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Mothers affected by forced adoptions to be honoured with Gippsland memorialMember for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath has acknowledged mothers affected by forced adoption practices in parliament and recognised a memorial in Gippsland to honour those families who suffered under past policies. By Portal Admin - 7th November 2016 - Back to News Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath has acknowledged mothers affected by forced adoption practices in parliament and recognised the work of a local group in establishing a memorial in Gippsland to honour those families who suffered under past policies.
Speaking on the fourth anniversary of the day the Victorian Government formally apologised to the mothers, fathers, sons and daughters who were profoundly harmed by past forced adoption practices, Ms Bath acknowledged the work of the Independent Regional Mothers group in ensuring these families were recognised.
"Today is the fourth anniversary of this apology, which acknowledged that thousands of Victorian babies were taken from their mothers without informed consent and that this loss caused immense grief," Ms Bath told the parliament.
On 21 March 2013 the then Prime Minister also formally apologised to people affected by these forced adoption policies and the current federal government has now contributed $5000 towards a memorial project to be established in Sale to recognise what these families endured.
"Back in May this year I asked for the Victorian Government to also contribute $5000, but unfortunately it has not come to the table, leaving the federal government to fund an extra $5000 to ensure this worthwhile project goes ahead," Ms Bath said.
"I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Brenda Coughlan and the Independent Regional Mothers group for pushing ahead with this wonderful memorial, that I am told is going to be a bronze memorial of a mother and child.
"I hope it becomes a place for peaceful meditation, for healing and for solace for those who have been affected by these past practices."
Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath at parliament with members of the Independent Regional Mothers Group Lyn Kinghorn and Brenda Coughlan.
Media Contact:
Renee Switzer
5174 7066
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com
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