logo

QPAC

Accessibility Tools
  • What's On
    • All Events
    • Accessible Performances
    • Clancestry
    • First Nations
    • Digital Stage
    • For Schools
    • Backstage Tours
    • Festivals & Seasons
    • Gift Ideas
  • Visit
    • Eat & Drink
    • Getting Here
    • Accessibility
    • Our Theatres & Spaces
    • Traffic Updates & Notices
  • Engage
    • First Nations Art
    • For Schools
    • Projects & Events
    • Behind the Scenes
    • Community Support Program
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Philanthropy
    • Supporters
    • Partnerships
    • Gifts in Wills
    • Membership
  • Secondary Links
    • My Account
    • Gift Certificates
    • Newsroom
    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • About Us
    • Venue Hire
    • Functions
    • Working with Us
Stay up to date with QPAC news. Subscribe to QPAC emails.
QPAC logo
Queensland Government emblem

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

  • …
  • Engage
  • First Nations
  • National Apology Day

National Apology Day

On 13 February 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the Australian Government to the Stolen Generations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities by successive colonial and Australian governments.

In the landmark speech, which was delivered in a televised statement to both Houses of Parliament and to members of the Stolen Generations present, the Government called on all Australians to reflect on the past actions that form an important part of the country’s history. 

Each year, 13 February offers an important time to reflect on how generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have been affected, and continue to be affected, by the past policies of the Australian Government and the ongoing impacts of this on the health and wellbeing of First Nations People.

First Nations Viewer Advice
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following video may contain images and voices of people who have passed away.

What is the difference between National Apology Day and National Sorry Day?

National Apology Day is a separate occasion to National Sorry Day. National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, is held on 26 May each year. This day marks the anniversary of the date the Bringing them Home report was published in 1997, which outlined the findings from Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission’s National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their families.

The National Apology was delivered in response to the recommendation of 5a of Bringing them Home: 

5a. That all Australian Parliaments
1. officially acknowledge the responsibility of their predecessors for the laws, policies and practices of forcible removal,
2. negotiate with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission [ATSIC] a form of words for official apologies to Indigenous individuals, families and communities and extend those apologies with wide and culturally appropriate publicity, and
3. make appropriate reparation as detailed in following recommendations.

What is happening at QPAC on National Apology Day this year?

To commemorate the 14th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2022, Link-Up (Qld) will host a morning tea at QPAC for invited guests that includes performances, personal accounts from Australian First Nations Elders and recognition of the anniversary by Members of Parliament.

Dr (Aunty) Ruth Hegarty, who grew up in the dormitories at Cherbourg, and Aboriginal activist Patricia Turner AM, CEO National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Lead Convener of the Coalition of Peaks will deliver keynote speeches. There will also be performances by Ken Jacobs on didgeridoo and R&B soul singer Rochelle Pitt Watson.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships the Hon. Craig Crawford MP and Federal Member for Griffith Terri Butler MP will also address the morning tea in recognition of the Apology.

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation provides a service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been affected by past government policies and practices related to forced removal, fostering, institutionalisation and adoption.

They conduct family history research and tracing, and facilitate healing activities, community education sessions and public awareness events. The organisation also works to influence policy and keep the challenges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have faced and are facing on the agenda.

Further reading and resources:

  • Link-Up (QLD)
  • Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies
  • Australian Human Rights Commission
  • The Healing Foundation
  • Reconciliation Australia

What's on

Discover First Nations brilliance at QPAC!

  • The Visitors featuring the 2023 cast Image by Stephen Wilson Barker

    Clancestry The Visitors

    23 - 26 Jul 2025
    Playhouse

    It’s January 1788 and a mysterious fleet is amassing in the harbour. Seven clan leaders make a momentous decision: to send these strangers on their way or welcome them? 

  • Black History Month: HERstory | HIStory

    Clancestry Black History Month: HERstory | HIStory

    25 Jul 2025, From 6pm
    Melbourne Street Green

    Experience some of the finest local First Nations artists in a night of free live music and storytelling.

  • Clancestry Weaving Workshops

    26 Jul & 2 Aug 2025
    Playhouse Lounge

    Come and learn to weave at Clancestry! Learn about the regeneration of traditional cultural practices using raffia or palm leaves to create your very own masterpiece.

