On Monday 26 May 2008, a group of like minded people in Mt Druitt came together to raise awareness of the movement forward of Australia.

Australia's National Sorry Day is held on the anniversary of the tabling of a human rights report on the Stolen Generations.

This was the first National Sorry Day since Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made his formal apology to indigenous Australians in February.

Local elders Uncle Greg and Uncle Wes represented the Darug people, the traditional owners of the local lands. They were joined by many other local indigenous people, WISE Employment staff, area health workers and other interested members of the community who came together in Mt Druitt.

Welcome to Country was given by Uncle Greg in both English and traditional Darug language, followed by the planting of a wattle tree to represent the growth of reconciliation and developing partnerships. A plaque was then unveiled and everyone took part in a reconciliation walk.

WISE’s Regional Manager in New South Wales, Brenda Odewahn believes that it was a very special and significant day for everyone involved.

“I was honoured to be the management representative of WISE Employment at the Sorry Day event,” she said. “It was a very special day and we were very fortunate to be able to listen to some of Uncle Greg and Uncle Wes’ stories of the past,” she said.

“It was decided on the day that it would be our responsibility to ensure that the tree is nurtured,” said Brenda.

Tim Agius, Director of Aboriginal Health, Winan-Gidyal also spoke highly of the partnership between the community, the health service and WISE Employment.

It is hoped that the site of the planting will become a meeting place and the site of an annual event.