Welcome to CLAN - Care Leavers Australia Network
Dont forget the Victorian Silent Protest on Friday 3rd September in front of the Department of Human Services Offices at 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne between 10:30am-1:00pm.
If you are an existing Redress WA applicant, CLAN can provide support through CLAN's counsellor, Natalie. Support can be provided through telephone counselling and a provision of problem solving, information and refferal services. Natalie is available on Monday, Wednesday mornings and Friday. To speak to Natalie please freecall CLAN on 1800 008 774 to make an appointment -------------------------------------- The Salvation Army apology for survivors of Salvation Army Girls and Boys Homes of Australia Date: Tuesday 7th December 2010 Where: Old Parliament House, Canberra Time: 11:30am A sit down lunch will be provided Assistance for travel to Canberra for the apology will be posted when more information is made available RSVP is required as seats are limited Please call 1800 008 774 to RSVP to this event --------------------------------------
On Thursday 22nd July, ABC's "The Making of Modern Australia", Episode 1 "The Australian Child" was about Australian childhood, and as part of this, it featured stories on the Stolen Generation and Child Migrants but nothing at all on us, the Forgotten Australians. When asked the reason for this, the ABC's reply was that there wasn¹t time to cover all groups. This meant that even when they showed footage of our Apology on November 16 last year, they had to imply that it was an Apology just to the Child Migrants. In other words, not only have we once again been left out of the history of our country, but the national broadcaster, the ABC, distorted the truth about our history. The Prime Minister acknowledged us last year, but the ABC decided we weren¹t significant enough to acknowledge. Click here to view the story by the ABC Click here to read the responses to the documentary by CLAN co-founders Leonie Sheedy and Joanna Penglase CLAN has received several membership payments through Direct Debit that have not been notified to CLAN. If you pay through Direct Debit please email for confirmation to admin@clan.org.au and for anyone that has paid through Direct Debit could you please send us an email so we can match your payments. The upcoming August newsletter will be the last newsletter for people who have not rejoined, so please rejoin if you have not done so already. Thank you for your assistance -------------------------------------- CLAN's 10th Anniversary Click here to see photos from the 10th anniversary celebrations!!!
CLAN would like to give special thanks to all who attended, everyone who donated items and everyone who supported the raffles!!! ------------------------------------------
CLAN MEMBER SONG Does anyone know the title and artist of this song? Some of the lyrics are - "God is here, God is here, when I kneel to pray... He will hear? He will hear?" CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SONG ------------------------------------------ "Do you want the Churches and Charities to be made accountable and provide a National Apology to all Care Leavers, similar to the National Apology by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd?" Respond to our survey asking: ------------------------------------------ Thank you for all the tireless efforts and support to all CLAN members and its supporters, with special thanks to Former Senator Andrew Murray, Richard Marles MP- Member for Corio, Jason Clare MP - Member for Blaxland, Jenny Macklin - Minister for Children, Senator Claire Moore, Senator Gary Humphries, Steve Irons MP – Member for Swan and Senator Steve Hutchins - Senator for NSW where without him there would not have been an inquiry. A very big thank you to the Benevolent Society and the Post Adoption Resource Centre for their continued support to CLAN. Visit the Thank You page on the on the menu on the left to see a list of the postal addresses to send thank you cards to our wonderful supporters. |
.jpg)
Care Leavers Australia Network (CLAN) is a support and advocacy group for people brought up in care away from their family as state wards or Home children raised in Children's Homes, orphanages or other institutions, or in foster care. CLAN is also for anyone who has a close family member who was placed in "care".
Many of these people are now middle-aged or older but still carry the burden of unresolved issues from this past. Our aim is to raise community awareness of these issues, and to campaign for government assistance to redress them. CLAN welcomes everyone who has been affected by the "care" system, regardless of your background or heritage - we are here to help.
Contact CLAN on 9709 4520 or 0425-204-747 or email us at support@clan.org.au. Care Leavers who grew up in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and the ACT, and who still live in the state, can contact CLAN free on 1800-008-774.
