To pave a genuine path to reconciliation, we must acknowledge the role Transport for NSW played during the Stolen Generations, during which its rail network was used to transport Aboriginal children away from their families.
Transport has worked with NSW Stolen Generations survivor organisations to install memorial plaques at its stations. The first was unveiled at Platform 1 in Sydney’s Central Station, where many of the removed children arrived to, before being taken to other parts of the state. Plaques have also been installed at stations in Grafton, Kempsey, Bourke, Berry, and Bomaderry, with more locations planned.
We spoke to Transport for NSW Aboriginal Engagement Senior Project Officer Mark Champley about the plaques project. We also caught up with Transport’s Director of Community and Place, Regional Outer Metropolitan, Ant Hayes, and Gunu-Baakandji, Kunju and Budjiti man, and relative of Stolen Generations survivors, Stephen Howarth, who both attended the plaque unveiling in Bourke.