Pickwick 1A attended a special breakfast to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the National Apology.
Yesterday marked 12 years since former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the National Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging the impact of past laws and practices as well as the Stolen Generation.
We would like to thank our owner and directors Syl Johns and Carol Malone for inviting us to a special community celebration at Koobara Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Kindergarten & Preschool to commemorate the anniversary.
Joining us at yesterday’s event was partner, Pickwick Group, Koobara community members and representatives from government and other local organisations.
The National Apology was a significant turning point and from it came a resolve to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
Pickwick 1A CEO and Kuku Yalanji man, Gary Oliver, said that today we acknowledge the apology from Kevin Rudd 12 years ago.
“To the Stolen Generation the apology meant that it wasn’t their fault and the mistakes of government were acknowledged. But to say sorry is to never do it again.”
“Over 20,400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are in out of home care. That’s 10.2 times that of other children1.”
“And twice as many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are said to be in care today than at the time of the apology2.”
“‘Let’s truly say sorry and endeavour to never do it again.”
Pickwick 1A is a Supply Nation certified integrated facilities services business that is majority owned, managed and controlled by our nation’s First People. Our aim is to actively support reconciliation through real and positive change on our journey to become an industry leader in Indigenous facilities services, and known and trusted for our commitment to quality, opportunity and inclusion.
Established in 1974, Koobara is a community controlled by a local, all-First-Nations board offering culturally-responsive programs for the personal development of the diverse children of their community and a safe place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are celebrated. Learn more about the ground-breaking educational services Koobara offers.
1 The Family Matters report 2019, Family Matters https://www.familymatters.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/1097_F.M-2019_LR.%C6%92.pdf
2 The annual Report on Government Services, Chapter 16 Child Protection Services, Australian Government Productivity Commission https://www.pc.gov.au/research/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2018/community-services/child-protection/rogs-2018-partf-chapter16.pdf