"Today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history. We reflect on their past mistreatment. We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations—this blemished chapter in our nation’s history. The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future."
"We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country. For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry. To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry. And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry."
It has been six years since former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd issued the landmark apology speech to the victims of the Stolen Generations. The whole country was watching as Rudd offered the apology from Parliament House, on behalf of Parliament, and on behalf of the nation. It was a monumental occasion, signifying a shift toward fostering a nation built on the premise of solidarity and harmony.
To reminisce on the impact of this milestone occasion in Australia’s history, over 80 events throughout the country were staged during the week of the anniversary. These events not only celebrated the six years since the landmark apology, but also commemorated the strength and resilience of the Stolen Generations and their communities. One of Melbourne’s key events was the Apology Concert; a free show held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, on the traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. Presented by the Healing Foundation and hosted by acclaimed Australian actors Eddie Perfect and Miranda Tapsell, the concert featured prominent Indigenous artists Uncle Archie Roach, Kutcha Edwards, Blue King Brown, Jimblah, Thelma Plum, Christine Anu and Frank Yamma performing alongside non- Indigenous artists Tim Rogers, Clare Bowditch and Horrorshow.
According to Richard Weston, chief executive officer of the Healing Foundation, the Apology Concert was two-fold in its intent; using music as a medium to bridge the gap within communities, while educating audience members about the impact the Stolen Generation had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“The concert is about raising awareness of the experiences of Stolen Generations,” he said. “I think most Australians would’ve heard of the Stolen Generations, but to go deeper into people’s stories and their experiences is really an eye opener, and I don’t think as a nation we’ve yet come to grips with the full scope of those stories, or how it’s affected the lives of people involved, or what it’s meant for subsequent generations.”
“There’s something in this concert for everyone,” he continued, “and that’s what we wanted to create… an event that reaches the broader cross section of the whole community. If we can do that while making people think for a little bit about what the apology has meant for Stolen Generations then we have achieved something.”
For Indigenous actress and MC of the Apology Concert Miranda Tapsell, best known for her role in hit Australian film The Sapphires and television series Redfern Now, the Apology Concert marked a moment where she could reflect on her family circumstances, while taking part in an event where members of the wider community could unite and celebrate.
“The Apology Concert is important for me because my Great Grandmother was taken away from her family,” she said, “and while that didn’t instantly affect me, I can see how hard my Grandmother and Mother had to work to give me the life they wanted me to have, because they didn’t get the same opportunities as a result of what happened.”
“To me, the Apology Concert is a way of empowering all of us, and being able to overcome past hurts together,” she smiled. “It’s about sharing the conversation, because if we don’t share these kind of stories, people won’t know how to approach the problem or talk to someone about it.”
Tapsell was accurate in her vision. On Thursday 13 February, mountains of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people gathered at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl to participate in the occasion. After an official Welcome To Country speech complete with traditional Indigenous dances, Kutcha Edwards took to the stage and delivered a short, yet emotionally charged set. Tears flowed from the incredible performer as his voice soared throughout the Bowl, surrounded by members of his family, who held photographs of Aboriginal elders and victims of the Stolen Generation. His poignant set opened the doors for what was set to be an incredibly moving and memorable concert.
Interspersed between sets from Thelma Plum, Jimblah and Horrorshow, Uncle Archie Roach, and Blue King Brown alongside Tim Rogers, Clare Bowditch, Christine Anu, Benny Walker and Frank Yamma, messages of love, healing, strength and harmony were projected onto the large screen on stage. Children and families danced at the front of stage, soaking in the atmosphere of the live music, while groups of people sat upon the hill and shared stories, food and laughter. It was a harmonious occasion that achieved everything Weston had predicted and more; the concert united all members of the community, encouraged them to reminisce on the impact of the apology, get to know one another as equals, and together, share the vision of an integrated and compassionate future.
