Millicent Spencer
Hume has launched its first Stolen Generation Marker to pay tribute to children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
The development of the marker was led by a working group including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, community members with direct experience of impacts on the Stolen Generations and representatives from peak bodies including Connecting Home and Link-Up Victoria.
Elected Member of First Peoples Assembly of Victoria Tracey Evans was part of the Stolen Generations Marker Working Group and said the project was an important step in Hume’s relationship with the community.
“It’s a real honour to be apart of the working group and to have my story on [the marker],” she said.
“It is quite a significant project that further embeds the work that council is doing to [reinforce] the strong and respected partnership with the Aboriginal community.”
Ms Evans said she is a proud Gunditjmara woman and has lived in the area for over 20 years so telling her story through the marker was important to her.
“I have my story on there and so does my mum,” she said.
“My .um is the sister of the late great Archie Roach.”
“Each one of the clock folds has a story … a number of Stolen Generation Peoples contributed their stories.”
Ms Evans said she hopes the Marker serves as a place for people to gather and understand what has occurred.
“It’s a space for truth telling, a place for the community to visit,” she said.
“The space is near the water [and offers a] connection to country.”
The marker is a permanent installation at the Malcolm Creek Wetlands in Craigieburn. Additionally, there is an explanation of the project at the Hume Galleries where people can learn more about the journey in creating the marker.
