Today is National Sorry Day – a day of reflection, connection, unity, and healing every 26 May. The day then leads into National Reconciliation Week, beginning on 27 May and ending on 3 June.
National Sorry Day
On National Sorry Day, we remember the Aboriginal children taken away from their families, cultures and communities, who we now know as the Stolen Generations. Since 26 May 1998, National Sorry Day has marked a day of mourning, reflection and reconciliation across Australia. The theme for National Sorry Day this year, ‘We cannot wait another generation’, highlights the urgency of acting on priority Bringing them home recommendations on its 28th anniversary.
Today may be difficult for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, friends, families and patients. We reaffirm our commitment to providing a supportive, respectful and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week is a time for us all to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The start and end dates for the week are the same every year, commemorating 2 significant milestones in the reconciliation journey — the successful 1967 referendum on 27 May, and the High Court Mabo decision on 3 June.
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. This theme calls on all Australians to step forward together, look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Play a part in reconciliation
If you’d like to learn more about or support reconciliation in Australia check out the following resources and activities.
Have a yarn with our Aboriginal Health and Engagement team during their drop-in information sessions at their Clayton office (Level 2, Monash Medical Centre).
- 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesday 27 May
- 11 am to 1 pm on Thursday 29 May
- 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesday 3 June
Come to the Get Your Reconciliation On! free event by First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing in partnership with Monash Health, to celebrate the strengths and diversity of First Nations people and cultures with family-friendly fun for mob and allies.
- Where: Frankston Waterfront Reserve, Pier Promenade, Frankston
- When: Saturday 31 May 2025 at 10 am to 3 pm
- What: Run, walk or roll in the all-abilities Fun Run followed by music, entertainment, food trucks and market stalls.
- Register your attendance now
Check out the free City of Casey National Reconciliation Week event at Bunjil Place Plaza, Narre Warren on Thursday 29 May from 4 pm. Please note that you may need to book ahead for some activities at the event.
Visit the Reconciliation Australia website to learn about National Reconciliation Week the theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’ and translated resources).
Consider refreshing your Acknowledgement of Country with a personal or tailored touch for the week.
Support is available to you
Contact the Aboriginal Health and Engagement team if you, your Aboriginal patients or colleagues need support or referrals.
- Email aboriginalhealth@monashhealth.org for referrals or general enquiries
- Contact an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO) for your campus or site for referrals, available 8 am to 4:30 pm, 7 days a week.