link-up (qld)(qld) aboriginal corporation still bringing...

Link-Up (Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATIONLink-UpNEWSLETTERVolume 5 February 2013 - March 2013

The 5th Anniversary of The APOLOGY Special Edition

(Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION ®

Still Bringing Them Home

Whilst every effort has been made to respect cultural traditions, Indigenous readers are advised that this publication may contain images of people who are deceased.

Link-Up (Qld) ABORIGINAL CORPORATION

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Welcome to a special edition of Link-Up (Qld)’s magazine, as we commemorate the Fifth Anniversary of the Australian Government’s Apology to the Stolen Generations.

The Apology was a momentous event in the lives of Stolen Generations people, their families, and communities and of course, all Australians.

I know this because I too am one of the Stolen Generations. My sister and I were taken from our family when we were both young. We were taken to Warilda Children’s Home in Wooloowin, so I can tell you from my own experience how important the Apology was to individuals and to their families.

In marking the 5th Anniversary of the Apology, Link-Up (Qld) organised a special ceremony with the focus on our wonderful clients. Immediately prior to the start of the formal part of the ceremonies, many Link-Up (Qld) clients took part in a Yarning Circle facilitated by Link-Up (Qld)’s good friend Dr Norman Sheehan, to talk about what the five years since the

Apology had meant to them, and what they hoped may happen by the time the 10th Anniversary comes around. Photos and some of their comments on are on Pages 14 and 15. I thank everyone for their open and honest participation.

The magnificent Ochre & Blood Mother of Pearl Piano was on display, a Steinway Grand Piano, complete with North Stradbroke Island artist’s Judy Watson’s marvelous designs and commissioned by the Queensland Music Festival, was up on stage. The piano has been travelling throughout regional and outback Queensland, spreading a message of reconciliation. Judy Watson was present on the day to see where the piano will rest at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts with young Indigenous students.

The Giving of Gifts was initiated by staff member Donna Ives where participants in the Fifth Anniversary Commemoration were presented with artworks depicting the meaning of the Apology – a gift to our clients and participants at the event.

We launched the book, Respectful Designs, helping to tell Link-Up (Qld) client stories in art. What was so powerful for me was the way in which so many individual artworks, coming from all over Queensland, connected and combined so seamlessly, so beautifully.

Music by Les Collins, the Les Collins Trio, and the combined Meeanjin and Songlines Choirs formed an important part of the ceremony. I watched the strong response from the audience to the power of the music, the lyrics of some of the songs clearly resonating with people’s own experiences. Link-Up (Qld) will this year start a music program, to be part of the Healing Camps, and led by Les Collins.

The venue for the Commemoration ceremony was the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Kangaroo Point, which created a truly beautiful backdrop for a day of such significance.

Message from the CEO

Link-Up (Qld) CEO Sheryl Sandy

The Steinway Ochre & Blood Mother of Pearl PianoArtist Judy Watson


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Attendees included Stolen Generations people, Elders, Link-Up (Qld) clients past and present, and Federal, State and Brisbane City Council elected officials.

Federal Member for Griffith, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, was of course a very special guest speaker, as it was Kevin Rudd, as Prime Minister of Australia at that time, who delivered the historic Apology in the Australian Parliament on the morning of the 13th February 2008. The Welcome to Mr Rudd from the Elders was particularly poignant, given the significant role which he played, not only in writing it, but also ensuring that an Apology by the Australian Government, to the Stolen Generations, was made.

Addressing the Link-Up (Qld) event, Mr Rudd played down his role in the Apology, describing instead what he called “the Miracle of the Apology” - that the Apology that he offered had been accepted by his Aboriginal brothers and sisters.

Link-Up (Qld) has seen its own share of miracles over nearly 30 years, having successfully reunited more than 500 people with their families and with their communities.

Link-Up (Qld) was set up in 1984, two years after the Commonwealth Games protests and when the Bjelke-Petersen Government was at the height of its power, to respond to the needs of Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.

