Despite feeling closure after hearing the word ``sorry'', the NSW representative for the Stolen Generations Alliance is still fighting to get NSW Aboriginal residents financial compensation like those in Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia have received.

Aunty Mary believes the apology isn't an empty

promise and is working towards a better future.

She believes fostering relationships with students to develop positive attitudes toward the stolen generation was one way to ensure that better future.

What wasn't a let-down was the alliance's anniversary celebrations with Kingswood Park Public School, which her grandchildren attend, which has links to the South-Western Sydney Stolen Generation Support Group.

Last year, Aunty Mary and some of the students went to Canberra for the apology and this year, more than 260 students, staff and parents attended a school barbecue to mark the milestone.

She said it was a fantastic day and emotional watching Mr Rudd's speech on DVD because some of the parents that had been affected by the stolen generation had watched it for the first time.

Her group also announced an initiative for students to submit a story, poem or essay about the stolen generation. The winners in each age category will read their work at the second anniversary.

``A lot of people out there think that we've had an apology and should get on with life,'' she said.

``But our aim is to achieve all of the 54 recommendations of the Bringing Them Home report, which include financial compensation, and building of a memorial at Mount Annan.

``We're also inviting people to tell their stories at schools to teach the kids what happened and how it affects

families.''