This event has now concluded. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
Video Recording:
Event Photos:
This free community event was proudly presented by Link-Up (Qld) and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and supported by the Healing Foundation.
Each year, we come together to mark the anniversary of the National Apology – a time to acknowledge the impact of past Government policies and practices on generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity to reflect, honour the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and descendants, and reaffirm our commitment to truth and healing.
This year’s event featured special performances by Jaymon Bob (Ghungalu) and the Murri School Dancers. The event will be hosted by Geoff Richardson PSM (Meriam, Kuku Yalanji/Djabugay), with guest speakers Olga Havnen AM (Western Arrernte) and Commissioner Natalie Lewis (Gamilaraay).
Guest Speakers & Performers
Geoff Richardson PSM | Master of Ceremonies
Geoff is a Meriam man from Murray Island in the Torres Strait, with Kuku Yalanji and Djabugay heritage from North Queensland. He spent 40 years in the Australian Public Service focused entirely on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. His work centred on policy, community engagement, and cultural capability across government. Geoff was appointed Adjunct Associate Professor at The University of Queensland in 2014 and received a Public Service Medal in 2019. Since retiring in 2017, he has led First Nations Development Services, providing cultural education and strategic advice to government, not-for-profits, and business. He also co-leads ANZSOG’s Working with First Nations program, helping public servants implement the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Jaymon Bob | Guest Performer
Jaymon Bob is a talented singer and performer from Rockhampton, Queensland, known for his soulful voice and dynamic stage presence. A proud Ghungalu man, Jaymon blends R&B, reggae, and country influences in his music. He gained national attention as a Top 6 finalist on Australian Idol 2025 and is also an accomplished athlete and bass player.
Olga Havnen AM | Guest Speaker
Olga Havnen AM is a Western Arrernte woman from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory and a respected Aboriginal leader and advocate. She is the former CEO of Danila Dilba Health Service and has held senior roles across government and the community sector, including with the National Indigenous Working Group, Australian Red Cross, the Fred Hollows Foundation and the Northern Territory Government. Her career has given her deep insight into the lasting impacts of colonisation and forced removal on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their families. Olga remains an active leader and advocate and currently serves as Deputy Chairperson of Indigenous Business Australia. She was nominated for Northern Territory Australian of the Year in 2022.
Natalie Lewis | Guest Speaker
Natalie Lewis is a Gamilaraay woman and Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner. In 2024, she established the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Commissioner (OATSICC), embedding cultural authority, self-determination, and child rights into oversight of Queensland’s child protection and youth justice systems. With over 25 years’ experience, Natalie has led major reforms in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and family services, including embedding the Child Placement Principle in legislation. She is a nationally recognised advocate for child rights and has served as CEO of QATSICPP and on key national bodies including SNAICC, the Closing the Gap Joint Council, and the Australian Child Rights Task Force. Through OATSICC, she continues to drive system transformation grounded in cultural authority, human rights, and the voices of children and families.
Murri School Dancers | Guest Performers
The Murri School Dancers are a proud cultural troupe from the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School (The Murri School) in Acacia Ridge, Brisbane. Representing students from Prep to Year 12, the troupe brings together traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander song and dance. Formed as a vital part of the school’s commitment to cultural connection, the dance group fosters pride, identity, and leadership, with older students mentoring younger ones in both cultural knowledge and performance.
What was ‘the Apology’?
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the nation for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations and their descendants. The Apology was a significant step forward towards reconciliation, truth-telling and healing. View the below video about the 2008 National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
This anniversary event is supported by:
