Hundreds attend Sorry Day Bridge Walk at Batemans Bay
By John Longhurst
A crowd in the multiple hundreds gathered on the northern banks of the Bhundoo (Clyde River) last Monday morning for the 2025 Sorry Day Bridge Walk.
26 May 2025 marks the 28th anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing them home report in the Australian Parliament in 1997 and commemorates Stolen Generations survivors.
The Bringing them home inquiry was a landmark truth-telling process, bringing to light the extent of Australia’s Stolen Generations history, and sharing this with the nation.
In 1997, the report made a series of recommendations to go some way in righting these past wrongs, yet almost 30 years on many crucial actions have not been taken.
A Healing Foundation report released earlier this year, ‘Are you waiting for us to die? The unfinished business of Bringing them home’ found only 6% of the Bringing them home report recommendations have been clearly implemented .
A generation on, Australia has already lost many Stolen Generations survivors. Those who are left are ageing.
The urgency of acting now, to support elderly survivors in their last years and decades, cannot be overstated*.
Hence, the theme for Sorry day 2025 is ‘Bridging Now to Next’.
Following the bridge walk, Aunty Meryl Crole gave a heartfelt ‘Welcome to Country’ before Michael Withers and his team led a range of cultural activities.
Aboriginal Education Officer, Sam Ellis gave a ‘Message of Reconciliation’ and Eurobodalla Mayor, Matt Hatcher was invited to say a few words.
The cutting of the Reconciliation Cake was conducted by the Elders.
Seth Merritt from the Wiradjuri Nation and Ray Smith from the Kameloroi Nation are members of the Eurobodalla Sorry Day Organising Committee.
Ray said “It is the seventh time we have organised such a day. It has been weekly meetings for the past three months with much liaising with businesses, sponsors, schools, government and non government organisations. We are most thankful for all the support.”
Seth said “The day was all about bridging the gap between young and old. It serves as a call out to ensure the Elders are not forgotten.”
Young people were front and centre in the day’s proceedings, following the implementation of the program ‘My Voice, My Journey’ in the Shire.
Based on Yuin country in Eurobodalla, ‘My Voice, My Journey’ is a testament to the strength and resilience of community and the dedication to the next generation. With deep roots in the community, this team of First Nations mentors and staff bring a wealth of cultural knowledge and lived experience to the program.
It fosters meaningful connections that extend beyond the boundaries of the program and empowers the next generation of First Nations leaders in building a brighter future for all.**
Eurobodalla Mayor, Matt Hatcher was effusive about the day.
Matt said “It is always a fantastic day bringing the community together around true reconciliation. it starts with honesty and requires genuineness. Walking together with our Elders, in our actions and within our community.”