CLAN is located at Shop 1/359 Chapel Road, Bankstown, NSW, 2200 and all mail can be directed to CLAN PO Box 164, Georges Hall, NSW, 2198
CLAN welcomes and needs donations, and all money received helps us to continue providing this essential service to all care leavers. All donations over $2 are tax-deductable. If you would like to make a donation, please send a cheque or money order to CLAN Inc, PO Box 164 Georges Hall, NSW, 2198. We are also very happy to receive gifts of stamps.
CLAN News Flash!
|
CLANs response to ABCs The Making of Modern Australia On Thursday 22nd July, ABCs The Making of Modern Australia, Episode 1 The Australian Child was about Australian childhood, and as part of this, it featured stories on the Stolen Generation and Child Migrants but nothing at all on us, the Forgotten Australians. more ... |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | CLAN News Flash - Posted 17/08/2010 |
|
Right to Information Roadshow Office of the Information Commissioner, Would you like more information on your right to access government information? Click on the PDF link for more information more ... |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | CLAN News Flash - Posted 17/08/2010 |
|
$26.5 million for a National Find and Connect Service for all Care Leavers , 12th May 2010 The Federal Government has announced $26.5 million for Care Leavers in the Federal Budget. Read on for Jenny Macklin MP annoucement media release and CLANs media release in response to the great news. more ... |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | CLAN Press Releases - Posted 12/08/2010 |
|
Rules for a Foster Mother CLAN member, Debbie, has sent a copy of a document for foster mothers to sign an undertaking before having children under their care, in 1967. more ... |
|
|
|
Media Articles - Posted 10/08/2010 |
|
Boys reunite to face Farm horrors Josephine Gillespie, Ipswich Queensland Times EACH corner of the former Riverview Training Farm for boys holds a memory for Robert Toreaux. more ... |
|
|
|
Media Articles - Posted 10/08/2010 |
|
Abused children defenceless Gary R. Green, Wantima, Herald Sun , 4th August 2010 OK, Kristy Fraser Kirk was allegedly the target of inappropriate advances and comments and perhaps had her bra strap touched, but she is big enough and old enough to resist, which she seems to have successfully done more ... |
|
|
|
Letters to Newspapers - Posted 05/08/2010 |
|
Redress WA July 2010 Newsletter Click on the PDF link to view Redress WA July 2010 Newsletter and information about free counselling sessions for WA Redress applicants more ... |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | Latest CLAN News - Posted 02/08/2010 |
|
New Service for NSW Care Leavers NSW Minister for Community Services Linda Burney announced that $1.2 million funding will go to highly regarded Relationships Australia NSW to run a new state-wide support service for those who grew up in childrens homes, orphanages and institutions from the 1920s to the 1990s. Click on the PDF link to read the press release |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | Press Releases - Posted 20/07/2010 |
|
Information for Improving Aged Care for Forgotten Australians/Care Leavers The following link will take you to the relevant information on the Department of Health and Ageing website for information on improving aged care for Care Leavers. more ... |
|
|
|
CLAN News Flash - Posted 20/07/2010 |
|
CLANs submission to review of government compensation payments Click on the PDF link to view CLANs submission to review of government compensation payments. |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | Latest CLAN News - Posted 20/07/2010 |
|
Church misleads sex abuse victims Barney Zwartz, The Age , 15th July 2010 SEXUAL abuse victims in Melbourne have been receiving misleading letters from the Catholic Church saying that if they accept compensation they can never take further action for any other cases of abuse. more ... |
|
|
|
Media Articles - Posted 19/07/2010 |
|
Current Redress WA Newsletter Click on the PDF link to view the current Redress WA Newsletter providing information on ex-gratia payments and other information. |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | Media Articles - Posted 19/07/2010 |
|
Reunion brings relief Kylie Triggell, The Satellite , 19th July 2010 ONCE a year from all over the country a group of men and their families travel to Ipswich to attend a reunion. more ... |
|
|
|
Media Articles - Posted 19/07/2010 |
|
Legal Rights of Care Leavers Click on the PDF link to view the paper presented by Penny Savidis of Ryan Carlisle Thomas Lawyers on legal options for Care Leavers. |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | CLAN News Flash - Posted 16/07/2010 |
|
Find out how you can participate in the Oral History Project (NSW)? Read further to find information on the Oral History Project (NSW) with excellent events to gain instructions on how to perform interviews, recording materials, equipment needed and other invaluable tools for making Oral Histories. more ... |
|
|
|
Latest CLAN News - Posted 15/07/2010 |
|
