The Stolen Generation has had a lasting effect on Australian society and culture in its entirety, including the development of a conscience. One of the shocking factors of the history of the stolen generation was the decades (80 years) over which the practice of removing aboriginal children from their families continued. The significance of this continued mistreatment was the dilution of Aboriginal culture - the absence of traditional learning situations (i.e. family interaction and generational sharing) as a result of displaced families has left holes and gaps. Australia has lost the influence of ideas and stories which date back for millenniums.At an individual level, the fact that these children were taken from their stable background and all that they knew at a young age set many up for mental illness such as depression, loneliness, low self-esteem, loss of identity, mistrust, anxiety suicide and post-traumatic stress(source 4). This impacts their ability to gain and maintain employment and as a consequence provide for their family. In some, it also leads to drugs and alcohol. The consequences impact both rural and urban societies and divide opinions as to appropriate actions and interventions.From 1997 onwards the government of the time sought to test if the Australian public thought the aboriginal people were owed an apology. It took until February 2008 for Kevin Rudd to take action. Whilst some felt this was not enough the public recognition was generally well received (source 3)and thought to echo the views of the majority of Australians:“I feel great. I'm on top of the world, I'm floating on air. It's a big weight off my shoulders… It's the closure I need”. —Archie Roach, 52, Aboriginal singer and songwriter and member of the Stolen Generations“(Korff, Jens. 'A Guide To Australia’S Stolen Generations'. Creative Spirits. N.p., 2015. Web. 3 Nov. 2015.)"I'm really encouraged and buoyed by the chance that has been taken here to really open the door to the process of healing.”—Dr Alex Brown, Aboriginal doctor.Since that time a Foundation has been formed designed to deal with the lasting effects of the trauma which funds education and healing programs. A memorial has been created at Mt Annan in western Sydney and a national Sorry Day has been established and is commemorated on May 26 when the community can be involved in activities which acknowledge the impact of forcible removal on Australia’s Indigenous populations.