Welcome to CLAN - Care Leavers Australia Network

During the CLAN protest on 5/3/10 at the headquarters of DHS, CLAN members were denied access to the DHS building and not allowed to use the coffee shop and toilets. We will not be deterred and protest again on 9th April in front of the DHS offices.

Write to Lisa Neville MP - Minister for Mental Health, Community Services and Senior Victorians and Victorian Premier John Brumby contact them on:

     Lisa Neville MP- lisa.neville@parliament.vic.gov.au

                             or to                     

                             Premier John Brumby MP: premier@dpc.vic.gov.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
            

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CLAN’s letter to Minister Lisa Neville of the treatment of CLAN members during the 5th March 2010 protest.

Dear Minister Neville,

I am writing on behalf of the CLAN members who attended the silent protest held outside the headquarters of DHS in Lonsdale Street on Friday 5 March. As you would know, in the two years that we have been conducting these protests at Parliament House, Melbourne, we have always conducted ourselves in a dignified and respectful manner.

In all that time there has not been one single incident of poor behaviour nor the slightest act that would cause a security concern.

We have a very good relationship with the Victorian Police and Security at Parliament House who know that we are law abiding citizens with no intention of breaking the law or creating any difficulties for people who need access to public or private property.

In that context, we were very sad to see the lengths your Department went to last Friday. The four security guards at the front door informed us that they had been directed by DHS to not allow CLAN protesters access to the building. There were also another 4 guards manning the other entry points as well.

Our elderly members were shocked and angry that they were not able to gain access to the building in order to buy a cup of coffee, get a drink of water or use the toilets. One of our members who attended was on crutches. Another was 82 years old. Many others are elderly. We were affronted by your Department's over-the-top and ill-considered response to a peaceful protest.

Not only that, but we are of the opinion that the Department's heavy-handed response to care leavers will actually inflame our members and almost certainly have the effect of encouraging more members to attend protests in the future. Our media contacts have informed us that there could be quite a story about an 82 year old warranting eight security officers to keep the peace.

We wish to inform you that our protests will go on despite your Department's heavy-handed attempt to deter us. We are not going away regardless of how many doors are locked in our faces. We have been treated far worse than being denied entry to your headquarters.

We respectfully urge you to instruct your senior officers in the clearest possible terms to re-think their approach when we protest again next month.

We look forward to your personal assurances in this matter.

Regards,
Leonie Sheedy
President

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Letter to Minister Neville by CLAN member, Nada

Dear Ms Neville,

I am writing to you about the Clan Protest on Friday the 5th of March outside DHS in Lonsdale St.

Were you so scared of us Ms Neville that security refused us entrance to toilets, coffee shop, we weren't even allowed to take our rubbish in.... your security told us to go 'somewhere else' for all of that.

What did you think we would do? Storm your office? Trash the building? Scream and yell? Burn the building down?

I think I am a bit too old for that, and I doubt that the seniors that were there were going to start a riot.

I am disabled, I had to walk back to a pub on the corner of Bourke and Exhibition St. I cannot use those strange toilets on the corner (I have a weird, pathological fear of them- it's not normal I know but they freak me out)

Haven't we suffered enough in care? That now you take even more of our dignity away by banning us from the building? For no reason-no excuse- nothing. It was humiliating!

You are the Minister for Mental Health - you showed no compassion to any of us. You are the Minister for Senior Victorians - you showed no compassion to any of the seniors that were there.

Try stepping into our shoes for a day; feel our pain, physical, mental and psychological. We hurt so badly and then to be embarrassed like that! I fight for my sanity every single day and when you get treated like that - it just makes it worse.

You should be ashamed of the way we were treated.

Kind Regards
CLAN member Nada

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Letter to Minister Justin Madden MP - Minister for Planning and Minister for the Respect Agenda by CLAN member, Nada

Contact Justin Madden MP on justin.madden@parliament.vic.gov.au

Dear Mr Madden,

You are the Minister for the Respect Agenda.

On Friday the 5th of March Forgotten Australians had a protest outside DHS in Lonsdale St Melbourne. You would know CLAN Mr Madden; you have seen us on many occasions outside Parliament House. Most of the Ministers go out of there way to dodge us.

Lisa Neville in her wisdom- had us banned from the building - no toilets, no coffee shops, no excuse, no reason and 4 security guards at all the doors and all they would say is- go somewhere else.

I am disabled- I was shown NO RESPECT!

The seniors were shown NO RESPECT!

We were hit with a massive downpour - those old folks hid in a corner of the building, they wouldn't let them in to shelter from the rain. NO RESPECT!

