Media Release
For Issue: Monday November 16th, 2009
Forgotten Australians Remembered – Relationships Australia
Today the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd will apologise to the ‘Forgotten Australians’ – the
500,000 people who suffered abuse and neglect in Australian institutions between 1930 and
1970. Relationships Australia affirms the Federal Government’s acknowledgement of the
experiences of the Forgotten Australians, and the NSW State Government’s commitment to
provide support services that meet their needs.
The apology to the Forgotten Australians will be delivered in the Great Hall, Parliament
House Canberra today as part of formal remembrance ceremony.
Relationships Australia’s Aftercare Support Service or ARC-SS, (funded by the NSW
Department of Community Services) has been working with the survivors of these
institutions for the last six and a half years to provide counselling and support services.
Anne Neilson, Project Co-Ordinator from ARC Support Service said: “The terrible
experiences of many of these people in orphanages, institutions and foster care has had a
life long effect. An apology alone won’t undo this suffering, though the public
acknowledgement that comes from such an event is an important step towards healing.”
Around 900 Forgotten Australians, former child migrants and their families have registered
to attend the apology ceremony in Canberra today.
Michelle Sandri, Co-ordinator from ARC Support Service said: “The ARC is a unique service
established to provide specialised counselling and support to people identified as the
Forgotten Australians.”
“These people are the many survivors, living amongst us now who are living with the long-
term effects of abuse and neglect during their childhood in Out Of Home Care. The ARC
service is able to provide face-to-face as well as telephone counselling to people who were
placed in orphanages, institutions and foster care in NSW. Even if they are now living in the
Northern Territory or elsewhere they can call our toll free number on 1800 656 884.”
Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services including
counselling and education for individuals, couples, families and professionals. We have
been supporting Australians to achieve positive and respectful relationships for over 60
years.
For further information about the Aftercare Support Service please phone 02 9890 1500
9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
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Media contact:
Michelle Sandri
Aftercare Support Service
PH: 02 9890 1500
Monique Hauber-Davidson
Relationships Australia
PH: 0404 839 664 or 02 9425 4999
NEWS 
