Today is National Sorry Day (26 May).
Each year, National Sorry Day is a time to stop and acknowledge the grief, trauma and loss suffered by the Stolen Generations.
On behalf of all staff at the Women’s, our CEO Sue Matthews apologises for the role our hospital played in separating First Nations babies from their parents and communities.
You can watch Dr Matthews public apology in the video below. Or scroll down further to read her words.
We are grateful that Aunty Gina Bundle (Coordinator of our Badjurr-Bulok Wilam centre) also agreed to be part of the video.
Thank you to Aunty Gina for sharing with us what National Sorry Day means to her, her family and her community.
Reconciliation
The Women’s is working to strengthen relationships - and build trust with - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
During National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June), we will be launching our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024.
You can find out more about our commitments on our Reconciliation Action Plan webpage.
Public apology by Dr Sue Matthews
Please find below Dr Sue Matthews apology:
On behalf of the Royal Women’s Hospital, I acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people, the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which our hospital stands.
I pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.
Each year, National Sorry Day is a time to stop and acknowledge the grief, trauma and loss suffered by the Stolen Generations.
Today, and every day, I am sorry for the role this hospital played in separating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies from their families.
I am sorry for the continued trauma, loss and grief that we've caused the Stolen Generations, their descendants and the families left behind.
We seek to continue to listen, learn and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
We are grateful for the generosity of spirit of those willing to guide and join us on our reconciliation journey.