On February 13, Australia pauses to observe National Apology Day, a day that holds profound significance in acknowledging the Stolen Generations and the ongoing journey toward healing and reconciliation. At St Bart’s, this day resonates deeply as we strive to create a more inclusive and equitable future, especially as we continue implementing our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The Importance of National Apology Day
National Apology Day commemorates the historic speech delivered by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on February 13, 2008. In this heartfelt apology, he acknowledged the immense pain and suffering endured by First Nations peoples due to policies of forced child removal, which created the Stolen Generations. This day not only marks an acknowledgment of past injustices but also represents a collective commitment to reconciliation and the healing of relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community.
Why It Matters to St Bart’s
At St Bart’s, reconciliation isn’t just an ideal, it’s a responsibility. With approximately 30% of the individuals we support identifying as First Nations or Torres Strait Islander peoples, our connection to reconciliation is both personal and deeply ingrained in our work to address homelessness and mental health challenges in Perth.
Land and housing play a critical role in our mission, and as the traditional custodians of this land, First Nations peoples hold unique insights and perspectives that are essential to addressing systemic challenges. This understanding is at the heart of our efforts to build stronger relationships and ensure that our work respects and uplifts First Nations voices.
Our Journey with Reconciliation
In 2024, St Bart’s began our Reflect RAP, laying the groundwork for meaningful, actionable steps toward reconciliation. Guided by Jodie Wyatt, our Head of Aboriginal Engagement, we’ve started fostering deeper cultural awareness and engagement across the organisation.
As part of our commitment to progress, we are now establishing a RAP committee, a vital step as we transition into the Innovate RAP in 2025. The Innovate RAP focuses on embedding reconciliation initiatives into our core operations, fostering stronger partnerships, and implementing sustainable change within our practices.
Acknowledging the Past, Committing to the Future
We acknowledge the National Apology and the truth it seeks to address; the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations.
At St Bart’s, where over 30% of our residents are First Nations people, we recognise that some of those in our care may be Stolen Generations Survivors. Today is a time to reflect, learn, and commit to a future of truth-telling and reconciliation.
We encourage you to learn more about YOKAI, an Aboriginal Corporation supporting Stolen Generations Survivors. Uncle Jim Morrison, a founder of YOKAI, also created the powerful documentary Genocide in the Wildflower State, shedding light on this dark chapter of history.
As we observe this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to listening, learning, and walking alongside First Nations communities on the path to reconciliation. Together, we can create a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
St Bart’s acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land that we live and work on, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We are privileged to work with, and alongside, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and encourage those who are emerging as leaders.
St Bart’s is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. We welcome and support the health and wellbeing of all people, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, religion and gender identity.