SANE

Today, on National Sorry Day, we reflect, listen, and honour the stories of Stolen Generations survivors. A time to acknowledge the Stolen Generations and the lasting impact of children being taken from their families, communities and culture.

We recently had the privilege of spending time with Aunty Valerie, a proud Bundjalung woman and survivor of the Stolen Generations. Aunty visited us at SANE HQ with staff from the Coota Girls Aboriginal Corporation , and generously shared her story and lived experience.

Hearing her speak about her life, what was taken from her, and what she has carried ever since, was deeply moving. It was also a powerful reminder that this is not just something from the past. These stories are living and the effects are ongoing. Her words are powerful, confronting and deeply important to hear.

We’re grateful to Aunty Valerie for trusting us with her story and reminding us why truth-telling matters 💛

📖 To read the full story of the Coota Girls Home, visit https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/12/valerie-and-her-siblings-were-taken-from-their-mother-and-placed-in-institutions-during-australias-stolen-generations-two-didnt-survive

If today feels heavy for you or someone you know, support is available:

❤️ offers a 24/7 crisis support line with trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.

Call 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au for immediate support whenever you need it.

💛 provides a wide range of online resources supporting social, emotional and cultural wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Visit wellmob.org.au to explore tools, stories and support at your own pace.

🖤 Yarning Space is a dedicated, culturally safe online space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to connect, yarn and be in community with one another.

Available 24/7. Check out saneforums.org join the community whenever you feel ready.

🤍 offers free and confidential grief and loss support, including phone and online services, for anyone experiencing grief or emotional distress.

Visit griefline.org.au to connect with support when you need someone to talk to.

If you’re looking for ways to mark Sorry Day, you might consider:

📲 Sharing this post, the article or a story that has stayed with you
❤️ Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations, including those connected to Coota Girls survivors
📣 Speaking up about the need for real, sustained action
📚 Taking time to learn more or attending a local event

It can feel hard to know what to say at a GP appointment, but you don’t need to have it all figured out. GPs are there to listen and help you understand your options for support.

You’re not alone in figuring this out. You can also find more support through SANE Factsheets, People Like Us stories, or the Forums on our website sane.org

This Mother’s Day, we’re sharing this story, written by Maree Roche, a mother, a carer, and someone living with bipolar herself.

At home, Maree and her husband both live with a bipolar diagnosis and even call each other “Mr and Mrs Bipolar”, a small name that carries a lot of honesty, humour, and understanding in the middle of it all.

Maree is supporting her husband through his diagnosis, managing her own mental health, and raising her children at the same time.

Her story is a reminder that self-care in real life doesn’t look polished or perfect. It looks like small, practical ways of getting through the day while still showing up for the people you love.

If today feels a bit full or complex for you, our Families, Friends & Carers Forums are open 24/7 at saneforums.org 💬