Uniting Vic.Tas says sorry
On 26 November 2024, Uniting said sorry to the Forgotten Australians who suffered from our past actions and practices. Forgotten Australians, also known as care leavers, include people who spent time in out-of-home care in Australia before 1990.
Heritage service
Uniting says sorry to Forgotten Australians.
The Uniting Church gave an apology in 2004. Uniting’s formation brought with it a unique opportunity to say sorry on behalf of all the founding agencies which had provided care in the past.
More than 500 letters were sent to people who had been in contact with Uniting’s Heritage Service from 2016 onward to seek their views on what an apology might look like. Their responses ranged from indifference to welcome. Some said an apology on its own was not enough.
The apology and its delivery were informed by these Forgotten Australians. The apology was written by a small group of Forgotten Australians, with input from the Heritage Service team, Director of Mission Jessica Hateley-Browne, and members of a specially formed task group.
A small event, held at 130 Lonsdale Street in Melbourne, was attended by Forgotten Australians, Uniting Vic.Tas Board members and Uniting employees. The event fell into 3 parts:
- Forgotten Australians read ‘What sorry needs to say’, a document they wrote which describes what they believe should be included in an apology. Notably, the word ‘apology’ was seen to be over-used and there is a fatigue around its use. Hence the title ‘Uniting recognises and says sorry’.
- The apology was then given jointly by CEO of Uniting Bronwyn Pike and Acting Senior Manager, Care and Placement Prevention Grace Scaglione.
- Head of Quality Maree Kulkens and Grace outlined Uniting’s current practices and policies to safeguard children today, followed by the lighting of 3 candles representing Forgotten Australians, Uniting, and those who work to support Forgotten Australians.
The event concluded with lunch, giving people the opportunity to learn more and meet one other.
Get in touch
Some people find a personal apology to be more significant than a general apology.
If this is of interest to you, or someone you know, you are welcome to request a personal apology, either in-person or by letter. Please contact Chris Wade via [email protected] or by telephone on 0402 969 621 for further information.
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0402 969 621