Is everyone so scared of us, that they can't see or hear us?

How much more Abuse, DISRESPECT and humiliation are we forced to endure?

I promise if your mum or nanna ever come knocking on my door- I will let them use my loo, and I will make them a cuppa, I will let them shelter from the rain. I will treat them with the RESPECT they deserve as human beings.

Shame on you all.

Kind Regards

CLAN member Nada

P.S CLAN Members vote too

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Letter to Minister Neville by CLAN member Mark

Dear Ms. Neville,

I write to you to seek clarification and an explanation for the action of security staff at 50 Lonsdale Street on Friday 5th March, 2010.

I am a member of CLAN (Care Leavers Australia Network) and as I am sure you are aware, I and other CLAN members were part of a silent protest at Lonsdale Street today. The purpose of our silent protests is to push for the resolution of numerous matters for all Forgotten Australians. Our protests are non-confrontational, peaceful by nature and attended by a diverse group of people, most in their fifth decade of life and beyond. We have protested with no incident in many locations across Melbourne and country Victoria, including on the steps of the Victorian Parliament.

Today we were actively barred from entering the common ground floor locations of the building at 50 Lonsdale Street by no less than 4 security staff. This is an outrage. This building is not, as I am informed, owned by The Department of Human Services (DHS), they are merely a tenant.

Please clarify how you and DHS feel you have the right, as a tenant, to direct security staff to exclude us from the common public locations of the foyer/lobby and adjacent shop. Please also explain just what it is you were afraid of with respect to these peaceful, and in some cases, quite elderly and frail people. Of course I assume security were directed too their task by your office as representative of DHS.

I am a law-abiding, tax paying, honest, passive member of the community. As a child I was beaten, demeaned, belittled, assaulted in every possible way, disregarded and told I was worthless whilst in Institutional care that the government of the day failed to appropriately oversee. You may recall Mr. Kevin Rudd PM. recently acknowledged and apologised to people like me, saying that we were no longer the Forgotten Australians but were now the Remembered Australians. You may consider the need to follow his sentiment. Today through the incident at the building of which DHS is a tenant, you through your office displayed exactly what you think of me.

If you want to know how I feel, consider the following adjectives which surface after the way in which I (and the other CLAN members) were treated today; ashamed, worthless, re-abused, demeaned, degraded, betrayed, belittled, discriminated and rejected.

I am ashamed of DHS and your own office’s unconscionable behaviour, and I urgently seek an apology, an explanation for your actions, and an assurance that such abominable action is never taken again against, as is clearly still evident, the Forgotten Australians.

Yours in disgust,
CLAN member Mark 

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To find out about joining CLAN and membership please click here!!!

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Click here to view photos of the Child Migrant Apology

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CLAN is happy to announce that from 01/02/10 there will be a counsellor, Natalie, at the CLAN office for ALL Care Leavers. Please ring the CLAN office to make an appointment for either Monday or Friday for telephone or face to face counselling.

Please note that you do not need to be a member of CLAN for the counselling service

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CLAN is approaching it's 10 year Anniversary and will be celebrating this wonderful achievement on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July 2010.

Watch this space for further details of the celebration.

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CLAN is gathering information for a booklet and is asking for reactions after the Federal Apology by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull.

Contact CLAN on 1800 008 774 or email support@clan.org.au

Tell us how you feel

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Respond to our survey asking:

"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?"

CLICK HERE TO RESPOND

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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.

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.

 

DON'T FORGET CLAN'S NSW SOCIAL NEXT WEEK ON

ST PATRICKS DAY

SEE THE MEMBER'S SECTION AND YOUR NEWSLETTER FOR DETAILS

 



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

 


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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!

