On Sunday 14 April I attended the 208th anniversary of the Appin massacre on the banks of the Cataract Dam. The events of 1816 were solemnly observed at a memorial ceremony where community members and descendants gathered to honour the lives lost. That tragic event, where local Dharawal people were killed by colonial forces under Governor Macquarie's orders, marks a sombre chapter in local history. The ceremony featured traditional Indigenous rituals, speeches from community leaders and laying of floral tributes at the memorial site. Such commemorations play a crucial role in acknowledging and reflecting on the painful past, while also strengthening a future commitment towards reconciliation and healing. The event serves not only to remember those who perished but also to educate and foster a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous history and culture. I thank all the organisers and organisations involved, including the hosts, Winga Myamly Reconciliation Group, the Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Aboriginal communities of the Macarthur region, and the Wollondilly, Campbelltown and Camden councils.