  • WataImage by Sarah Walker

    Clancestry Wata

    31 Jul 2025, 7:30pm
    Concert Hall

    Experience a new form of musical collaboration with Wata, an exciting celebration of the musical traditions of the Wagiluk people.

  • Clancestry 2024 Smoking CeremonyImage by Red Handed Productions

    Clancestry First Gathering

    31 Jul 2025, 5:30pm
    Melbourne Street Green

    Celebrate the First Nations cultures of Brisbane and mark the official opening of Clancestry 2025 with First Gathering.

  • Bangarra Dance Theatre – Illume

    Bangarra Dance Theatre Illume

    1 - 9 Aug 2025
    Playhouse

    Step out of the shadows and into the phenomena of light to experience this new theatrical experience, drawing together music, visual arts and dance.

  • Biggest MobsBackground artwork by Casey Coolwell-Fisher

    Clancestry Biggest Mobs

    1 Aug 2025, 6pm
    Cremorne Theatre

    Get your mob together for a night of powerful, high-energy Blak music! An epic culmination of QPAC’s BlakBeats First Nations music development program.

  • Electric Fields

    Clancestry Electric Fields with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra

    2 Aug 2025, 7:30pm
    Concert Hall

    Don’t miss Australian electronic music duo Electric Fields in this unique concert with the full power of Queensland Symphony Orchestra.

  • Clancestry 2024 Mob WordsImage by Lewis Bin Doraho

    Clancestry Live Art at Clancestry

    2 - 10 Aug 2025
    Melbourne Street Green & Town Square, Fish Lane

    Enjoy Live Art at Clancestry as artists create installations and paintings live throughout the festival.

  • Art of SongBackground artwork by Casey Coolwell-Fisher

    Clancestry Art of Song

    8 Aug 2025, 7:30pm
    Cremorne Theatre

    Three powerful First Nations songwomen – Jess Hitchcock, Megan Sarmardin and SOLCHLD come together to share their stories through song.

  • Clancestry 2024 Mob MusicImage by Lewis Bin Doraho

    Clancestry Mob Music

    9 - 10 Aug 2025, From 6:30pm
    Melbourne Street Green

    Two nights of jam-packed free live music on our Mob Music Stage! Enjoy the vibes as the sun goes down with the sounds of our deadly First Nations artists.

  • Sparks: First Nations Play ReadingsImage by Tai Bobongie

    Clancestry Sparks: First Nations Play Readings

    9 Aug 2025, 5pm
    Cremorne Theatre

    Be the first to experience three new works written by emerging First Nations playwrights in these rehearsed readings.

  • Clancestry for KidsImage by Axis Productions

    Clancestry Clancestry for Kids

    9 - 10 Aug 2025
    Melbourne Street Green

    Join us for a weekend of vibrant culture, creativity, and free family fun as we celebrate First Nations art, stories, and community.

  • Preparing Ground

    Brisbane Festival Preparing Ground

    5 - 7 Sep 2025
    Cremorne Theatre
    Preparing Ground embodies First Nations storytelling, Sovereignty and what it means to belong to a land that remembers.
  • The Bogong's Song

    Brisbane Festival The Bogong’s Song

    25 Sep - 4 Oct 2025
    Cremorne Theatre
    The Bogong’s Song is a blend of storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance, and song created especially for primary-aged children.
  • Capricorn by Aidan Rowlingson

    Rent Now
    Digital Stage

    Explore the tumultuous love story of Sam and Ally in this gripping play that delves into the complexities of relationships, love, and loss.

You may also like

  • Clancestry 2025Clancestry artwork by Casey Coolwell-Fisher

    Clancestry

    Clancestry returns from 23 July for over two weeks of extraordinary First Nations storytelling, music, dance, art and culture at QPAC!

  • Jarjums Life MuseumPhoto: Nathan Stoneham

    Jarjums Life Museum

    Jarjums Life Museum is a museum made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Jarjums.

  • QPAC’s Warm Welcome

    This was a series of events looking at what happens when communities open their hearts, homes and institutions to people from other places.