William John Keith Ellis sentenced for raping boys at Eden Park
Jordanna Schriever, Adelaide Now , 6th May 2009
A DISGRACEFUl pedophile who raped orphans at a Salvation Army boys home will almost certainly die in prison, after being dealt a 16-year jail term today. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 10/03/2010
CLANs survey response
, 9th March 2010
CLAN has recieved a wonderful response from the survey and we had 83 responses just today and are looking forward to more surveys returning. more ...
CLAN News Flash - Posted 09/03/2010
Paedophile gets longer jail for more offences
ABC News , 5th March 2010
The District Court has added six years to a paedophiles jail term in South Australia for new offences on young boys in the 1970s and 1980s. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 08/03/2010
Child protection inquiry seeks personal stories
ABC News , 16th February 2010
One of the experts chairing a child protection inquiry says he wants to hear from people who have experienced any involvement in the Northern Territory system. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 08/03/2010
Gordon Browns statement on the Child Migrant Apology
, 24th February 2010
The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): With permission, Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a statement. more ...
Speeches - Posted 08/03/2010
Grandparenting and Separation Forum
Click on the PDF link to view a flyer advertising a forum on Grand parenting and Separation. This two hour forum is on the 23rd of March and being repeated at 3 other dates later in the year (also listed). This is a collaboration between LifeWorks and the Geelong Family Relationship Centre. All details including the need to RSVP are on the flyer. more ...
» Click here to download PDF
Latest CLAN News - Posted 08/03/2010
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
Adviser quits Redress Scheme
Jessica Strutt, The West Australian , 22nd February 2010
A prominent victims advocate is so disgusted by the State Governments handling of the Redress scheme she will today quit her role on a council that provides it with advice on child protection. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 05/03/2010
Does anyone know who I am?
Matthew Dunckley, Sunday Herald Sun , 23rd January 2005
TIME is running out for Peter Raymond. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 04/03/2010
CLANs Frame Boards
CLAN has purchased frame boards that are outside the CLAN office to help the general community know more about the issues and work of care leavers. We have had many heads turning and many phonecalls generating huge interest in theissues of care leavers and the CLAN museum. more ...
CLAN News Flash - Posted 03/03/2010
Senate Inquiry into Compensation Payments
, 3rd March 2010
The Government is announcing submissions for Compensation Payments. Watch this space for CLANs submission in the coming months. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 03/03/2010
Redress WA February 2010 Newsletter
Click on the PDF link to view the Redress WA February 2010 Newsletter
» Click here to download PDF
Media Articles - Posted 03/03/2010
Irish among deported children
Michele Savage, Irish Times , 27th February 2010
Madam, Gordon Brown has apologised for the deportation by successive governments of more than 130,000 children to other countries from the 1920s to the 1960s, stating this happened mostly without parental knowledge and consent. more ...
Letters to Newspapers - Posted 01/03/2010
Books about Child Migrants
With news of the child migrant apology, please feel free to browse through our online library list for details on the various books we hold in the CLAN library. Our featured books, from news of the child migrant apology are; more ...
Latest CLAN News - Posted 01/03/2010
UK Prime Minister Gordon Browns statement to Child Migrants - Transcript
, 25th February 2010
With permission Mr Speaker, I wish to make a statement. Until the late 1960s Mr Speaker, successive UK governments had over a long period of time supported child migration schemes. more ...
Speeches - Posted 26/02/2010
Apology welcome but late: child migrants
Sydney Morning Herald , 25th February 2010
The British governments apology to former child migrants is welcome but has come too late, those attending a formal ceremony at the British high commission in Sydney say. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 25/02/2010
Gordon Brown apologises to child migrants sent abroad
BBC , 25th February 2010
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has apologised for the UKs role in sending more than 130,000 children to former colonies where many suffered abuse. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 25/02/2010
UK apologises for suffering of its abused child migrants
Angus Hohenboken, The Australian , 25th February 2010
more ...
Media Articles - Posted 25/02/2010
Child Migrants to recieve national apology from UK government
, 19th February 2010
The UK Government is to make its national apology to former child migrants from Britain on Wednesday 24th February, and will be aired in Australia on Thursday 25th February 2010. more ...
CLAN News Flash - Posted 24/02/2010
Scot deported into childhood misery to get PMs apology
David Perry, Press and Journal - UK , 23rd February 2010
A Scotsman who was deported to Australia from the Nazareth House childrens home in Aberdeen 60 years ago has returned to the UK to hear a formal apology for his treatment from Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Read further for CLANs response to this article more ...
Media Articles - Posted 24/02/2010
Liberal Government in WA will feel backlash at next election
, 18th February 2010
Please click on the PDF to view CLAN's response to news of the WA Redress scheme.
» Click here to download PDF
CLAN News Flash - Posted 19/02/2010
Clergy must admit blame for abominable acts of abuse
John Cooney, David Sharrock and Richard Owen, Irish Independent , 16th February 2010
CATHOLIC clergy who have sinned by abusing children or by turning a blind eye to paedophile priests must admit blame for their abominable acts, Irelands bishops were told yesterday. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 18/02/2010
Sorry not enough for stolen generations
