MEDIA RELEASE 07. 09. 2009
Stolen Generations Assistance Line for NSW and ACT launched
The newly incorporated Stolen Generations Council of NSW & ACT is
pleased to
announce the establishment of a
telephone
“Assistance and Referral service”
for NSW
and ACT members of the Stolen Generations. This service is to be auspiced by The
Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat (AbSec)
with Federal
Government funding made available through FAHCSIA.
This service will offer information and advice to those members of the Stolen
Generations who are resident in NSW or ACT who have been affected by past
government policies,
which resulted in them living away from their families and
communities in
government or other institutions. The service will also offer advice and
support to other Aboriginal people (and their families) who have lived in foster
or other
care situations.
The Secretary of the Stolen Generations Council, Lola Edwards said, “As a former
resident of the Cootamundra Aboriginal Girls Training Home, I understand the pain
associated with removal and
the trauma inflicted by
being separated from your family
and community. This service will help our people who have been and remain affected by
past assimilationist policies - by connecting them to culturally appropriate services.”
“The establishment of the Council will
also
ensure that members of the Stolen
Generations have a reasoned voice to lobby and advocate for them on justice and social
welfare issues,” she said.
Bill Pritchard the CEO of AbSec said, “AbSec is proud to be associated with the Council
and this very important project. Our intention is to support the Council to grow and
prosper to allow them to provide a broader range of services to members of the Stolen
Generations. As part of this commitment AbSec will develop a web page on behalf of the
Council, which will have links to all appropriate service providers.”
Members of the Stolen Generations seeking advice/referral or who wish to become
members of the Stolen Generations Council should Telephone on
Freecall
1800 263 881
For Media Comment
Lola Edwards - Secretary SGC – mobile 0406 089 314 - email lola.edward11@yahoo.com.au
Bill Pritchard - CEO AbSec– mobile 0408 888 698 -ph: 02 9264 0088 -email eo@absec.org.au
NEWS 
