Working with Forgotten Australians
News and Events
Looking for Forgotten Australians
Gregory Smith is looking for Forgotten Australians to participate in his PhD research so that future government policies can be developed to meet the special requirements of Forgotten Australians as they age.
Gregory is himself a Forgotten Australian. He is calling for participants from around Australia and interviews will be at a time at a place most convenient for the participant. Gregory will be conducting the interviews himself.
To participate in the study or to find out further information Gregory Smith can be contacted on (02) 6659 3151 during office hours or mobile 0401 083 462 and via email on gregory.smith@scu.edu.au
Empowering artwork launched at Kurilpa Point, South Brisbane, in homage to victims of childhood abuse
The experiences of Forgotten Australians have been commemorated with the dedication of an inspiring artwork at Kurilpa Point, South Brisbane.
Article in the Westender 19 December, 2011.
Community Services Minister Karen Struthers thanked all community and government organisations who had contributed to the commemorative artwork.
Department of Communities Media Statement 14 December 2011.
Forgotten Australains: National Museum Exhibition
Inside: Life in Children’s Homes and Institutions
Exhibition opened Wednesday 16 November 2011 at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
The Inside exhibition tells some of the stories of those who experienced institutional care as children. It will be a voice for those Australians and a chance for others to understand something of what their fellow Australians went through. Click here for more information.
Inquiry into former forced adoption practices
The Senate today extended the Senate Community Affairs committee inquiry into the Commonwealth contribution to former forced adoption policies because of the extent and nature of the evidence received and complexity of the issues involved.
"The committee has already received over 300 submissions, but we know there are others who still want to contribute to the inquiry", said committee chair Senator Rachel Siewert.
Australian Senate media release 12 May 2011
New memorial for WA child abuse victims
A memorial has been unveiled for the tens of thousands of West Australians who were abused as children while in state care.
ABC news 10 December, 2010
Tell the WA Government your thoughts about the memorial
Review of Government Compensation Payments
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee released its report late yesterday on its review on government compensation payments. The report quotes submissions from a number of Queensland former residents and makes 6 recommendations – three/four of which are directed at State governments such as Queensland in respect of reviewing existing redress schemes.
The Salvation Army apology for survivors of Salvation Army Girls and Boys Homes of Australia
The Salvation Army delivered a formal apology on 7 December 2010 to people who were mistreated while in the organisation's care as children. Thanks to CLAN for publishing images of this event.
National Library of Australia Oral History Project
As the Prime Minister announced in his Apology on 16 November 2009, the National Library is conducting an oral history project to record the lives and experiences of Forgotten Australians and former Child Migrants. Interviews will be conducted across Australia, will be preserved in the National Library and made publicly available, subject to any access conditions imposed by interviewees
On their own - Britain's child migrants A Photographic Exhibition
The exhibition On their Own - Britain's child migrants will open at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney 10 November 2010 to 15 May 2011, before touring.
The national tour will include the following venues:
•Migration Museum, South Australia
•Western Australian Museum, Perth
•Immigration Museum, Victoria
This exhibition is a collaboration between the Australian National Maritime Museum and National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Find and Connect Service Scoping Study
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs released the scoping study report for the design of the new Find and Connect service on 16 November 2010. The Government is considering how best to implement the new service, based on the report’s recommendations.
National Apology Anniversary
The first anniversary of the national apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants was remembered at gatherings in Brisbane and Rockhampton on Tuesday 16 November 2010.
In Brisbane close to 75 people met at the State Library to view a message from Jenny Macklin, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Susan Sheppard from FaHCSIA spoke briefly about the Minister's media release. After viewing a section of the Commemorative DVD of the Federal Apology guests enjoyed a sumptuous "High Tea" on the deck overlooking the Brisbane River.
In Rockhampton 30 people gathered at the Rugby Leagues Club and welcomed Yvonne BramsYvonne Brams – Manager Rockhampton ICC; who also presented the message from Jenny Macklin. Guests enjoyed lunch and the opportunity to meet old friends and make new friendships. John Lucas joined the gathering from Lotus Place.
SBS Forgotten Australians Documentary
This is the story of more than 500,000 children who were placed in institutional homes in Australia during the last century until the 1980s. The Federal Senate conducted an Inquiry in 2004 and concluded that many of the children were better off in care. It meant they were secure with regular routine and food in their bellies.
However, far more suffered physical and psychological abuse. Most grew up in an environment with overwhelming emotional neglect. How could this happen to so many vulnerable children?