CLAN marks decade The Torch , 30th June 2010 A decade has passed since Care Leavers Australia Network (CLAN) was formed and the Bankstown-based organisation is set to celebrate its many achievements with a weekend of activities, including an art show, dinner and book launch. more ... |
|
|
|
Media Articles - Posted 12/07/2010 |
|
Giant daisies symbolise hope and healing 17th June 2010 , ABC News Huge stainless steel daisies have been unveiled in the Adelaide parklands opposite the Women's and Childrens Hospital as a symbol of hope and healing for the thousands of children who suffered as a result of past child welfare policies. Read further for a link on a video of the memorial more ... |
|
|
|
Media Articles - Posted 12/07/2010 |
|
Victorian Government introduces the Carer Card The Carer Card is considered to be a way in which carers can be recognised for the significant level of care and commitment they provide supporting family members and friends who are frail, aged or have disabilities or to children who require foster placements. more ... |
|
|
|
CLAN News Flash - Posted 15/06/2010 |
|
Free Public Transport Travel Entitlements for WA Seniors, Aged and Disability Support Pensioners WA Seniors are entitled to travel for free on all Transperth services between 9.00am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday, all day Saturday and Sunday, as well as public holidays. more ... |
|
|
|
Press Releases - Posted 15/06/2010 |
Do you know who this is?, 27th January 2010 CLAN retrieved a photo from an antique store with a child on a rocking horse. Does anyone have any information about who the child is or where the photo was taken? more ... |
|
|
|
Latest CLAN News - Posted 24/05/2010 |
|
Evil dad report under wraps Padraic Murphy, Herald Sun , 14th May 2010 A REPORT into how authorities failed a woman who was raped daily by her father for almost 30 years - and bore him four children - will not be publicly released. more ... |
|
|
|
Media Articles - Posted 14/05/2010 |
|
Queensland University of Technology - Q-Step Program for Mature Age Students The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has introduced a method for people who are on a low income to be eligible for undergraduate courses at QUT through the QUT Q-Step Program. more ... |
|
|
|
Press Releases - Posted 11/05/2010 |
|
Effects of child abuse and neglect of adult survivors Alistor Lamont, National Child Protection Clearinghouse Exposure to child abuse and neglect can lead to a wide range of adverse consequences that can last a lifetime. The purpose of this Resource Sheet is to indicate the potential long-term effects of child abuse and neglect that may extend into adulthood. Click on the PDF link to read on. more ... |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | Media Articles - Posted 10/05/2010 |
|
CLANs draft for the Victorian Memorial for Care Leavers , 8th March 2010 This is CLANs draft for the Victorian Memorial for Care Leavers; more ... |
|
|
|
CLAN News Flash - Posted 08/03/2010 |
|
CLANs submission into the future of Public Housing in Victoria , 28th January 2010 CLAN has submitted its paper into the Adequacy and Future Directoins of Public Housing in Victoria. Special thanks to CLAN Vice-President, Frank Golding for his efforts in creating and writing the submission. Click on the PDF link to view the CLAN's submission. more ... |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | CLAN News Flash - Posted 28/01/2010 |
|
Update on the NSW Healing Service DVDs and photos and National Apology Memory Book , 16th December 2009 Production of a DVD recording of the NSW healing service and memorial unveiling is currently being finalised. Community Services can arrange to send a copy of the DVD as soon as it is available. more ... |
|
|
|
CLAN News Flash - Posted 17/12/2009 |
|
Where does your membership money go? , 15th December 2009 Over the last 12 months Jason Clare MP Member for Blaxland, has kindly printed our newsletters for free. Prior to this, we had to pay for newsletters to be printed. more ... |
|
|
|
CLAN News Flash - Posted 16/12/2009 |
|
Submission to Senate Community Affairs Committee: Inquiry into Suicide in Australia Joint Submission by AFA and CLAN, , 14th December 2009 At least half a million Australian children grew up in the 500 Orphanages or Childrens Homes, detention centres and/or foster care in Australia during the twentieth century. In many instances these were decidedly unhealthy places for children, and many former inmates continue to suffer from debilitating physical and mental health problems stemming from their experiences in care. The Senate Committee Inquiry, Forgotten Australians: A Report on Australians who experienced institutional or out-of-home care as children (August 2004) reported: more ... |
|
| » Click here to download PDF | Latest CLAN News - Posted 14/12/2009 |
CLAN HatThe CLAN hat can be purchased for $15. more ... |
|
|
|
Latest CLAN News - Posted 26/10/2009 |
Recent or Upcoming Protests
Victorian Silent Protest - Friday 5th November 2010 Time: 10:30am-1:00pm
Where: In front of Department of Human Services' office
Address: 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
As Victoria's state election is this year we really need to gather everyone's support to help bring to light issues of justice and redress.
