Creating a Marker for the Stolen Generations in the City of Melbourne
The City of Melbourne is committed to our Reconciliation journey including truth telling.
Acknowledging, recognising and paying tribute to the Stolen Generations is a vital part of the truth-telling process that underpins reconciliation.
Creating a Marker for the Stolen Generations is part of our Reconciliation Action Plan and supports our commitment to reconciliation and to strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.
In 2021, the Stolen Generations Reparations Steering Committee Report was presented to the State Government. The Committee made 54 recommendations, including that all local government authorities establish Markers to acknowledge and commemorate the Stolen Generations’ experience.
This Marker will be a permanent place with a significant artwork that reflects the resilience of the Stolen Generations and their families, acknowledges the injustices of the past, and provides future opportunities to move along the path to reconciliation together.
An independent Stolen Generations Marker Working Group has been established and includes Stolen Generations Survivors and their descendants, Traditional Owners, and organisations which assist Stolen Generations and their families. The working group makes recommendations to council on the location of the Marker and artist choice.
The working group members are:
- Aunty Shirley Blackwood – community member and Stolen Generations survivor
- Tracey Evans – community member and Stolen Generations descendent
- Lisa Zammit – CEO, Connecting Home
- Bev Murray – Program Manager, Link-Up Victoria program, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
- Aunty Georgina Nicholson – Wurundjeri Elder
- Uncle Colin Hunter – Wurundjeri Elder
Note on terminology: for the purposes of this page, all future references to Aboriginal peoples will also include Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge that few terms are acceptable to everyone and, as always, we remain open to guidance from community on this issue.
Artist selection process
In August 2023, we invited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists (individuals or in teams) to submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the design of the permanent Stolen Generations Marker.
The Stolen Generations Marker will be commissioned through a two-stage process:
- Stage one: Expressions of interest (EOI)
Expressions of Interest have now closed. - Stage two: Concept design
Shortlisted artists (or teams) are currently developing their final artwork proposals in close consultation with the Stolen Generations Marker Working Group.
Frequently asked questions
The Working Group shortlisted the three (3) possible locations for the Marker.
All open space within the City of Melbourne was considered against criteria determined by the Working Group based on their knowledge and experience. Some of the criteria included:
- the ability to host gatherings of up to 1000 people
- available amenities nearby
- proximity to public transport and parking
- known associations of the site (both beneficial and problematic), and features (such as proximity to water)
- proximity to the heart of the municipality - sites central to the city were selected, given the importance of the Marker and its role in truth-telling.
It is estimated the Marker will be open in late 2025.
A selection panel, including members of the Stolen Generations Marker Working Group, will choose the concept design that best responds to the project objectives for the final commission. This will be developed in collaboration with City of Melbourne and supported by the Stolen Generations Marker Working Group.
The City of Melbourne is providing access to counselling and/or well-being support as required for artists who may be affected by the subject of this project.
Contact us
Contact us
Rebecca Morphy, Senior Policy officer
Phone
0481 463 512