While not all Link-Up research has ended in reunion, we have had more successes than failures. I would encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, who is over the age of 18 years and who has experienced enforced separation from their families and communities through adoption, fostering, removal or institutionalisation, to contact Link-Up (Qld) if you want to try to reconnect with the family so sadly lost to you.

The service is free, and we will support you before, during and after any family reunion, and we will respect your privacy, with all information treated as being confidential.

Link-Up (Qld) itself is going from strength to strength over nearly 30 years from modest beginnings. We now have 20 staff in three offices, Woolloongabba, Townsville and Cairns. The great news is that Link-Up (Qld) is about to open a fourth office in Mt Isa, which is a testimony to the excellent work and dedication of counselors, caseworkers and other staff, clients and volunteers who have been involved in Link-Up (Qld) over the years.

This edition of the Link-Up (Qld) newsletter is wholly devoted to the Miracle of the Apology, with the strong spirit of that day evident on every page, as you will see.

I would like to thank Link-Up (Qld) staff and volunteers for the hard work and dedication which made the day such a success. On behalf of Link-Up (Qld), I would also like to thank our sponsors, the Healing Foundation and Brisbane City Council for helping us to make the event possible, whilst also acknowledging the ongoing support of partners, the Department of Communities, the Brisbane Council of Elders, the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts, Radio 98.9FM, and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing.

Finally, I would like to thank the members of Stolen Generations for sharing their journey with us on this day. At Link-Up (Qld), we are still bringing them home.

Sheryl SandyLink-Up (Qld) CEO

Hon Kevin Rudd MP


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13 February 2008, Canberra

The images on this page are provided from the “Apology to the Stolen Generations” video, a Reconcilation Australia project funded by Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs


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The Apology to the Stolen GenerationsOn February 13th, 2008, Aboriginal people across all Australia were deeply moved and in tears: The Prime Minister of Australia, Kevin Rudd, had finally apologised to the Stolen Generations and said ‘sorry’.

—I move:

That today we honour the Indigenous peoples of this land, the oldest continuing cultures in human history.We reflect on their past mistreatment.

We reflect in particular on the mistreatment of those who were Stolen Generations—this blemished chapter in our nation’s history.

The time has now come for the nation to turn a new page in Australia’s history by righting the wrongs of the past and so moving forward with confidence to the future.

We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians.

We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country.

For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations, their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry.

To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families and communities, we say sorry.

And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people and a proud culture, we say sorry.

We the Parliament of Australia respectfully request that this apology be received in the spirit in which it is offered as part of the healing of the nation.

For the future we take heart; resolving that this new page in the history of our great continent can now be written.

We today take this first step by acknowledging the past and laying claim to a future that embraces all Australians.

A future where this Parliament resolves that the injustices of the past must never, never happen again.

A future where we harness the determination of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to close the gap that lies between us in life expectancy, educational achievement and economic opportunity.

A future where we embrace the possibility of new solutions to enduring problems where old approaches have failed.

A future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility.

A future where all Australians, whatever their origins, are truly equal partners, with equal opportunities and with an equal stake in shaping the next chapter in the history of this great country, Australia.

The Apology to the Stolen Generations


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The WelcomeThe Hon. Kevin Rudd MP was overwhelmed by the welcome he received on his arrival to the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) for Link-Up (Qld)’s “5th Anniversary of the Apology Commemoration”.

A guard of honour by ACPA students and staff greeted him as Link-Up (Qld) Board Chairman, Sam Watson ushered him through the Smoking Ceremony.

At the top of the stairs he was introduced to officials including Link-Up (Qld) CEO, Sheryl Sandy.

Hon. Kevin Rudd MP is greeted by ACPA students and staff Sam Watson and the Hon. K. Rudd MP

walk through the Smoking Ceremony

Link-Up (Qld) CEO Sheryl Sandy and the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP.

Sam Watson ushers Mr Rudd into the function room.

