The Story Behind the Monument
They Took the Children Away stands within Reconciliation Place on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. The installation uses text, sound, and sculptural elements to recall the government policies that removed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families between the early 1900s and the 1970s. Its name comes from the well-known song by Archie Roach, whose own story of removal is woven into the memorial’s audio component.
What You Will See
Visitors encounter a low, curved wall engraved with excerpts from testimonies given to the Bringing Them Home inquiry. A central pathway leads to a cluster of etched glass panels that catch the changing light over the lake. At intervals, recorded voices recite names, dates, and places, creating an intimate soundscape rather than a loud exhibit. The design deliberately avoids grand statues, focusing instead on personal fragments that reward slow, repeated reading.
Surrounding Context
The monument forms part of a larger circle of artworks in Reconciliation Place. Walking the short loop places the memorial in conversation with other installations that address land rights, language revival, and service in the armed forces. The open setting allows visitors to sit on nearby benches and absorb the view across the water toward Parliament House.
Practical Access
The site lies within easy walking distance of the National Library and the High Court. Public buses stop at nearby Reconciliation Place, and the lakefront shared path is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Parking is available in the underground car park beneath the National Portrait Gallery, a five-minute stroll away. Because the memorial is outdoors and open at all hours, it can be visited at dawn or dusk when foot traffic is light and the audio elements are clearest.
Best Time to Visit and Nearby Experiences
Canberra’s cooler months from April to October offer comfortable temperatures for lingering. Combine a morning visit with the nearby National Museum’s First Australians gallery or an afternoon walk along the lake to the National Arboretum. The monument’s location makes it a natural stop on any itinerary that includes the Australian War Memorial or the Parliamentary Triangle.
Respectful Conduct
The site is a place of remembrance. Keep conversations low, avoid photography that includes other visitors without permission, and read the inscriptions fully before moving on. Many locals return regularly; treat the space as an active site of reflection rather than a quick photo stop.
