Restored Stolen Generations Memorial unveiled on Sorry Day

The Memorial was created by sculptor Uncle Jack “Badger” Bates and commemorates The Stolen Generations, a period from the mid-1800s to the 1970s where First Nations children were forcibly removed from their families through government policies. Originally unveiled in 2007 and funded by the NSW Government, the Memorial is widely renowned as an important centrepiece for the region’s annual Sorry Day ceremonies. 

The restoration comes after the Memorial was defaced in February 2020, deeply upsetting the local community. Since it was damaged, Uncle Badger has worked alongside Indigenous Elders and staff at the Garden to repair and help protect the artwork from future vandalism.

“I feel really honoured to have been able to return to the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and repair the sculpture. I hold this sculpture very dear, and it is special to me because of what it represents and my own family story,” says Uncle Badger. 

Set in a pristine section of the critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland, the artwork has strengthened the cultural significance of the site that has existed for thousands of years among First Nations people. Its sandstone figures depict an Indigenous family being torn apart. The carvings form a hollow between a mother and her child, allowing rainwater to flow through creating a “river of tears.” 

“All I did was hold the hammer and chisel; the stone did the rest. The little boy is especially dear to me, and he gave me guidance, fix me, fix my sister, then my mother, then my father,” said Uncle Badger. 

“I added a small rock pool on the rocks near the pool, it is an extra tear drop for the pain the sculpture suffered. I feel the sculpture will continue to bring people together in this beautiful place.

“I would like to thank the staff at the Garden and the Stolen Generations Committee for their support. It is such a magical place to be, in the forest with the birds and trees. The sculpture has so much power, it carved itself, or showed me how to carve it,” said Uncle Badger.

Local community members of the Macarthur, Liverpool, and Wingecarribee areas to came together to commemorate National Sorry Day at the Garden on Friday 26 May. 

It was a day of healing through sharing stories of strength and resilience of the survivors of the Stolen Generations. Along with unveiling the restored Memorial, the day was filled with cultural performances, community stalls, workshops, a barbecue and live music.

Brendan Broadbent, Advisor Aboriginal Strategy & Development at Botanic Gardens of Sydney said having the Memorial restored in time for this year’s Sorry Day ceremony was a momentous improvement for Indigenous people, Mount Annan locals and visitors.

“To have this Memorial properly restored means so much to the artist and the First Nations community,” he said.

“Local community members are thrilled to see the sculpture repaired too. We’re happy the Memorial can resume its role in this space for people to come together.”

To better protect the Memorial new CCTV cameras and flood lights have been installed near the area, as well as increasing ranger visits to the site.