October news from The Healing Foundation
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Acting CEO update
Yaama,
As we enter the final quarter of 2026, we remain focused on progressing the calls of From Sorry to Action through partnership, advocacy and shared action. It is also a time of renewal for The Healing Foundation as we welcome new leadership and continue our commitment to delivering meaningful change for survivors and descendants.
This edition marks an important milestone for The Healing Foundation, with the appointment of incoming Chair Dr John Paterson and Deputy Chair Kristy Masella to occur from November. Their appointments build on the significant contribution of outgoing Chair Professor Steve Larkin and Deputy Chair Leann Wilson, whose leadership over the past decade has helped shape The Healing Foundation's advocacy, influence and impact.
I would like to personally acknowledge Steve and Leann for the wisdom, dedication and collaborative spirit they have brought to their governance roles. As we look ahead, John and Kristy bring a deep commitment to our purpose, together with extensive experience and community insight, to help guide The Healing Foundation into 2027 and beyond.
We are strongest when we work together. In this edition, we share updates on research, advocacy, resources and opportunities that support our collective efforts to influence change for survivors and strengthen our sector.
Yours in solidarity,
Leonie Williamson (Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi, Gamilaraay)
Acting CEO,
The Healing Foundation
New leadership for The Healing Foundation
Dr John Paterson (Ngalakan)
The Healing Foundation incoming Board Chair
Kristy Masella (Murri/South Sea Islander)
The Healing Foundation Incoming Deputy Chair
Leadership transition honours a decade of service from outgoing Chair Professor Steve Larkin and Deputy Chair Leann Wilson.
Respected Northern Territory community leader Dr John Paterson (Ngalakan) will become Chair of The Healing Foundation from November 2026, guiding the organisation into its next chapter of advocacy, healing and action for Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.
Dr Paterson, who has more than 40 years’ experience in Aboriginal health, will be appointed Chair at The Healing Foundation’s Annual General Meeting on November 9.
He will be supported by incoming Deputy Chair Kristy Masella (Murri/South Sea Islander) who has decades of experience across employment, training and community development, including as Managing Director of Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
The leadership transition honours a decade of service from outgoing Chair Professor Steve Larkin (Kungarakan) and Deputy Chair Leann Wilson (Bidjara, Kara-Kara), who we thank for their valued leadership and service.
As The Healing Foundation approaches the 30th anniversary of Bringing them home, this transition reflects a continued commitment to turning recommendations into action through our roadmap From Sorry to Action: A plan to act on Bringing them home (2026-2028) and advancing lasting outcomes for Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.
New research amplifies the voices of LGBTQIASB+ Stolen Generations survivors
The importance of culturally safe, trauma-informed support to survivors becomes even more critical to by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Sistergirls, Brotherboys + (LGBTQIASB+) Stolen Generations survivors and their families – according to research commissioned by The Healing Foundation.
Researchers from Macquarie University held open conversations with survivors and family members, which highlighted powerful stories of identity, belonging, healing, and the importance of culturally safe, trauma-informed support.
Participants emphasised the significance of having their whole identities recognised, being included in decision-making spaces, and accessing services that truly reflect their lived experiences. Storytelling, cultural connection, and peer support emerged as crucial pathways for healing and wellbeing, underscoring the need for inclusive and community-led approaches.
Read the research snapshot and the full report.
Link-Up (Qld) has teamed up with prominent First Nations leaders and role models to encourage Queenslanders to learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the ongoing impacts of forced child removal on Stolen Generations survivors and descendants.
The Still Bringing Them Home campaign features a range of educational resources, including a new podcast series featuring rugby league player Jayden Campbell, former Healing Foundation CEO Shannan Dodson, Stolen Generations survivor Mike ‘Big Mike’ Salbro and more.
Link-Up (Qld) is encouraging Queenslanders to learn more and discover practical ways to support healing and build healthier, safer and stronger communities for everyone.
Discover the Still Bringing Them Home campaign and learn how you can contribute to healing and positive change.
Ensuring survivors can age with dignity at home
Pictured: Aunty Dot Bardell and Uncle Paul Duffy
Urgent reform is needed to help Stolen Generations survivors age safely at home. The Healing Foundation’s submission to the Community Affairs References Committee highlights how the new Support at Home Program, designed to help older people remain in their homes, still leaves many survivors facing financial and service barriers.
Survivors deal with complex challenges, including chronic health conditions and unaddressed cultural needs. Research from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that Stolen Generations survivors have poorer health, economic, and social outcomes than other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We urge the government to exempt redress payments from Support at Home contributions, provide contribution exemptions for all Stolen Generations survivors, and create a dedicated survivor pathway. Our submission also calls for better access to services in all areas.
