The Healing Foundation December 2024 newsletter

CEO Message 

Ngaji gurrjin

It has been an incredibly impactful year for The Healing Foundation (THF) and the Stolen Generations Organisations (SGO) sector.  

I have mabu liyan (strong spirit) from amplifying the voices of Stolen Generations survivors and their families and working with the organisations that support them. THF is energised by the commitment of everyone working tirelessly for justice. This year marks 27 years since the release of the Bringing them home report, and soon we'll reach the 30-year milestone—encompassing an entire generation. 

We understand the pressing need to act on the recommendations from this report—not in five, ten, or twenty years, but immediately. We must advocate for a broader understanding of this urgency. 

We've heard from the community regarding survivors' immediate needs, including raising awareness about National Sorry Day and addressing the unresolved issues highlighted in the Bringing them home report. THF is dedicated to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to ensure that survivors' rights are fully realised. 

We're currently planning for a meaningful 2025, which will include Collective Healing Grants, the anniversary of the National Apology, advocacy for records and redress, and consultations with Stolen Generations Organisations to strengthen our policy and advocacy efforts in a survivor-centered way. 

Please be aware that The Healing Foundation offices will closed for the Christmas and New Year period from Monday, December 23, 2024, and will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025. 

Wirriya Christmas wumbul yangarrjun yirr jany wula!  (We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year). 

Shannan Dodson (Yawuru), 
CEO, The Healing Foundation 

 Solidarity with survivors and communities 

THF came together on Ngunnawal/Ngambri Country in Canberra to workshop and share ideas on how to strengthen our continuing support for Stolen Generations survivors and organisations, including continued alignment of our priorities with the recommendations of the Bringing them home report. 
 
As we move forward into 2025, we will remain guided by the voices of Stolen Generations survivors and their families throughout our journey. 

Redress Update  

We recently travelled with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to engage in Territories Redress Scheme Consultations in the Katherine and Mataranka regions.   

These sessions aimed to inform attendees about the Territories Redress Stolen Generations Redress Scheme, stemming from recommendations from the Bringing them home Report. 

The Scheme supports those removed from their families before July 1, 1978, in the Northern Territory, with applications open from March 1, 2022, to February 28, 2026. 
 
It includes a financial and wellbeing package that recognises the harm caused by removals, aids healing of trauma, provides access to free support services, and allows survivors to share their stories. Please see information about applying here and share with your networks. 

Stolen Generations Resource Kit for Teachers and Students 

We've got the perfect gift for the teacher in your life... FREE learning resources! All learning resources in the Stolen Generations Resource Kit for Teachers and Students are completely FREE and available online. You’ll find four lesson plans for every year level (Foundation – year 12) that link to free online resources and include worksheets and activities that align to a range of curriculum areas.  

Teachers have the choice of standard format lesson plans or editable and downloadable ‘plug-n’play’ PowerPoints as well as certificates, posters, survivor stories and more!  

Check it out now – visit www.healingfoundation.org.au/schools 

  Link Up (QLD) 40th Anniversary 

We congratulate Link-Up (QLD) and CEO Pat Thompson on 40 years of supporting Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants, celebrated at a sold-out Gala Dinner at Brisbane City Hall in Meanjin/Brisbane. 

The evening featured survivor stories from Bruce Midson, Angelique Wittwer, Roy Gray, and John Stanley. Their stories underscored the profound work Link-Up (QLD) has undertaken over the decades to reunite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with their families, culture and country. 

The Gala served not only as a celebration but also a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It provided a platform for reflection on the ongoing journey of healing and empowerment. See the highlights here 

The 2025 National Apology Anniversary

February 2025 will mark the 17th Anniversary of the National Apology. We invite all Australians to stand alongside survivors in their calls for action.  

Stay tuned for further news and updates on how you can join one of the many events around the country. We also invite community to share their events for which we will amplify on our socials and add to the events calendar on our website by sharing them with our Comms Team media@healingfoundation.org.au  

Thank you for your Support!