Welcome to Country - Uncle Des Sandy


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Great Moments“I was so moved by the Apology, in particular the reactions of the Stolen Generations mob who were there, that I decided to write a song about it so that we, and especially those who were stolen, could revisit that historical moment in our history whenever we felt the need.”

Singer songwriter Les Collins performed the song he was inspired to write, “Great Moments” at the 5th Anniversary event.

“I could see it was a major first step healing moment.”

“It’s just sad that my Grandmother didn’t get to hear it.”

Footage of the 2008 Apology provided the background for Les’s performance.

“Great Moments there are Great Moments that leave their mark on our lives Like the day when Australia apologised Great Moments, Great Moments there are”Lyrics reprinted by kind permission of Les Collins

“Great Moments” is now the adopted anthem for Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation and their Apology commemoration events.

Les returned later to perform with his trio. They did a number of songs commemorating the journey of the Stolen Generations. The choice of songs had good, strong messages about Reconciliation, the Stolen Generations and the Apology and were well known in the community.

Les Collins Trio

Les Collins - “Great Moments”


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The Aunties Invite Kevin Rudd to SpeakElders Aunty Beverley Johnson, Aunty Kay King, Aunty Bessie Parsons, Aunty Margaret Lawton and Aunty Ruth Hegarty invited the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, the then Prime Minister who wrote and delivered the historic Apology in 2008, to come to the microphone to address the Link-Up (Qld) 5th Anniversary commemorative event.

Speaking on behalf of the Elders, Aunty Ruth revealed that she had refused to go to the Apology five years ago, but acknowledged its significance and the important role played by Kevin Rudd.

“Kev, we adore you. You’ll always be a part of us.” Aunty Ruth said.

It was at this point that Aunty Ruth revealed that she had taken to calling the former Prime Minister Uncle Kev, and that she encouraged the children to follow her lead whenever she saw Mr Rudd on television.

“It’s a real blessing to know we have someone on our side. I’m sure there must be others who are on our side, but you have stood out. You have done something that a lot of folk would not do,“ Aunty Ruth told Kevin Rudd.

Aunty Ruth told the audience that she had been taken to the Cherbourg Dormitory when she was only six and a half months old.

“How can we forget, how could we ever forget, the atrocities that we had to put up with during that time?”

Aunty Ruth said there was now only herself, and one other woman, still living out of the group of 80 girls resident there.

“We used to say to each other ‘If you’re white it’s alright, but if you’re black, stand back.’”

Kev, we adore you. You’ll always be

a part of us.

Aunty Ruth Hegarty

Sheryl Sandy with Aunties Beverley Johnson, Kay King, Bessie Parsons, Margaret Lawton and Ruth Hegarty

Aunty Ruth HegartyAunty Ruth Hegarty


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Kevin Rudd Addresses the AudienceA visably moved Kevin Rudd gathered the Elders in a warm embrace before taking the stage to address Link-Up (Qld)’s Fifth Anniversary Commemoration of the Apology, which he had written and delivered on 13 February 2008.

He particularly acknowledged members of the Stolen Generations present at the gathering.

“What extraordinary resilience,” Mr Rudd said.

“What extraordinary determination, to live, to survive, to prosper, to triumph.”

“You inspire us”

Mr Rudd then thanked Link-Up for the work it had been doing.

“It is terrific work you have done all these years - and heartbreaking work.”

“But rewarding work, in helping to heal the broken hearted.”

Mr Rudd described what he had heard over the years as ‘extraordinary stories of resilience - and forgiveness.’

“People often ask me, or say to me, what a wonderful thing it was that a white fella like me stood up and apologized,” he said.

“Not quite how I see it really.”

“What I found remarkable was that the Apology that I offered was accepted by my Aboriginal brothers and sisters.”

“That’s the miracle of the Apology.”

What extraordinary determination, to live,to survive, to prosper,

to triumph......