Victorian Silent Protest - Friday 1st October 2010 Time: 10:30am-1:00pm
Where: In front of Department of Human Services' office
Address: 50 Lonsdale St, Melboune
As Victoria's state election is this year we really need to gather everyone's support to help bring to light issues of justice and redress.
Victorian Silent Protest - Friday 3rd September 2010 Time: 10:30am-1:00pm
Where: In front of Department of Human Services' office
Address: 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
As Victoria's state election is this year we really need to gather everyone's support to help bring to light issues of justice and redress.
Victorian Silent Protest - Friday 6th August 2010 Time: 10:30am-1:00pm
Where: In front of Department of Human Services' office
Address: 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
Events
The Salvation Army apology for survivors of Salvation Army Girls and Boys Homes of Australia - Tuesday 7th December 2010 Time: 11:30am
Where: Old Parliament House, Canberra
The Salvation Army apology for survivors of Salvation Army Girls and Boys Homes of Australia
Date: Tuesday 7th December 2010
Where: Old Parliament House, Canberra
Time: 11:30am
A sit down lunch will be provided
Assistance for travel to Canberra for the apology will be posted when more information is made available RSVP is required as seats are limited
St. Vincents Home Reunion - 14th November 2010 Time: 10:00am-3:00pm
Where: 125 Queens Road, Nudgee, QLD, 4014
Former residents, family, friends and staff of St. Vincent's Home are invited to attend the St. Vincent's Home, Nudgee reunion to be held on Sunday 14th November 2010 from 10am to 3pm at 125 Queen's Road, Nudgee 4014.
BYO picnic lunch or for a small cost those attending can enjoy a sausage sizzle, soft drinks and ice creams. Free tea, coffee and morning tea plus BBQ facilities provided.
Life Be In It - FunWorks will be providing free face painting and organised games/activities for everyone (children and adults) from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Parking available on site.
A flyer advertising the reunion will be mailed out in mid-August; if anyone would like to be added to the mailing list please contact Colleen on (07) 3267 9008 or 0408 704 054 or leave your name and contact details with administration staff at Mercy Family Services, Nudgee on (07) 3267 9000.
Linnwood Reunion - 17th October 2010 Time: 11:00am-4:00pm
Where: 25 Byron Road Guildford, NSW
The Friends of Linnwood cordially invite ex-residents of Lynwood Hall/Linnwood, McCredie Cottage and Faulds House at 25 Byron Road Guildford, NSW to a reunion to be held on Sunday 17th October 2010 from 11am - 4pm.
Refreshments provided. Please bring along any photos or memorabilia which can be copied on the day.
For any enquiries, please contact Dorothy on 9632 9203 or 0412 606 644
or email: linnwood@optusnet.com.au
RSVP by 13th October 2010.
Kiama Plaque for Care Leavers - 11th September 2010 Time: 11.30am
Where: Peace Park - Manning St, Kiama
Kiama Council has agreed to place a plaque for Care Leavers
Mayor Sandra McCarthy will unveil the plaque.
CLAN will hold a social afterwards at Peace Park at 1:30pm, bring your own lunch or you can buy your own from the area.
CLAN's 10th Anniversary - 3rd - 4th July 2010 Time: 9:00am
Where: Bankstown Sports Club
CLAN celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Bankstown Sports Club on the 3rd and 4th July 2010.
A very big thank you to everyone that attended, everyone donated items and everyone that bought raffle tickets.
A great event for all!!
Click here to view photos from the day
Child Migrant Apology - 25th February 2010 Time: 9:00am
Where: United Kingdom
Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and the UK Government made a national apology to former child migrants from Britain on Wednesday 24th February, aired in Australia on Thursday 25th February 2010.
