Wagga Wagga to commemorate 2016 National Apology Day

Published: 29 May 2018 4:41pm

Wagga Wagga to commemorate 2016 National Apology Day - 11 February 2016

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A traditional smoking ceremony will mark the official unveiling of the Marrambidya Wetland Healing Place on the 8th anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generation.

The Healing Place has been constructed in consultation with the local Wiradjuri community and features native plants, a seating area and totem pole with hand carvings, representing a long journey and featuring a goanna – the Wiradjuri totem.

The totem pole was created by Wiradjuri Elders and has been donated to the site by the artists and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute.

Aboriginal Youth and Community Development Officer Ashleigh Pengelly says Apology Day is a chance for reflection and healing for all.

“It is important to commemorate the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous people as it marked an important step in the right direction by our government towards healing for many people, including local community members, who had been personally affected by the policies that resulted in the Stolen Generation,” Ms Pengelly said.

The 2016 National Apology Day ceremony to be held tomorrow, Friday 12 February, will also feature a Welcome to Country and speeches by Deputy Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Dallas Tout and Wagga Wagga Citizen of the Year Joe Williams.

The Federal Government Apology also represented the completion of one of five of the key measures of reparation recommended in the 1997 Bringing Them Home Report.

For site maps and more information, visit www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/apologyday.

The Marrambidya Wetland project continues to progress, with bulky earthworks and outdoor learning area now complete. Stage 2 of the Green Army programme will start in March 2016, and will complete plantings at the site, along with the installation of seating, bird hides and signage. An official opening of the wetland will be in early June 2016.

Media opportunity2016 National Apology Day
What: Unveiling of the Marrambidya Wetland Healing Place to mark the 8th anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations.
Where: Marrambidya Wetland, Narrung Street
When: Friday12 February 2016, ceremony begins at 11am.