The apology will be delivered in Parliament House on November 16 and will acknowledge the abuse and neglect suffered by many Australians who were brought up in care as state wards, foster children of home children raised in orphanages, children’s homes and other institutions.
Local Georges Hall resident and Care Leavers Australia Network (CLAN) President Leonie Sheedy said this was something she has been waiting a lifetime to hear.
“This is wonderful! Finally we are going to be recognised in our country,” Ms Sheedy said.
“This is a historic and important part of our healing, what a great start,” Ms Sheedy said.
Ms Sheedy is the co-founder of Care Leavers Australia Network, a local support and advocacy group for close to half a million children who grew up in children’s homes, orphanages and other forms of out-of-home care.
From her small office in Chapel Road Bankstown, Leonie has been campaigning for the last nine years to bring the plight of Forgotten Australians to national attention.
“In 2004 Leonie’s courage and tenacity prompted a Senate Inquiry. In 2007, it earned her an Order of Australia and now it has helped deliver a national apology,” Mr Clare said.
“The apology is an important step forward in the healing process for so many people in our local community,” Mr Clare said.
Ms Sheedy and Jason Clare MP have been appointed to the advisory group responsible for the development of the national apology.
To register interest to attend the National Apology please call the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs on 1800 634 147 or CLAN on 9709 4520.
Media contact: Chris Zogopoulos
T: 9790 2466
