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Gallery | Shepparton pauses to honour the Stolen Generations at Apology Breakfast

By Taylah Baker and Rechelle Zammit

Feb 17, 2026

Uncle Bobby Nicholls speaks with passion and pride. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

They came. They listened. They remembered and reflected.

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Before the city stirred on Friday morning, a quiet crowd gathered at the William Cooper Memorial Statue for Shepparton’s annual Apology Breakfast.

The event on February 13 marked the 18th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, first delivered in 2008 — a moment widely regarded as a milestone in the journey towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Each year, communities across the country pause to reflect on its significance.

In Shepparton, the breakfast was hosted by the Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group and featured a smoking ceremony, light breakfast and coffee, live music and a minute’s silence.

Local primary and secondary schools were well represented, with ASHE students serving as emcees, while students from All Saints Anglican College delivered a reading of the National Apology.

Community members also turned out in strong support — honouring the past, acknowledging the pain carried by the Stolen Generations and reaffirming their shared commitment to reconciliation.

News photographer Rechelle Zammit captured the morning as it unfolded.