1. Home
  2. \
  3. News
  4. \
  5. Media Releases
  6. \
  7. Stolen Generation survivors recognised in Bourke plaque unveiling

16 JUN 22

Stolen Generation survivors recognised in Bourke plaque unveiling

Share this Blog:

Uncle Lester, A Survivor Of Stolen Generation From Kinchela Boys Home, With Transport NSW Staff At Bourke Plaque Unveiling. Photo Caritas Australia

The ceremony focussed on unveiling a plaque to recognise the history of the railway station, and included speeches and presentations from Transport NSW, local community members, school students and survivors from Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation.

Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) was formed by the survivors of Kinchela Boys Home in Kempsey, New South Wales, who were forcibly removed from their families during the Stolen Generations.

“Public acknowledgement and apology on behalf of Transport NSW is an important act of respect in the reconciliation journey, because it recognises the trauma that was experienced from past government policies, and how these continue to impact survivors and their families decades later,” says Christine Rhazi, Caritas Australia’s First Australians Associate Director, and a proud Yamatji Widi woman from Geraldton, Western Australia.

The NSW Government has recently announced $15.3 million over four years to work with Stolen Generations Organisations to progress the establishment of memorials at the sites of former Aboriginal Children's Homes in Bomaderry, Cootamundra, Kinchela and Keller House in North Parramatta.

Currently, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are worse off compared to other Australians across almost every measurement of wellbeing and access, including financial, social, physical and mental health.

"The truth-telling about the Stolen Generations must continue, not just for the survivors and their families, but for all Australians. But this needs to be supported by policies that provide tangible outcomes and create positive change for First Australian communities. We need to understand that First Australian-led is best – the communities that are most impacted are also the communities that have the answers.”

Caritas Australia works in close partnership with First Australian-led organisations like Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation to support programs that focus on intergenerational healing, strengthening cultural identity and spirituality, livelihood opportunities, and advocacy.

Media contact: Jessica Stone 0490 684 867 / jessica.stone@caritas.org.au.  

Related Articles

A Burnt Out Car In A Destroyed Neighbourhood In Gaza Photo Credit Caritas Jerusalem

While a ceasefire symbolises some hope for civilians in Gaza, much of the physical suffering will continue in the coming weeks and months, says Sally Thomas.

Read More
Aid Workers Sit With Sudanese Refugees In Chad Photo Credit Caritas Mongo

Program partners in the region stated that “The combination of cholera and hunger is becoming disastrous as hunger is greatly impacting the immunity of displaced people”. 

Read More
Turn Debt Into Hope With Caritas Internationalis Landscape

Caritas Internationalis has today launched its ‘Turn Debt into Hope’ campaign, which champions debt justice, fairness, and solidarity, in the spirit of Jubilee 2025. 

Read More
Vanuatu Earthquake Damage Credit YTS News 1

At least 14 people have been killed in Vanuatu following two earthquakes in 24 hours, impacting an estimated 116,000 people.  

Read More

What can we help you with?

Speak with us

Call our Supporter Services team for assistance. Our lines are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST.

1800 024 413

Contact Caritas Australia

Send us an enquiry and we’ll be in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Contact Us

See our FAQs

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about the work of Caritas Australia and find answers to our most frequently asked questions.

FAQs

Donate now to provide support where it's most needed today

Donate Now