The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP

Kevin Rudd addressing the audience

A captivated audience listening to Kevin Rudd’s speech


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Meeanjin Voices & Songlines Choirs

A choral tribute was staged by the combined purple colour clad Meeanjin Voices and the orange colour inspired Songlines choirs who performed five songs including an original composition penned by Sam Watson.

The Meeanjin Voices is a Brisbane based community choir comprising of a number of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal singers.

Meeanjin Voices was an initiative of Link-Up (Qld) Elders and clients and commenced on the 11th March 2009. They started with after hours rehearsals at the Link-Up (Qld) office when it was located in Peel Street West End.

The choir has been directed since those days under the musical guidance and tutelage of Choir Leader Aunty Joan Mooney.

With the spirit of reconciliation, they are committed to the principles, philosophy and practice of singing for healing.

The name Meeanjin was derived from what some Aboriginal groups in Brisbane called the water snake. It was around Meeanjin that many people gathered as one, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, to experience and be transformed physically and spiritually by the simple presence of the river.

Meeanjin Voices welcomes others to join them in this journey of healing through music and song.

Songlines Choir members

Meeanjin Voices Choir members

Meeanjin Voices and Songlines Choirs combine in song.


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Sam Watson on Link Up

Addressing the 5th Anniversary Commemorative event, Link-Up (Qld) Board Chairman, Sam Watson reminded the gathering that Link-Up (Qld) was initially founded in 1984 to respond to the needs of Stolen Generations survivors, and their families and communities.

“We were founded to become a committed advocate for people within our community, who were victims of the most appalling treatment and abuse,” he said.

Sam went on to say that Link-Up (Qld) had witnessed, and had been a contributing partner, to some of the most significant events of this nation.

“We were there during the Royal Commission in the 1990s that was conducted by Sir Ronald Wilson.”

“We were there when the Royal Commission handed down its ground breaking findings and recommendations, and we were there when the then Prime Minister, the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, launched his new Government and a complete new era in race relations in the land, with that incredible moment of the national Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008.”

“And we are here today, to commemorate and reflect upon the five years since that momentous occasion, the first step on the long path towards reconciliation.”

Chairman of Link-Up (Qld) Board, Sam Watson

Sam Watson responding to Kevin Rudd’s speechKevin Rudd shares a laugh with the Aunties

We were there during the Royal Commission

in the 1990s....


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ACPA Students perform

Students from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) performed three dances, each one with its own special link to the message and the spirit of the Apology.

ACPA’s Jeannette Fabila explained that the first dance performed, the Ochre Dance, was one that she created in memory of Russell Page and to acknowledge the Beaudesert area where he came from. Since creating it over 10 years ago, Ms Fabila said that the Ochre Dance had evolved into a ceremonial dance with a more general understanding of

traditions that have been passed down. The dance also included an acknowledgement of all the traditional areas north, south, east and west to show respect to the mob who are here, the Turrubul, Jagera, Mulunjali, Yugambeh, Gubbi Gubbi, Jinnaburra and Noonuccul.

The second dance was a co-creation between Ms Fabila and the ACPA students done last year, but which was re-vamped especially for the Stolen Generations. The accompanying narrative acknowledged loss and the feelings of the Stolen Generations. “We search, we gather, we reconnect, we protect. We maintain one of the oldest educational tools in the world - our culture.”

The final dance, “Kulba Yabay”, acknowledged Torres Strait Island Elders and was a reminder to “Respect the Old Ways.”

For Jeannette Fabila, the 5th Anniversary Commemoration was a special significance because she was one of the dancers selected to perform at the Apology in Canberra in 2008.

“When I did it, I bawled my eyes out,” she said.

She said Parliament House was full of feeling on that day, and she is a keen advocate of trying to pass that awareness and knowledge to the next generation.

“It is interesting because a lot of them are Stolen Gen mob, and that is still affecting all our families now, but I don’t think they know much about it.”

