Wednesday, March 23, 2011

NSW Support Service for Forgotten Australians

The Minister for Community Services Linda Burney recently opened the statewide Forgotten Australians service to assist those people who were placed in institutions, Children’s Homes and orphanages up to the 1990s. Relationships Australia NSW will operate Wattle Place, the NSW Support Service for Forgotten Australians with $834,000 annual funding provided by the NSW Government.

“What the Forgotten Australians suffered has impacted their lives and has meant many care leavers experience difficulties with trust, relationships and functioning in society,” Anne Hollonds, CEO of Relationships Australia NSW said. “Wattle Place, located in Harris Park and close to transport links, will support the process of healing, sensitively considering their fears, needs and concerns.

The service is available to anyone who grew up in institutional care in NSW, regardless of where they now live in Australia. To contact the NSW Support Service for Forgotten Australians Freecall 1800 663 844, phone 02 8837 7000