations, and included a welcome to country address, performance by the Djaadjawan Dancers and smoking ceremony by Aunty Gwenda Jarrett and husband Stan Jarrett.

Aunty Gwenda Jarrett, who is a native title lead for the south coast of New South Wales, as well as one of the traditional owners of the land, explained the significance of Sorry Day for First Nations people: “Sorry Day for us is a significant symbolic event that happens around the country".

"It’s very special for us, and very sad for others because as you know, all the trauma and tragedy and all those people that were taken, some of them still haven’t found their families today.

“Through the stolen generation when our little babies were taken because our mums were breastfeeding or children had dark skin or grew up playing in their natural environment, that was a no-no. But not today, we’re strong people. Unfortunately, it still happens today.”

Stan Jarrett preparing for the smoke ceremony. Smoke is created using gum leaves and bark from Gerringong, as well as Sandalwood and Eucalyptus

This years’ theme is: “Be a Voice for many Generations,” encouraging everyone to be a voice for reconciliation.

The theme has taken a whole new meaning this year, however, as the upcoming referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament was on the minds of those in attendance.

During her presentation, Aunty Gwenda Jarrett said while she had initially rejected the Voice, the community had recently changed their mind.

“The Voice for us, if it’s wrong we can work towards fixing it. If we don’t get a chance to get recognised in this country, when will we get the chance? So for me and my family, we’ve worked heavily and been involved with ministers like Aunty Linda Burney and consultation rounds with the voice, so we changed our minds. We are now supporting the voice.”

Aunty Gwenda Jarrett and Stan Jarrett