On Monday 26 May Damascus College proudly hosted the National Sorry Day Ceremony, an occasion where the three Catholic Colleges of Ballarat united to remember and acknowledge the Stolen Generations of First Nations peoples.

Damascus College welcomed students from St Patrick’s College, Loreto College, along with all First Nation students and their families, Elders, members of the First Nations community, and other invited guests.

The National Sorry Day ceremony is held annually as a collaboration between the three Colleges and Damascus College Principal, Mr Steven Mifsud says it is an important occasion to unite and come together,

“Sorry Day is a powerful opportunity for our three colleges to come together in solidarity and to deepen our collective commitment to reconciliation. It is a privilege to share this occasion with First Nations students, their families, and community members, and to create a space where truth, learning, and respect are at the centre.”

The event commenced with guests walking through a Smoking Ceremony and a moving Welcome to Country led by Macaylah Johnson, and a didgeridoo performance by Tristan Harris.

Formal proceedings were held in the John Shannon Centre, including the reveal of the new message stick, designed by First Nations students from St Patricks, Loreto and Damascus College, that represents the coming together of these schools, each contributing their unique perspective and spirit.

Renowned keynote speaker Brenda Matthews addressed the audience, a proud Wiradjuri woman, author, filmmaker, and advocate. Brenda is best known for The Last Daughter, her powerful personal story that continues to inspire national conversations around truth-telling, healing, and unity.

The Damascus College Choir gave a beautiful and heartfelt performance of Kulba Yaday, a song written by Torres Strait Island woman and acclaimed singer-songwriter Christine Anu. Sung in her first language of Kala Kawaw Ya, the song speaks to the importance of keeping culture alive — a message that perfectly echoed the heart of today’s gathering.

Also sharing her voice at the ceremony will be Kyeema Brown, one of Damascus College’s proud First Nations student leaders. Kyeema reflects on the meaning of National Sorry Day,

“Today is about strength. It is about recognizing the resilience of our Elders and ancestors, who fought to keep our culture alive. Because of them, we are still here, connected to our families, our stories, and our country.”

With an estimate of over 700 guests, the event was a powerful and meaningful gathering, and likely one of the largest Sorry Day events happening in Ballarat.

The ceremony concluded with morning tea in the Damascus Events Centre — a chance to connect, reflect and continue meaningful conversations as a community.

At Damascus, our Mercy values call us to listen, to learn, and to lead with compassion and justice. Today was a reminder of the importance of walking together on this journey.