Sorry Day 2011 – Volunteers Needed!

The Bringing Them Home Committee (WA) was established over ten years ago following the release of a report in 1997 into the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families. This was known as the Bringing Them Home Report. One of the recommendations in that report was the establishment of a national `Sorry Day’ to be celebrated each year to commemorate the history of forcible removals and its effects. This is now commemorated each year on 26th May, the anniversary of the day in 1997 when the report was tabled in the Federal Parliament.

In Perth, the major event for Sorry Day is organised by the Bringing Them Home Committee and takes place at Wellington Square in East Perth on the 26th May each year.

The day commences at 10am with a range of activities for approximately one thousand schoolchildren. The formal proceedings commence at 12 noon and run through until 2pm. This includes a Welcome to Country by Noongar Elders, singing and dancing by Aboriginal performers, a Smoking Ceremony and a Guest Speaker who brings a personal perspective to the meanng of Sorry Day. We also provide a sausage sizzle for attendees at the event.

Not surprisingly, the logistics of organising this event are substantial and rely on the voluntary efforts of our Committee and supporters. We would be delighted if you could join us on this important day of reconciliation and ease the workload for the Committee. We need people to help with everything from setting up chairs and marquees; setting up the barbecues and cooking the sausages; helping with school activities; coordinating the carparking on the reserve and then the inevitable clean up. You will be pleased to know that we will be holding a modest after party at a venue near to Wellington Square later in the afternoon on 26th May, as a small thank you to our volunteers and helpers!

If you have some spare time on Thursday, 26th May please email our Event Coordinator, Yvonne Sargeant: bthcwa@gmail.com or ring her on 0424 193 465.