26/05/2026
Today is National Sorry Day.
This day marks the 29th anniversary of the Bringing Them Home Report.
National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
We acknowledge the strength of the survivors.
Today, our team participated in internal Culturally Safe Service Delivery training. During this training, the team learnt about the history of Connie and Alfred Bush; two children removed from their families and sent to the Roper River Mission before the Emerald River Mission. Following their time at the mission, they were required to seek government approval to marry.
As much loved and well respected members of the Darwin community, they went on to raise 10 children.
Connie often shared stories of her time at the mission, making clothes from flour and sugar bags and assisting in health and welfare work as she grew older.
Connie was fondly known as “Aunty Connie” to many within the Darwin community, remembered for her compassion, strength and advocacy for Aboriginal families.
Their story is one shared by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and serves as an important reminder to acknowledge the mistreatment endured by, and the strength and survival of, those impacted by the Stolen Generations.
