Secrets of Dawn Exhibit

Secrets of Dawn is a thought-provoking exhibition revealing assimilation tactics used under the NSW Aborigines Protection Act from 1909 to 1969. It features historical content from Dawn Magazine alongside works by survivors and descendants of the Cootamundra Domestic Training Home for Girls. The exhibit shows how propaganda targeted First Nations readers to promote assimilation, offering a rare glimpse into this difficult chapter of history. This space invites reflection and understanding, encouraging engagement with stories often overlooked. Beyond its historical focus, the exhibition honours the resilience of the Coota Girls and all Stolen Generation Survivors. Their stories of resistance, healing, and self-determination add emotional depth to the experience. Visitors may be moved by personal narratives and artistic expressions that bring these histories to life. It offers a powerful example of how truth-telling fosters awareness and respect, making the visit meaningful and memorable.