Truth must lead the way from Sorry to Action
On National Sorry Day 2026, Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is calling on governments to support the Healing Foundation’s From Sorry to Action: A plan to act on Bringing them home 2026–2028, and to recognise truth-telling, healing and accountability as essential to justice for Stolen Generations survivors, their families and descendants.
This year’s theme, From Sorry to Action, is a timely reminder that apology must be matched by practical action. The forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, cultures, communities and Country caused profound harm, but it did not diminish the strength, resilience and cultural continuity of our peoples.
Gayaa Dhuwi Chair, Professor Helen Milroy AM, said truth-telling is central to healing and to building a better future.
“Truth telling is not about staying in the past. It is about being honest enough to create a different future,” Professor Milroy said.
“The forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children was enabled by policies that sought to sever our connections to family, culture, identity and Country. We must be prepared to tell the truth about the intent behind those policies and the devastating harm they caused.
“Our cultures, kinship systems, languages, knowledge and connection to Country have survived. The strength of Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants must now be met with healing, recognition, justice and action.”
The 1997 Bringing Them Home Report set out a clear pathway for repair. Almost 30 years later, The Healing Foundation’s new Action Plan confirms that much of that work remains unfinished and provides governments with a practical, survivor-led roadmap for action across health, social and emotional wellbeing, ageing, records, redress, education, research, sector support, workforce development, governance and accountability.
Gayaa Dhuwi CEO, Rachel Fishlock, said the continued failure to fully implement the Bringing Them Home recommendations shows why stronger accountability and coordinated action are urgently needed.
“When survivors have shared their truths, when the evidence has been clear for decades, and when The Healing Foundation has now set out a practical Action Plan, governments have a responsibility to respond with urgency,” Ms Fishlock said.
“The unfinished business of the Bringing Them Home Report shows why truth-telling must be matched by accountability. Survivors, their families and descendants should not still be waiting for the healing, recognition and support that was called for almost 30 years ago.
“Gayaa Dhuwi supports The Healing Foundation’s Action Plan as a practical, survivor-led pathway for governments to move from apology to action.”
Gayaa Dhuwi calls on all governments to work with Stolen Generations survivors, descendants and organisations to implement the Action Plan’s priorities, including sustained investment in survivor-led healing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled services, and culturally grounded social and emotional wellbeing supports.
ENDS
Gayaa Dhuwi reminds the public and media outlets of the importance of responsible and culturally respectful reporting when it comes to issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This includes adhering to the Good Yarn Guidelines and ensuring that crisis support services are promoted effectively.
24/7 crisis helpline services available to the community include:
13 YARN (139276) – a dedicated support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799) – providing support for men
Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – for young people in need of support
For further information, and resources, or to access support services, please visit www.gayaadhuwi.org.au
About Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention. As a community-controlled organisation, it is governed and controlled by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and peak bodies, working to promote collective excellence in mental healthcare.
Media Contacts:
Ben Signor
0448 627 820
communications@gayaadhuwi.org.au
www.gayaadhuwi.org.au