Join us from Thursday 23 May to Friday 31 May 2024, as we come together to commemorate National Sorry Day (26 May) and Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), with events happening at all campuses.
What is National Sorry Day?
National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation.
What is Reconciliation Week?
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year, commemorating two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.
Reconciliation is everyone’s business and National Reconciliation Week is celebrated in all walks of Australian life. The theme for 2024 is Now More Than Ever, a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will and must continue. Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation.
What’s happening at your campus?
Albury Wodonga campus (Dhudhuroa / WayWurru)
| Event | When | Where |
| National Sorry Day Morning Gathering Students are invited to join with staff and come together for a morning gathering to commemorate National Sorry Day, with a performance by Bandiana Primary Schools Indigenous Dance Group (Koorie), a Welcome to Country and morning tea. | 10.30 am – 11.30 am, Wednesday 29 May 2024 | AW6 |
Bendigo campus (Dja Dja Wurrung)
| Event | When | Where |
| National Sorry Day Sunset Ceremony Come reflect on National Sorry Day with our annual Sunset Ceremony. Join fellow students, staff and local community as we acknowledge this important day, recognising our past, alongside the strength of Indigenous culture and resilience in the face of colonisation and its continuing impact. Featuring a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, cultural performances, refreshments, and speeches. Dress for cold weather. | 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm, Mon 27 May 2024 | Ironbark Centre |
City campus (Wurundjeri / Boonerwrung)
| Event | When | Where |
| National Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week Commemoration Gathering Students and staff are invited to come together on Level 3 for a special commemorative event. Explore Aboriginal culture, learn about National Sorry Day and our shared history and engage with the City community. Refreshments served. | 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, Thu 30 May 2024 | Level 3 |
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus (Wurundjeri)
Mildura (Latji Latji / Barkindji)
| Event | When | Where |
| National Sorry Day Community Meal Join La Trobe University & SuniTAFE First Nation Cultural Centre as we come together and share a community meal. Attendees are encouraged to talk, share stories, and reflect on our shared history and The Stolen Generations. | 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm, Thu 23 May | Student Lawn |
Shepparton (Yorta Yorta / Bangerang)
| Event | When | Where |
| National Sorry Day Ceremony at Monash Park, followed by lunch Join the La Trobe Community as we attend the Shepparton Reconciliation Group’s National Sorry Day Ceremony at Monash Park. Afterwards, we’ll come together for a shared meal at Belcibo and Co. | 10.00am – 1.00pm, Mon 27 May 2024 | Monash Park |
| Now More Than Ever Exhibition Explore a Reconciliation Week Installation of native plants and Indigenous artwork, centered around the message “Now More Than Ever”. Consider the role you play in reconciliation and how La Trobe can make a difference in the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. | Mon 27 May – Fri 31 May 2024 | Student Foyer |