Sydney recognises Sorry Day - 13 Feb 2008

Ms Moore said the State Government had offered to support the City initiative to provide a screen in Martin Place.

At the same time Ms Moore said the historical significance of this event needed to be permanently recognised, calling on the Federal Government to consider a national public holiday - Reconciliation Day - to mark the event.

"I applaud the Rudd Government for making this a priority and support reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia, restating the need to recognise our shared history while taking practical steps to redress past injustice and poor quality health and education," Ms Moore said.

"The City of Sydney has a significant Indigenous population and our "Principles of Cooperation" agreement with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council recognises the community, spiritual and cultural ties to the land and waterways.

"It commits us to working together to foster reconciliation, promote Aboriginal culture and heritage and I support moves by the Federal Government towards reconciliation."

The City of Sydney will also hold a community commemoration at our Redfern Community Centre which will include community activities, Indigenous film, music, dance and a smoking ceremony as well as speeches and a live broadcast of the historic moment.

At Redfern there will be activities throughout the day including a live broadcast, children's entertainment outside the Community Centre and a free BBQ.

In addition to the City of Sydney's ongoing support for the local Indigenous community, the Lord Mayor's Salary Trust has provided $20,000 to help young Indigenous students study law, human rights, child protection, criminology and juvenile justice, through the Robert Riley Scholarship Program.