Michael Gordon, The Age , 13th February 2010
REG Edwards was sitting at the breakfast table when he peered out a window and saw the empty Morris Minor begin to slide backwards down the driveway. He was barely in his teens, but clearly one of the biggest and strongest boys at the Orana Methodist Home for abandoned and 'neglected' children in Burwood. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 18/02/2010
Redress backlash hits State
Jessica Strutt, The West Australian , 17th November 2010
Keep posted for CLANs response to this article. Only about 100 of almost 6000 applicants to the Redress scheme will today receive details of their ex-gratia payments as the first round of offers are made by the Government to former State wards. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 17/02/2010
Pope meets Irish bishops on child abuse scandal
BBC UK News , 15th February 2010
Pope Benedict XVI has opened two days of talks with Irelands Roman Catholic bishops to discuss their response to a child sex abuse scandal. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 16/02/2010
Hits on the website
, 15th February 2010
Please click on the PDF to download a graph on CLANs website hits more ...
» Click here to download PDF
Latest CLAN News - Posted 15/02/2010
CLAN has memory books till the end of February
CLAN has the memory books from the National Apology till the end of February. There are two books; one for Forgotten Australians and the other for former Child Migrants. Come visit the CLAN office to sign them.
CLAN News Flash - Posted 15/02/2010
Redress for the Forgotten Australians
Geelongs 94.7FM , 9th February 2010
Angela Sdrinis who is a partner with Ryan Carlisle Thomas chats about her work as a Personal Injuries Accredited Specialist, and explains the process that we want more of the half a million people who spent their early years in orphanages, childrens homes and foster care, to come forward for rightful redress. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 15/02/2010
Tribute for abuse victims
City North Messenger , 13th January 2010
A memorial honouring the Forgotten Australians will be built in North Adelaide this year. more ...
» Click here to download PDF
Media Articles - Posted 15/02/2010
Mike Lew 2010 Tour
, 15th February 2010
Mike Lew 2010 Tour Downunder Mike Lew, M.Ed., an expert in mens recovery from childhood trauma will be touring Australia next year, hosted by ASCA, in collaboration with SECASA. more ...
CLAN News Flash - Posted 15/02/2010
Survey Results: 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?
, 11th February 2010
Last year Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd made an official apology to all Care Leavers and CLAN asked if the churches and charities should be made accountable and offer a national apology similar to the federal apology by Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. more ...
» Click here to download PDF
CLAN News Flash - Posted 11/02/2010
CLAN has a JP in the office
, 11th February 2010
CLAN is happy to announce there is a JP in the CLAN office. If you need a JP contact CLAN on 1800 008 774.
CLAN News Flash - Posted 11/02/2010
Mother inconsolable at loss of daughters
Julie Briggs, Senior News , February 2010
THE second anniversary of Prime Minister Kevin Rudds apology to the Stolen Generations on February 13, 2008, is a special day for 82-year-old Yorta Yorta elder Cedric Briggs, of Narrandera in NSW. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 09/02/2010
Belated sorry to stolen boys
Herald Sun , 3rd February 2010
THE last two British children sent to Australia under a controversial emigration program have finally received an official apology from officials who arranged their move. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 09/02/2010
Death of George Hanlon
Herald Sun , 2nd February 2010
A CLAN member has posted an obituary in the Herald Sun of the death of George Hanlon. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 09/02/2010
Sent to Australia 50 yrs ago: Sorry
Mark Bode, Ballina Shire Advocate , 3rd February 2010
HONORIA Goldberg will travel to London later this month to get an apology from the British government that has been more than five decades coming. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 05/02/2010
Three women accused of catalogue of abuse at Catholic girls school
Angus Howarth, Scotsman.com , 4th February 2010
THREE women have appeared in court charged with committing a string of offences against young girls in their care while at a Scottish approved school run by nuns in the 1970s. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 05/02/2010
Finally, an apology to the last two boys forcibly sent to live in Australia 39 years ago
Luke Salkeld, BBC UK News , 2nd February 2010
Until the the practice was banned in the 1960s, more than 130,000 British children were sent to Australia to start new lives without their parents. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 03/02/2010
Barnados orphans in Jersey before going to Australia
BBC UK News , 27th January 2010
In 2009 UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologised for the governments role in sending thousands of children to Australia during the 20th century. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 01/02/2010
Australians to learn of their convict ancestry as details of people sent down under 200 years ago are released
Richard Shears, Daily Mail , 25th January 2010
The dark details of their family histories are to be revealed to thousands of Australians this week following the release of details of the convicts Britain sent to the new colony more than 200 years ago. more ...
Media Articles - Posted 28/01/2010
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
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 27/01/2010
Andrew Bolts article on the apology and CLAN's response
, 18th December 2009
Andrew Bolt presented an article in th 18/12 Herald Sun outlining his opinion on the Federal Apology, read on to view CLANs response and CLAN member- Catherines response to Bolts article. more ...
Letters to Newspapers - Posted 15/01/2010
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 Hat
The CLAN hat can be purchased for $15. more ...
Latest CLAN News - Posted 26/10/2009

