National Apology To The Forgotten Australians

Media Release
Embargo Monday 16 November 2009

UnitingCare NSW.ACT applauds the sentiments expressed in today's National Apology to The Forgotten Australians by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

As the community services arm of the Uniting Church in Australia which has previously acknowledged the experiences of children and young people who grew up in institutional care, UnitingCare NSW.ACT has advocated for recognition of past injustices.

Established in 1977, the Uniting Church in Australia brought together people from the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church and the Congregational Union.

The Presbyterian and Methodist churches provided institutional care to children and young people in NSW through Burnside. The Forgotten Australians Report includes tragic details of the suffering experienced in UnitingCare Burnside care.

Reverend Harry Herbert, UnitingCare NSW.ACT Executive Director, was humbled by today's National Apology.

"We understand that great courage is often needed to confront childhood suffering, especially when it has occurred whilst in the care of men and women of the church.

"The Forgotten Australians who spoke out about these experiences deserve our admiration.

"Their leadership is a reminder of our obligation not only to protect but also to nurture vulnerable children and young people.

"We look forward to working together with Government and the community to make sure that children and young people in out of home care have the very best start in life".

UnitingCare Burnside, a program of the UnitingCare Children, Young People and Families Service Group of UnitingCare NSW.ACT, continues a strong commitment to vulnerable children and young people through services which include out of home care. The program also offers aftercare support to those who have grown up in out of home care.

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For more information or an interview with Reverend Harry Herbert, Executive Director, UnitingCare NSW.ACT, please contact
Ingrid Hoff, Public Relations Assistant, UnitingCare NSW.ACT on
02 8267 4374 or email
[email protected]

SOURCE: UnitingCare NSW.ACT