National Sorry Day was held on Tuesday and was followed by Reconciliation Day on Wednesday. 

Both events were well attended by council members, school children, teachers and community members, both indigenous and non-indigenous alike. 

On Tuesday morning, school students arrived at the dreaming centre and walked through a traditional smoking ceremony before listening to Yvonne Hill, local Aboriginal elder Aileen Allen’s sister, give an educational talk on Sorry Day. 

Local indigenous elder Cathy Bowden then gave a speech about the Stolen Generation. 

Those who attended also witnessed the unveiling of a new solar light that will be permanently placed at the dreaming centre.

A sausage sizzle, donated by Forbes Shire Council, was also enjoyed on Tuesday. 

Yesterday a sand ceremony was held to commemorate Reconciliation Day.

Music was performed by Darcy Gage and the Australian and Aboriginal flags were re-raised from half mast. 

Another barbeque capped off the commemorations yesterday. 

Speaking at the event, Aileen Allen said the two events played an important role in bringing indigenous and non-indigenous people together in Forbes. 

“I feel that in Forbes the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal have walked together today,” Ms Allen said yesterday. 

“To everybody who helped us out, all the community and committee, thank you very much.”