A reflection from our Co-Founder and Chairperson, Nina Iouguina, on National Sorry Day.
“Today is National Sorry Day.
As Chairperson of a nonprofit, multicultural, community-driven organisation, I believe that belonging to Australia also means being willing to listen to its truth.
Today, we remember the Survivors of the Stolen Generations, their families, and their descendants.
Earlier this month, through the Governor’s Leadership Foundation, I had the opportunity to visit Hutt St Centre and hear from Melanie Tate, FGLF , Founder and CEO of Puddle Jumpers Incorporated- a South Australian charity supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.
What stayed with me most was not only the compassion of this work, but the uncomfortable question behind it: what happens when families need support before crisis becomes separation?
National Sorry Day reminds us of a painful history. But it also asks us to look honestly at the present. If children are still being removed from families because the right support is missing at the right time, then there is still a step missing.
Reconciliation must include remembrance. But it must also include practical care: stronger family support, better resourcing for frontline workers, culturally safe services, and real investment in organisations helping women, children and families stay safe, stable and connected.
Today, I am thinking not only about sorrow, but about responsibility.
May we listen, learn, and support the people and organisations doing the difficult work of healing- one family, one child, and one community at a time.”
It’s a really important day to acknowledge this history. Listening to those stories and understanding the impact is crucial for moving forward.