Recent or Upcoming Protests

Victorian Silent Protest - 9th April 2010
Time: 9:30am-1:00pm
Where: In front DHS
Address: 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Due to the upcoming election in Victoria, the CLAN committee has made a decision to move our March protest to the site of the head office of the Department of Human Services. This is also the building where many ministers work including Lisa Neville, the Minister for Community Services.

 

We will be continuing to protest the lack of justice and redress for all Victorian Care Leavers.

 
Victorian Silent Protest - 5th March 2010
Time: 10.30am-12.00pm
Where: In front of DHS
Address: 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Due to the upcoming election in Victoria, the CLAN committee has made a decision to move our March protest to the site of the head office of the Department of Human Services. This is also the building where many ministers work including Lisa Neville, the Minister for Community Services.

 

We will be continuing to protest the lack of justice and redress for all Victorian Care Leavers.

Click here to view photos from the day

Events

Riverview Reunion - 8th August 2010
Time: 10:30am
Where: Endeavour Road

This year is "Children Theme" and we are hoping to a have jumping castle for the children and free lunch for all, so bring along grandchildren or welcome guests of the family to a great day with the Old Boys of Riverview.

There will a few speeches on the day but not too many.

Note: Parents you are responsible for your children on the day,we cant watch them for you in case of accidents.

For more information and RSVP please contact Bob-  0411 418 931.

"We will never be Forgotten Boys of a past era"

This is our 4th Reunion and its growing each year with your support it can only get stronger.


 
Orana Reunion - 25th April 2010
Time: 12:00pm - approx 4:00pm
Where: Rentoul Hall - 16 Livingstone Close, Burwood

Orana Family Services will be hosting their Annual Reunion on Anzac Day - 25th April 2010 at "Rentoul Hall", the old Orana grounds.

Lunch will be provided, along with a slideshow of photos and images from Orana's collection.

All former residents, family and friends are welcome to come along, share memories, and possibly assist in identifying some of the places and faces in the old pictures.

For further details, please contact Rebecca (03) 9302 2700

 
Menzies Homes Associations Reunion - 28th March 2010
Time: 10:00am
Where: TBA

A committee meeting will be held, than a BBQ, entertainment and a raffle with many prizes.

For address and RSVP details please contact Ray on (03) 5975 6108 or email ray37@tpg.com.au

 
Box Hill Boys Home Reunion - 20th March 2010
Time: 11:00am
Where: Diana Carter's Residence

For address and RSVP please contact either;

Ray Turner - 0427 332 584 or Joe Turner - (03) 9363 4799

Please RSVP by 12th March 2010


BBQ supplied but BYO drinks

 

 
Charlton Boys Home and Young Peoples Club Reunion - 13th March 2010
Time: 11:00am
Where: St Peters Church Hall, Cordeaux Street, Campbelltown

Families are also invited.

For further information and a registration form please contact Carl on (02) 4627 4231.

Everyone is requested to bring a plate of whatever you choose, also bring along paper plates and cups and any soft drinks required for yourselves. But most of all bring yourselves.

Many of you may have letters or cards or photographs of the Home or of yourselves or even photographs of the Glebe area, Churches or Schools, Glebe, Forest Lodge, Jubilee Park or St Barnabas Church at Broadway. All of these would be of immense interest.

Notices will be inserted in the Daily Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald and Australian Seniors and The Age in Victoria and the Courier Mail in Queensland and media in ACT and Western Australia.

 

 

 
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:

support@clan.org.au

or post to

PO Box 164,

Georges Hall, NSW, 2198
 

Click here to view photos from the day
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 Supreme Courts Gardens years ago. A tall man, he talked through a voice box because of throat cancer. Barry died on 7th August and was left in the Perth morgue for two months before he was buried. No will, no money and no family to claim him.

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.

Click here to view photos from the day
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

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By telephone: [02] 9709 4520
or 0425-204-747
Email: support@clan.org.au
Our offices are at:
Shop 1, 359 Chapel Road
Bankstown 2200.

Care Leavers from all states can call CLAN free on 1800 008 774

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CLAN Videos

CLANs National Orphanage on ABC Collectors

11/03/2010

You can also borrow a DVD of this episode from the CLAN library ... view video

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