Today’s Sorry Day morning tea brought community together
Published on 26 May 2026
Today’s Sorry Day morning tea held in Council Chambers brought local Aboriginal Elders together with community to have a conversation about the Stolen Generations.
Virginia Jarrett gave a Welcome to Country in Gumbaynggirr language and Aunty Sandra Buchanan and Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee both spoke to attendees.
Mrs Buchanan was raised at Corindi Beach, north of Coffs Harbour, before moving to Bowraville, her mother’s country, when she was eight.
“I had two brothers who were taken from our family to the Kinchela Boys Home in Kempsey and they had a very hard life,” Mrs Buchanan said.
“I myself was taken by the protection board to Sydney when I was just 14.
“People don’t realise it was a very different world back then, it was racist. I am so thankful my grandchildren don’t have to go through it.
“I am grateful for Charlie Perkins and his actions to fight for civil rights for Aboriginal people. It was his freedom rides and other actions through the 1960s which led to Sorry Day today.”
Councillor Lee said the Nambucca Valley community was committed to reconciliation and celebrating Gumbaynggirr culture.
“Today we honour the survivors of Kinchela Boys Home, the members of the Stolen Generation and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to carry strength through hardship,” he said.
“As we reflect today, let us move forward with compassion and commitment – committed to truth, committed to healing and committed to a more united Australia.”
Following National Sorry Day on Tuesday 26 May is Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June 2026. Council would like to thank Jaanymili Bawrrungga Aboriginal Corporation for supporting the delivery of the Sorry Day morning tea, by transporting elders to and from the event.
The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In, a call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. This theme and events like morning teas create reconciliation opportunities.
ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:
Mr Bede Spannagle
GENERAL MANAGER
02 6568 2555
DATE: 26 May 2026