Communities ‘All In’ for Reconciliation and Sorry Day events
National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week are being observed this week with ceremonies, storytelling, cultural performances and educational events throughout the region.
National Sorry Day, observed annually on 26 May, recognises the Stolen Generations — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families under past government policies. The day highlights the continuing importance of healing and reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme ‘All In’ calls on Australians to strengthen relationships and respect and trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The week runs from 27 May to 3 June and is coordinated nationally by Reconciliation Australia.
Shepparton events commenced on Tuesday with a Sorry Day ceremony at Monash Park, inviting all to pause and acknowledge the Stolen Generations and the impacts of policies that caused pain and suffering to individuals, families and communities over so many generations.
National Sorry Day (26 May) was first held in 1998 following the landmark Bringing Them Home report into the forced removal of Indigenous children. Since then, annual commemorations have become an important part of Australia’s Reconciliation journey.
In the Campaspe region the annual Community Reconciliation Walk 2026 will take place this Friday 29 May in Echuca. Led by local youth and delivered with Njernda Aboriginal Corporation, Echuca College, Victoria Police and Council, the ‘All In’ theme invites everyone to listen, learn and take action.
The day will commence with a 10:00 am Smoking Ceremony at Alton Reserve and continues to the Aquatic Reserve for cultural performances and local entertainment.
Other events through the week include an exhibition of Aboriginal art and craft running at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre (MEAC) until June 5 and an Indigenous Film Festival which launched on Wednesday at the Bendigo Library with a Smoking Ceremony and film screenings. The program continues through to 3 June and features a range of First Nations films, documentaries and videos starring and telling stories about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from Central Victoria and across Australia.
Reconciliation Week events are not only about acknowledging past injustices, but also about building stronger relationships for the future. Advocates encourage all Australians to listen, learn and participate in conversations that support equality and mutual respect.
