The experiences and stories of Stolen Generation survivors is set to be shared and acknowledged with the construction of a 'Keeping Place' at Keller House in Burramattagal / North Parramatta.
Hundreds of Aboriginal girls —including members of the Stolen Generations — lived on-site at Keller House and the Parramatta Girls Home in sub-standard conditions without opportunities to practice culture, including language, throughout much of the 20th Century.
Both are now significant places for Stolen Generations survivors.
Aboriginal Affairs NSW and Create NSW are partnering with Stolen Generations survivors to honour their wishes for the establishment of the Keller House Keeping Place.
Keeping Places are memorials or museums which honour the experiences of Stolen Generation survivors, support healing and enable truth-telling through education.
The creation of Keeping Places is a key recommendation of the 2016 Unfinished Business Report, which outlined the need for truth-telling and reparations for Stolen Generations survivors.
Survivor, Aunt Dr Matilda House-Williams. said her culture endured despite the challenges of living at Keller House.
"I don't know if I'll ever move on... but my culture was never taken away from me," she said. "I remember all the culture that I had, it helped me to survive to this day."
Following development approval in late 2025, construction has commenced on the Keller House Keeping Place and is scheduled for completion in coming months.
The NSW Government said the project is honouring the Survivors' wishes while respecting the cultural heritage of the site, and will include the development of:
- A museum and information centre for visitors and school groups
- A ceremonial gathering space, reflection point, yarning circle, fire pit and children’s nature play area to create a powerful space for truth-telling, healing, and cultural strength
- First Nations public art, selected through an open EOI process, that honours Survivors' stories integrated within the new structures and landscape elements, creating a powerful space for truth-telling, healing, and cultural strength
- Office and private meeting rooms for Survivors, their families and the Stolen Generations Council of NSW/ACT.
In addition to Keller House, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, is working in partnership with survivors and land owners to establishment of Keeping Places at Children of Bomaderry Children's Home, Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Home and Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Home.
"I acknowledge the resilience and strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and their families who continue to lead the way on this project in partnership with the NSW Government," Mr Harris said.
"It is critical for all of us to recognise and honour the voices of Stolen Generations Survivors in the places where their voices were once silenced.
"The establishment of Keeping Places such as Keller House will ensure the Survivors' stories are never forgotten."
The NSW Government said the Keeping Places project forms part of its wider work to deliver on the recommendations of the 2016 Unfinished Business Report.
