Stolen Generation survivors recognised in Bourke plaque unveiling

16 Jun 22
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Uncle Lester, a Survivor of the Stolen Generation from Kinchela Boys Home, with Transport NSW Staff at Bourke Plaque Unveiling. The plaque commemorates the children who were forcibly removed from their families at the station and sent to Kinchela Boys Home. Photo: Caritas Australia.

The ceremony focussed on unveiling a plaque to recognise the history of the railway station, and included speeches and presentations from Transport NSW, local community members, school students and survivors from Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation.

Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) was formed by the survivors of Kinchela Boys Home in Kempsey, New South Wales, who were forcibly removed from their families during the Stolen Generations.

“Public acknowledgement and apology on behalf of Transport NSW is an important act of respect in the reconciliation journey, because it recognises the trauma that was experienced from past government policies, and how these continue to impact survivors and their families decades later,” says Christine Rhazi, Caritas Australia’s First Australians Associate Director, and a proud Yamatji Widi woman from Geraldton, Western Australia.

The NSW Government has recently announced $15.3 million over four years to work with Stolen Generations Organisations to progress the establishment of memorials at the sites of former Aboriginal Children's Homes in Bomaderry, Cootamundra, Kinchela and Keller House in North Parramatta.

Currently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are worse off compared to other Australians across almost every measurement of wellbeing and access, including financial, social, physical and mental health.

"The truth-telling about the Stolen Generations must continue, not just for the survivors and their families, but for all Australians. But this needs to be supported by policies that provide tangible outcomes and create positive change for First Australian communities. We need to understand that First Australian-led is best – the communities that are most impacted are also the communities that have the answers.”

Caritas Australia works in close partnership with First Australian-led organisations like Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation to support programs that focus on intergenerational healing, strengthening cultural identity and spirituality, livelihood opportunities, and advocacy.

Media contact: Jessica Stone 0490 684 867 / jessica.stone@caritas.org.au.