SASGAC Celebrates 10 Years of survivor-led healing and advocacy
Pictured Image 1: L-R: Taila Giles, Dr Jenni Caruso, Stephen Harfield, Margaret McCallum, Sonia Waters F: Aunty Martha Watts Picture 2: Kim Morey
This year marks 10 years since incorporation of the South Australian Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation (SASGAC), and The Healing Foundation was privileged to attend a special gathering to commemorate this important milestone.
The milestone celebrated a survivor-led organisation, built and sustained by survivor and descendant volunteers, and demonstrated the enduring importance of survivors and descendants having a place to connect, share their experiences, support one another, and speak with a strong collective voice on the issues that matter to South Australian Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
The event - organised by Stolen Generations descendant Tikana Telfer - was opened with a Greeting to Spirit of Place by Stolen Generations descendant Jakirah Telfer. There were 43 attendees 28 of whom are Stolen Generations survivors.
The Celebration event heard from Eastern Arrernte/Waanyi woman Dr Jenni Caruso AM (SASGAC Chair) and Western Arrernte/Eastern Arrernte woman Ms Heather Kamarra Shearer, both of whom are Stolen Generations Survivors who spoke to the history of survivor advocacy in South Australia, honoured those who have passed, and highlighted the importance of work such as Are You Waiting For Us To Die?, which continues to draw national attention to the urgent unfinished business of the Bringing them home report recommendations.
A recital of Circles and Squares by acclaimed Yankunytjatjara poet Ali Cobby Eckermann, grounded the room in the enduring impacts of forced removal on identity - and the fight to reclaim belonging.
As SASGAC marks a decade of advocacy, leadership and community, we acknowledge the many survivors, descendants whose persistence and commitment have ensured that Stolen Generations voices continue to be heard.
Share the Findings: Health and Wellbeing Outcomes for Stolen Generations Survivors and Descendants
The findings in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Stolen Generations survivors and descendants: updated analyses for 2022–23 reinforce the urgent need for action to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Stolen Generations survivors and descendants. We encourage you to share the report widely and help raise awareness
The analysis highlights the enduring impacts of forced removal policies on the health, wellbeing and socioeconomic outcomes of Stolen Generations survivors and their families. Drawing on the latest national survey data, the analysis found that survivors and descendants continue to experience significantly higher rates of psychological distress, disability, financial hardship and other challenges compared with both other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider Australian population.
Since the report's release, we've been busy sharing the findings through media engagement, briefings with parliamentarians and presentations at key conferences and forums on aged care, health and economics.
We’ve also provided a range of resources including PowerPoint slides, social media assets and fact sheets, to help you share the findings with your networks and create informed action and change.
You can download resources to share the findings and spread awareness about the challenges faced by survivors and descendants via our website.
Truth-telling must lead to action for a fairer future
Pictured: Dr Ivan Ingram (far left) with other Melbourne Institute Public Economics Forum speakers.
“Truth-telling is not just about understanding our past. It's about shaping a fairer future. Truth must be followed by action.”
These key messages were shared by the Healing Foundation Board Director, Wiradjuri man Dr Ivan Ingram, at the Melbourne Institute Public Economics Forum. Dr Ingram joined researchers and reconciliation advocates to discuss why truth-telling is a critical foundation for Indigenous economic empowerment.
From the enduring impacts of frontier violence and the Stolen Generations to the unfinished work of the Bringing them home report, Dr Ingram highlighted the importance of confronting our shared history and taking meaningful action towards healing.
Drawing on new AIHW data showing the ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generations, Dr Ingram highlighted the need to reckon with Australia's legal and policy history to better understand the challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to face today.
"As holistic as the systems were in controlling our peoples, the solutions must be equally holistic. Anything less is a band-aid."
To find out more about The Healing Foundation’s priority calls to action that will contribute to healing for survivors, download the From Sorry to Action Plan.
Stolen Generations survivor story shines light on liver cancer awareness for First Nations Communities
Pictured: Uncle Kerry hopes his story can help spread awareness of Liver Cancer for mob this October.
No one had ever spoken to Uncle Kerry about his liver. This October, he wants to change that.
The Stolen Generations survivor is sharing his story for Liver Cancer Awareness Month to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to have their liver checked early.
The Healing Foundation’s Acting CEO, Leonie Williamson, says the ongoing health impacts of forced removal continue to affect Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants.
“While these findings are confronting, they also remind us why speaking up about our health and wellbeing is so important.”
This Liver Cancer Awareness Month, Uncle Kerry’s message is simple: “Don’t feel embarrassed. Just give us a call.”
