A number of staff from the LESNW office were privileged to attend the 11th Anniversary Apology Breakfast this week – along with 1800 other people who gathered in support of the Stolen Generations.
The event is always sobering and often moving as ‘story’ emerges. This year uncle Jack Charles, well known through Australian media as an actor, musician and social commentator, was the special guest. A member of the Stolen Generation himself and caught up in a cycle of success and struggles with addiction for much of his life, Uncle Jack’s message was one of heroic survival, hope and ‘looking forward. At 75 years of age his passion and energy for his work amongst the young and imprisoned was evident – and inspiring.
An encouraging aspect of the morning is the number of schools who make opportunity for students to attend – including representation by some Lutheran schools. There is no doubt that this will be a positive influence for greater understanding, empathy and action for the ‘generation of leaders to come’ and we would encourage all schools to consider the possibility of attending.
