The annual Sorry Day Breakfast, hosted by Link-Up (Qld), took place on Friday 24th May 2024, at Orleigh Park, West End (Brisbane). The event was a great success, with over 280 people in attendance.

This commemorative event acknowledged the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and reflected on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.

Event Highlights:

• • Welcome to Country by Shannon Ruska
  • Musical Performances by Rochelle Pitt, the Deaf Indigenous Dance Group and the Songshine Choir
  • Keynote address by Ross Andrews
  • Wreath-laying and cake-cutting
  • Hot breakfast for all to enjoy!

West End’s Orleigh Park was once the location of the Aboriginal Girls Home ‘Cranbrook House,’ which served as a depot for Aboriginal girls being sent into domestic work. We gather here to remember the lives of those who lived in the home and to honour their descendants, many of whom join us annually. Dr. Valerie Coombs, a descendant of former residents, shared poignant memories in a past speech:

“The sadness of my Grandmothers’ story permeated throughout my life, from my aunties and my mother. I wanted to know how and why this happened. We knew she was looking for her daughter Mable and that she had her earnings stolen by the Protector,” she recounted.

“Typically, as Aboriginal People we build resilience even as a Colonised People. This is how we have survived, the Spirit of Aboriginality. This is not to say we haven’t suffered and we continue to do so, our Matriarchs have kept us going,”

This event was proudly supported by Micah Projects, the Healing Foundation, Brisbane City Council, the Queensland Government, the Australian Government’s National Indigenous Australians Agency, Triple A Media, and the National Indigenous Radio Service.

Thank you to everyone who attended this important event.