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Thursday 29 August 2002, Media Release

NSWALC CALLS FOR MEMORIAL TO RECOGNISE STOLEN GENERATIONS

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council today called on the State Government to consider a memorial in recognition of the Stolen Generations.

"A memorial will give the Aboriginal people of this State a place to gather, a place which may become a focal point for the healing process," said Rod Towney Chairperson of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council.

Chairperson Towney said the Stolen Generations are an important part of our history and should be recognised in some way. "Thousands of Aboriginal children in this State were stolen from their families and this has had and continues to have a devastating affect on our people. We must ensure that this period in our history is not forgotten," he said.

"Not only should a memorial to the Stolen Generations recognise the events of the past, it must also celebrate our survival. Despite what occurred in the past, we have not given up. A memorial developed with the appropriate consultation could become a beacon of strength and unity for our people.

"It could tell our stories and provide an opportunity for non-Indigenous people to understand the pain and hurt many Aboriginal people still feel."

Chairperson Towney said that the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Dr Andrew Refshauge should take the lead and talk with the Aboriginal community about what shape and form a memorial should take. Local councils, especially those in regional areas, should also consider ways in which they can permanently recognise the Stolen Generations.

"Just as those who fought for our country rightly have a place of remembrance, there should also be a memorial to acknowledge what happened in this country. Only when we can be honest and embrace our shared history can we begin to mature as a nation and move on," said Chairperson Towney.

"Reconciliation Place recently opened in Canberra but anything built by the current Commonwealth Government can only be seen as an empty gesture due to John Howard's refusal to say sorry to the Stolen Generations and act on the recommendations of the report from the Council for Reconciliation.

"It is time to move on from the sorry debate. Through a memorial the NSW Government has the opportunity to provide physical evidence of its commitment to the reconciliation process."