Reflecting on Sorry Day & National Reconciliation Week 2025

Pushing Forward as Past Lessons Guide Us

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for us to all reflect upon our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. It also acts as a reminder to continue to contribute to achieving reconciliation throughout the nation. Additionally, NRW commemorates the 1967 Referendum and the Mabo decision, both being key milestones in the reconciliation journey. 

We’re committed to continuing to demonstrate our genuine commitment to reconciliation, as well as building a shared understanding and culture of respect and reflection. This is why it is vital to share our involvement in everything from these significant dates to the important work happening every day behind the scenes to foster accountability and play our part.

Sorry Day

Sorry Day, a much-needed time in which we acknowledge the strength of the Stolen Generations Survivors and how we can continue to contribute to the nation’s healing journey.  

Pamela Thorley, Manager of Boordiya Bidi, noted in her Sorry Day reflection that this year’s theme was ‘We cannot wait another generation’. 

“This year marks 27 years of National Sorry Days, and this year reflects the urgency for recognition, respect and compensation to members of our Stolen Generation. They may be resilient, but many are frail,” Pamela Thorley said.  

A number of staff members across MercyCare attended the Sorry Day Gathering at the Moort-Ak Waadiny (Wellington Square) Stolen Generations Memorial on Monday 26 May, 2025. One of whom was Penny Street, Mission & Ethos Spiritual Care Coordinator, who kindly provided a thoughtful recount of her Sorry Day experience:  

“Today brought me to tears. Cousins, united in purpose, standing together in Spiritual Care for our Elders. We began the day leading a Sorry Day service at our Aged Care Centre – holding space for truth, remembrance, and healing with our older generation. Then we joined the community at Wellington Square, standing among survivors, families, and leaders at the Stolen Generations Memorial. A sacred day of deep sorrow, strength, and shared commitment to truth-telling and reconciliation. May we continue to walk gently, listen deeply, and honour every story. Always was. Always will be.” 

Throughout several sites, employees also took part in a Sorry Day Flower Garden Activity in which they were encouraged to colour in, decorate or write a message on a purple flower about what the day means to them, also known as the Native Hibiscus, commonly associated with National Sorry Day.

This specific flower was chosen due to symbolising healing, resilience, and remembrance of the Stolen Generations. These purple flowers were then displayed on windows, message boards, and prominent areas across our offices, early learning and aged care centres.  

National Reconciliation Week Stream & Morning Tea

This year, our CEO, Anthony Smith, and members of the Executive Leadership Team attended the Reconciliation WA NRW Reconciliation Breakfast, Walyalup (Fremantle), where Aboriginal-led initiatives were explored and WA Premier Rodger Cook announced a redress scheme for the state’s Stolen Generation that took centre stage.

The event was also live-streamed at our Ord Street office, where staff enjoyed a morning tea as they listened to keynote conversations by Patrick Dodson (Father of Reconciliation) and next-generation leader, Tremane Baxter-Edwards, on the ongoing work of reconciliation.

The NRW Breakfast included a selection of live and pre-recorded elements from across WA, as well as voices that reflected the strength and wisdom to carry the reconciliation movement forward.  

Vicky Gonzalez Burrows, Executive Director of Mission & Ethos, noted how this year’s theme of Bridging Now to Next calls us as individuals and as a collective to act with a strong vision, to envisage a reconciled future that we can take everyday steps to achieve.

“We know that the reconciliation journey is not linear, that it has had setbacks, and requires us to engage in courageous conversations with open, compassionate hearts and minds. This also coincides with our mission of engaging our head, heart, and hands,” Vicky said.  

Vicky also reflected upon how grateful she is for the opportunities we have at MercyCare to learn from the Boordiya Bidi Team, our clients, and our participation in reconciliation activities.  

“In our diverse nation, we are stronger together, but stronger when we ground ourselves in the truths of our past, recognise the impacts and celebrate the gifts of today.” 

Kaatijin Wangkiny (Talking Knowledge) Quiz Session 

On Tuesday 3 June, MercyCare acknowledged this important date of Significance, Mabo Day, by joining together and taking part in a National Reconciliation Quiz Session hosted by the Boordiya Bidi Team at our Ord Street Head Office.  

This was an opportunity for Non-Aboriginal staff to expand their Knowledge (Kaatijin) and understanding of MercyCare’s reconciliation journey and Aboriginal Peoples of Australia.

Discover More

Learn more about how MercyCare is walking the Pathway of Reconciliation — embracing truth, justice, and cultural respect to support Aboriginal wellbeing and a thriving Australia by visiting this page.

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