The British High Commissioner, The Rt Hon Baroness Valerie Amos said: “This important and historic occasion is particularly relevant in Australia, which was home to up to 10,000 former child migrants.
“Over the past few months I have met many whose lives were blighted, and heard their personal stories. The events planned here in Australia and the UK will be an important milestone in recognising the difficulties faced by those affected.
“We want not just to bear witness to the past but to look forward to a future where these terrible events will not be repeated,” Baroness Amos added.
Click here to view photos from the day
Federal Apology to all Care Leavers by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd - 16th November 2009 Time: 11:00am
Where: Members Hall, Parliament House, Canberra
The apology was delivered in the Great Hall in Parliament House, Canberra.
A motion was later moved in both houses of Parliament on the same day.
If you have any photos you would like uploaded to the CLAN website please email them to:
or post to
PO Box 164,
Georges Hall, NSW, 2198
Barry Pinnell Rememberance - 12th October 2009 Time: 2:30pm
Where: Perth
As reported earlier last month; former CLAN member Barry Pinnell passed away before his payment from Redress where his body was left in a morgue for 2 months.
Barry was laid to rest on 12th October 2009 at 2:30pm.
A Sad but Dignified Funeral - Leonie Sheedy
On 12th October I attended the funeral of Barry Pinnell, a WA CLAN member. I met Barry in the
CLAN member Peter Bent and Pippa of CBERS made sure Barry was given a dignified funeral. Peter got the media involved because when Barry had died so did his WA redress claim. Peter, a UK Child Migrant, and Barry, and Aussie Homie met at Castledare Orphanage in WA when Peter was 8 years old. They were thrown together in the system and became life-long friends. Fifteen of us walked behind a hearse covered with beautiful white and red carnations. As we neared the graveside, the Aussie song “True Blue” came out of the speakers. Peter had arranged for Sue the funeral celebrant to conduct the service and what a fine job she did. It was respectful and sensitive and made mention of Barry’s childhood in WA orphanages. During the service three other songs were played; “I was born under a Wandering Star” by Lee Marvin, “Amazing Grace” sung beautifully by Anthony, a fellow Castledare boy and ‘Nobody’s Child.” The tears flowed freely. My emotions went from being very angry at how a fellow Australian could never know his family as a child or an adult and then die alone and be left in a morgue for 2 months. To the other end of the scale, pride that a group of fellow Homies could give a wonderful and respectful farewell to one of their own. Sincere thanks to Peter, Paul, Anthony, Hugh, Carol, Jack, Jim, Arthus, Jerry, Christine, Tony, Pat and Ross. Special thanks to Christian Brothers WA for topping up the WA Redress cheque of the $5000 for the funeral and paying for the wreath. Thank you to the people at Barry’s funeral for your support for each other and to me.
NSW Memorial Unveiling and Healing Ceremony for Forgotten Australians - 19th September 2009 Time: Contact Eva for details
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
The NSW Government is planning a healing service for those who grew up in institutional care to be held in Sydney on Saturday 19th September 2009 for NSW Care Leavers.
CLAN, with the assistance of Anglicare, has been instrumental in securing Government support for the healing service.
The healing service will co-incide with the unveiling of a memorial in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney to acknowledge the difficulties that many care leavers experienced in their childhood. Further details will be available soon.
Care leavers interested in receiving further details about the healing service and/or memorial launch should contact Eva Kornits at the Department of Community Services (DoCS) by phone 02 9716 2747 or email eva.kornits@community.nsw.gov.au
Click here to view photos from the day
WA Memorial - TBA Time: TBA
Where: In front of the Jubilee Building of the WA Museum
Plans for a memorial for Forgotten Australians/Care Leavers have been finalised.
The memorial will be located at Perth Cultural Centre, in front of the Jubilee Building of the WA Museum and has been designed by artist Judith Forrest.
In addition, writer Terri-Anne White, has been selected to develop wording for the memorial where both she and Judith will work together with the Forgotten Australians Committee representatives to finalise this project.
Premier Colin Barnett and Minister for Community Services Robyn McSweeney will unveil the memorial in December and further information will be provided prior to this event.
