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Geelong Deanery |
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Quotes from the National Sorry Day Ceremonies, Geelong‘It is a great privilege to be involved in this most significant celebration this evening in what is Geelong’s contribution to the observance of National Sorry Day. I speak on behalf of the Catholic community in Geelong, as well as on my own behalf, to express deep sorrow at the great wrong inflicted on the families and children of what we now call the Stolen Generation… ‘A great wrong and injustice was inflicted on the Stolen Generation and now that we have come to be aware of it, should we not say to them how sorry we are that they suffered this pain and injustice. ‘After all, do we not say to someone who has just suffered the loss of a loved one, or who has suffered a serious illness, how sorry we are for the pain and suffering they are going through. It is a normal human response. ‘So I want to say publicly how deeply sorry I am for all the suffering and injustice our Aboriginal brothers and sister have suffered in this way.’ Monsignor James Murray, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Geelong
‘Tonight we need to say sorry. Sir Ronald Wilson, chairman of the Stolen Children Enquiry, has said, "Apology means understanding, a willingness to enter into the suffering. It implies a commitment to do more." ‘We recognise: ‘We can only begin to understand what it must be like for those of you who have not found your families.’ Clare Kinnane, Geelong One Fire Reconciliation Group
‘I speak to you this evening on behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia. However, there has been remarkable unanimity across all denominations on the issue of Aboriginal human and common law rights and the churches have refused to be quiet. Individual congregations and parishes have sought to embrace the spirit of reconciliation and have been at the forefront in expressing sorrow for past injustices… ‘Surely its time for a new approach, a new order, the adoption of a time-honoured Australian tradition – a good sit down, sharing a drink, an honest discussion and the courage to say sorry… ‘There is another side to "bringing them home", a light that burns in the darkness. A way forward along the path of reconciliation. Reparation, yes… but more importantly, a desire for mutual respect, equality of opportunity, re-establishment of a birthright and a hand held out in friendship.’ Barry Abley, Chairperson, Uniting Church in Australia Presbytery of Barwon
‘On behalf of the Council of the City of Greater Geelong, I wish to express our deep and sincere regret at the hurt and distress caused by policies which forcibly removed Aboriginal children from their families and homes. We recognise that a great injustice was inflicted on Aboriginal people in the name of assimilation and integration. The removal of indigenous children from their families has had far reaching consequences, depriving many of contact with their people, country, language and culture. This hurt cannot be redressed. We are meeting here today to remember and commemorate the pain and suffering experienced by the Aboriginal community. This day is dedicated to the memory of loved ones who never came home and to those who are still finding their way… ‘On behalf of the Council of the City of Greater Geelong, we wish to reaffirm our support for reconciliation between all Australians and commit to a future in which we call all fulfil our potential ‘walking together’. Councillor Jarvis, Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong |
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