The Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery was filled with emotion, reflection, and unity as the community gathered for a Truth Telling Session on Thursday, 13 February, marking the17th anniversary of the National Apology.
The event featuredUncle Richard Campbell, Uncle Roger Jarrett, and Uncle Crow, three survivors of theKinchela Boys Home, who shared their deeply personal stories of resilience, survival, and the lasting impacts of theStolen Generation.
Set against the backdrop of the moving photography exhibition We Were Just Little Boys, the session provided a rare and profound opportunity for the community to hear firsthand accounts of what it was like to be forcibly removed from family, culture, and identity. The Uncles spoke candidly about their experiences of being taken from their homes, stripped of their names, and given numbers instead.
For Uncle Roger, the memories remain vivid. He recalled the day he was taken from his mother at just 11 years old, clutching onto her dress in fear as the black car arrived. Upon arrival at Kinchela Boys Home, he ceased to be Roger—he became number 12.
Similarly, Uncle Richard, once fluent in Indigenous languages, was beaten for speaking them. "They told me, 'You're not an Aboriginal person anymore, you're number 28'," he shared, underscoring the devastating loss of culture he endured.
Throughout the session, attendees were captivated by the uncles' strength and honesty, particularly when discussing the brotherhood that formed among the boys at Kinchela—one of the few things they could hold onto.
A powerful video produced by the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC)further illustrated the deep trauma inflicted upon the Stolen Generation, reinforcing why these conversations must continue.
Economic Development and Tourism Manager, Alex Henley reflected on the event's importance in deepening community understanding and fostering reconciliation.
"This was an incredibly powerful and moving session, and we are so grateful to the Uncles for sharing their truth with us. Their courage in telling these stories is a gift to the community, helping us acknowledge the past, learn from it, and move forward together. Reconciliation begins with listening, and today, we listened."
The event left a lasting impact, sparking important conversations among those in attendance. It served as a reminder that truth-telling is a vital step towards healing and unity.
Kempsey Shire Council and the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery extend their heartfelt gratitude to Uncle Roger, Uncle Richard, and Uncle Crow for their bravery in sharing their stories. To those who attended, thank you for standing together in recognition, respect, and reconciliation.
For those who were unable to attend, the We Were Just Little Boys exhibition remains on display at the Nulla Nulla Regional Gallery until Saturday, 22 February—offering a powerful visual representation of the Uncles' experiences and the history that must never be forgotten.
