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Fifth Anniversary National Apology

The apology was delivered in response to the recommendationsof two separate Senate Committee enquiries – the 2001 Senate Community AffairsReference Committee Report on Child Migration, the Lost Innocents Report and the 2004 Senate Community AffairsReferences Committee Report, ForgottenAustralians.

A moving ceremony was held in the Great Hall in ParliamentHouse. The then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and then Opposition Leader MalcolmTurnbull apologised on behalf of the nation to more than 500,000 Australians,many of whom suffered abuse and neglect while in out-of-home care during thelast century.

“The apology recognised that many Forgotten Australians andFormer Child Migrants continue to face a range of complex issues includingmental and physical illness, homelessness, substance abuse, educational andfamily relationship difficulties as a result of their experiences inout-of-home care,” said Karyn Walsh, Coordinator of Micah Projects.

“Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants will gathertogether to share a meal in various locations across the state to mark thesignificance of the apology and share each other’s company.

“Peer support has always been an important component ofliving with the memories and consequences of childhood abuse, so sharing timewith each other on the anniversary of the national apology provides anopportunity for friendship and support,” said Karyn Walsh.

The commemorations are being held in Brisbane, Rockhampton,Mackay, Townsille and Mackay, and are being organised by Lotus Place, anactivity of Micah Projects, which is funded by the Australian Government toprovide Find and Connect services across Queensland, and by the QueenslandGovernment Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services.

MORE INFORMATION:
Karyn Walsh, Coordinator Micah Projects 0413 619 785
Kerrod Trott, Media Liaison 0412 029 663

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