Children of Stolen Generations acknowledged at train stations across NSW

Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Isabel Reid said many Stolen Generations survivors have a train in their story. (ABC Riverina: Emily Doak)

Wiradjuri elder and Stolen Generations survivor Isabel Reid last saw her brother when she was seven years old at Sydney's Central Station. 

Aunty Isabel, Jack, and her sister Betty were all taken from their families while walking home from school in Dubbo.

"We went to Central Station and then Jack my brother was taken to Kinchela Boys Home, well I suppose that's where he went."

Aunty Isabel and her sister were sent to the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Aboriginal Girls.

The New South Wales rail network's role in the forcible removal of Aboriginal children has been acknowledged across the state, with the unveiling of memorial plaques.

This memorial plaque is one of seven at train stations around the state. (ABC Riverina: Emily Doak)

Aunty Isabel said she was honoured to unveil the plaque in Wagga Wagga, in the state's south, because it was evidence a "terrible shared history" had come to an end.

"We also tried to run away on trains but the police would be notified and would just wait and pick us up at the next station," she said.

A 'sad truth' of history

The initiative by Transport for NSW comes after consultation with Stolen Generations organisations since 2018.

Aunty Isabel Reid shares her story at the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Wagga Wagga. (ABC Riverina: Emily Doak)

Transport for NSW regional director south, Sam Knight, said it acknowledged the sad truth of the past.

"These stations have been recognised as significant because they were part of those sad journeys," she said.

"They are for everyone to see and acknowledge and remember those truths of the past."

Ceremony for survivors

The ceremony was attended by many Stolen Generations survivors and their families from the Cootamundra Girls and Kinchela Boys groups.

Stephen Ritchie, from Taree on the Mid-North Coast, was taken from his family and sent to the Kinchela Boys Home.

Stolen Generations survivors and siblings, Stephen Ritchie, Cheryl Maher and Lester Maher caught up for the first time in 20 years. (ABC Riverina: Emily Doak)

He said he had mixed views about the memorial plaques.

"I might think different to the others but, to me, it brings back too many memories and you've got to re-live them again, which in my view is wrong," he said.

Similar plaques are located at Central Station in Sydney, Cootamundra, Grafton, Kempsey, Berry, and Bomaderry.

"It was a terrible time for those children taken away from their families and they should never forget that."