  • Torres Strait IslandPhoto: Stutterstock

    The Mabo Oration

    In 2005 the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland (ADCQ) and QPAC partnered to establish he Mabo Oration – a biennial public oration.

  • Artist: Jennifer Kent Quandamooka | Jinibara | Darumbal

    First Nations

    Our First Nations program is bold, resilient, and features fierce black work from local, regional and national First Nations artists.

  • Sparks 2025 Participants

    Sparks

    Sparks is a PLAYLAB THEATRE and QPAC partnership program which runs for a year and is designed to facilitate pathway opportunities for First Nations Artists in the performing arts.

  • As it Happened: Clancestry 2022

    Highlights from QPAC’s Clancestry – A Celebration of Country, which ran from 13 to 28 May 2022 and brought together First Nations voices, ideas and talent.

  • QPAC Launches Reconciliation Action Plan

    QPAC launched its Reconciliation Action Plan, signalling the organisation's commitment to reconciliation with Australia’s First Nations peoples.

  • Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir

    The debut performance by the Central Australian Aboriginal Women's Choir was a resounding success with audiences treated to extraordinary choral singing from the outback.

  • Designing a First Nations Festival Space

    How Quandamooka Nunukul artist Casey Coolwell Fisher’s artwork transformed QPAC during QPAC’s Clancestry – A Celebration of Country.

  • Healing Country through the Performing Arts

    Reflections from our Chief Executive John Kotzas and Elder in Residence Aunty Colleen Wall during NAIDOC Week 2021.

  • Meet Rachael Sarra

    Responsible for QPAC’s First Nations artwork, her artwork recognizes and celebrates First Nations people, culture and stories throughout all of Queensland.

  • Luke PearsonPhotographer: Rob Shaw

    No Filter with Luke Pearson

    Founder and CEO Luke Pearson, a Gamilaroi man, visited QPAC ahead of delivering The Mabo Oration in June 2019.

  • Already OccupiedPhotographer: Jo-Anne Driessens

    Behind the Scenes – Already Occupied

    Quandamooka artist, Libby Harward, created a series of installations across various locations at QPAC during QPAC’s Clancestry – A Celebration of Country.

  • Image by LaVonne BoBongie Photography

    Behind the Scenes: Seedlings

    Seedlings is a program which provides creative development opportunities to artists and creatives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) heritage.

  • BIW A Githalay

    BIW A GITHALAY (The Crab and the Mangrove Tree) is a universal and interactive theatrical experience for children aged five and over.

  • Gubal Thayemin

    Gubal Thayemin is an important theatrical piece that speaks of a future when our communities have been swallowed by the waters that surround them.

  • Preparing Ground

    Preparing Ground does more than embody the resilience of the world’s oldest surviving culture. It shows us how dependent our collective survival is on an enduring connection to land and sea.

  • Image by Tiina Alinen

    Straight From The Strait

    Straight from the Strait is inspired by the true stories of Torres Strait Island men who left their homes and their families behind to seek work on the mainland. 

  • SMOKE

    SMOKE is a dance theatre work co-directed by Kirk Page and Jade Dewi TyasTunggal.

  • Ignition

    Ignition

    Extending the pathway established by QPAC & Playlab Theatre’s Sparks program, Ignition is the next step for First Nations playwrights to further advance their creative practice.

  • Artist: Jennifer Kent Quandamooka | Jinibara | Darumbal

    About the Artist – Jennifer Kent

    The featured artwork Pearl People – Kgwambi-Barra is by Jennifer Kent, a multicultural Australian with First Nations ancestry from the Quandamooka, Jinibara and Darumbal communities. Read more about the artist and her artwork here.

  • Mabo Oration

    The Mabo Oration 2025

    Fri 30 May 2025 | Cairns Performing Arts Centre

    2025 celebrates 20 years of The Mabo Oration collaboration between the Queensland Human Rights Commission and QPAC. This year’s Oration will be delivered in Cairns by Katie Kiss.

Stay up to date with QPAC news. Subscribe to QPAC emails.
  • 136 246
  • Contact Us
  • Help
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
QPAC logo
Queensland Government emblem

Principal Partner

© 2025 Queensland Performing Arts Trust. All rights reserved.