National Sorry Day
From 10am on Tuesday 26 May 2026
Dharug Circle, Parramatta Square
Join us for a day of acknowledgement and reflection as we gather to honour the Stolen Generations.
Each year on 26 May, Sorry Day commemorates the Stolen Generations survivors and marks the anniversary of the 1997 tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in Parliament.
Observe National Sorry Day by learning the stories of the Stolen Generation and reflecting on the importance of acknowledging historical trauma. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and civic leaders will honour the significance of National Sorry Day at a gathering with a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony, traditional dance and words from local Community Knowledge Holders.
Parramatta, being a city with a rich Aboriginal history and culture, is an important location for observing this significant day.
Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
Schedule
- 10am – 11am: Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony and speeches from Community Knowledge Holders.
- 11am – 1pm: Workshops - weaving, art and dance.
Join one of our special workshops – participation is free and everyone is welcome.
Workshops
11am - 1pm: Art Workshop
11am - 1pm: Art Workshop
Join Jessica Tobin for a free workshop exploring First Nations art.
Jessica is a Dharug artist, born in the Blue Mountains with ongoing connection to her traditional Country. She is a descendent of the Boorooberongal and Wumali clans of the Dharug, the traditional custodians of the Greater Western Sydney region. She is currently an Artist Educator at the Museum of Contemporary Art and works as a freelance artist and designer.
11am - 1pm: Weaving Workshop
11am - 1pm: Weaving Workshop
Drop in to this free, all‑ages, hands‑on weaving workshop. Explore traditional weaving techniques and learn about the cultural significance of weaving as a practice of storytelling, connection and community.
11.30am - 12.30pm: Dance Workshop
11.30am - 12.30pm: Dance Workshop
Join Jannawi Dance Clan, a First Nations dance company who encompass modern urban and traditional Aboriginal dance styles with traditional music.
Artistic Director, Peta Strachan is a proud descendant of the Dharug people, of the Boorooberongal clan of NSW. Peta is a professional dancer choreographer, teacher and costume maker with over 31 year’s experience in the industry.
Burramatta NAIDOC: 11 July 2026
Join us for a free event in Parramatta Park. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the traditions and contemporary culture of Parramatta’s local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
FAQs
National Sorry Day is a day of acknowledgement and reflection that recognises the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, now known as the Stolen Generations. It is a time to reflect and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of this history.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and civic leaders will honour the significance of National Sorry Day at a gathering with Smoking and Welcome Ceremonies, workshops and performances.
This event is free and open to everyone to attend.
The event will be held at the Dharug Circle, Parramatta Square on Tuesday, 26 May from 10am-1pm.
Yes, a sausage sizzle will be available for purchase during the event and drinking water stations located around Parramatta Square.
The event will go ahead in light rain. If dangerous weather conditions develop, the event may be cancelled for everyone’s safety, or an alternate indoor event option may be provided. For the latest updates, please check our AT Parramatta Instagram and Facebook pages.
Yes, Parramatta Square is accessible for wheelchairs and prams.
Yes, public toilets are available at PHIVE, located nearby.
The closest free parking option is Westfield Parramatta, which offers up to 3 hours of free parking.
We also encourage attendees to consider public transport, with Parramatta Station just a short walk away.
Warami is Parramatta’s season of First Nations events bringing people together to honour, connect and learn on Dharug Country.
Warami is a Dharug word meaning ‘good to see you’. Parramatta is named after the traditional owners, the Burramattagal of the Dharug Nation.
Our 2026 program features two key events: National Sorry Day on Tuesday 26 May, and the Burramatta NAIDOC outdoor festival on Saturday 11 July.
National Sorry Day is part of the broader Warami program, which includes additional First Nations events and activities across the city. Visit the Warami webpage to explore the full program.
Acknowledgement of Country
For over 60,000 years the Parramatta area has been home of the Burramattagal people, a clan of the Dharug, who settled along the upper reaches of the Parramatta River. City of Parramatta respectfully recognises the Traditional Owners of the land and waters of Parramatta, the Dharug people, and pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging. We extend our respect to all First Nations people visiting these sites.
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