Jeannette Fabila dancing at the 2008 Apology in Canberra


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5th Anniversary of the Apology in Canberra

With the kind support of the Healing Foundation, Link-Up (Qld) Caseworker Karen Collins and three clients Jack Munro, Katie McIvor and Jedda Swords attended the 5th Anniversary of the Apology in Canberra on Wednesday 13th February, 2013. To begin with, the group attended Parliament House to witness the significance of the passage through the House of Representatives of an Act of Recognition for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This was commended with gracious applause from the almost filled public galleries.

The legislation recognises the ''unique and special place'' of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander peoples and is designed to give momentum for constitutional recognition after the September 2013 election. It was passed in the Lower House on the Fifth Anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations.

Indigenous leaders including Patrick Dodson, Lowitja O'Donoghue and Les Malzer had been invited to witness the moment from the floor of the House.

This was followed by the 5th Anniversary of the Apology Concert on the lawns of Parliament House. The event was hosted by Christine Anu and Mike Carroll. The evening began with a Welcome to Country by Auntie Matilda House, followed by a dance group and other moving musical performances.

Chair of the Healing Foundation Charles Passi, and former Chair of the Healing Foundations Stolen Generations Committee, Auntie Florence Onus, formally addressed the crowd, recognising the event as a wonderful chance to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Apology with the community, and also to acknowledge the Stolen Generations’ survivors and their families around the nation.

A highlight feature of the event was Aboriginal singer and songwriter, Archie Roach, a Stolen Generations person himself singing ‘Took the Children Away’ accompanied by the Black Arm Band.

It was a pleasure for the Link-Up clients and staff to be a part of these events. They expressed their feelings of five years ago, as emotional but happy, and on this day, as another step forward towards recognition and healing.

Karen Collins and Katie McIvor meeting the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP in Canberra

by Karen CollinsLUQ Caseworker


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The Yarning CirclePrior to the formal 5th Anniversary of the Apology Commemorative Ceremony, Dr Norman Sheehan conducted the Yarning Circle around the subject of “What has the Apology meant to the group and what would you like to see in the future”. The Yarning Circle of around 35 people consisted of Elders, Stolen Generations members, Link Up clients, Board members, staff and observers. Here are some of their comments.

“I had to find who I was”

“I was called Creamy. I hated that word”

“I looked after myself since I was 15. I am about to

turn 60...I didn’t think I’d make it to 60”

“They are still missing....keep bringing them home”

“He told us he was taking us to the pictures.

He didn’t, he took us to Yarrabah”

“Healing is where you sit down, talk and share”


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“Our joy was Family”

“I’m glad we have Link-Up, it’s made me stronger”

“I didn’t realise how many relatives were out there”

“The hardest part is you don’t know where you are from”

“Why did one human being do this to another”

“I was a little Aboriginal girl growing up on the river bed, speaking my own language”

Dr. Norman Sheehan


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Z 10 – 12 May 2013 Kindilan Healing Camp at Kindilan Reserve

Z Sorry Week May 2013 Mount Isa Office Launch (Date to be confirmed)

Z 25 May 2013 Sorry Day Breakfast, Orleigh Park

Z 15 June 2013 Laura Festival, Laura NQ

Z 7 July 2013 NAIDOC Week at various locations

Z 18 November 2013 Annual General Meeting at LUQ Brisbane office

Z 29 November 2013 50 Year Anniversary of Mapoon

Upcoming Events

“Let’s Talk” with Tiga BaylesPrior to the Apology commemoration event, Link-Up (Qld) CEO Sheryl Sandy, Link-Up (Qld) Chairman Sam Watson, Elders Aunty Bessie Parsons and Uncle Des Sandy, Link-Up (Qld) client Jack Munro and Link-Up (Qld) staff Cathy Illin, Ruthie Link and Ruth Loli all participated in Tiga Bayles’ 98.9FM radio program, “Let’s Talk”. The live outside broadcast van was parked on the grounds of the

Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) for the Link-Up (Qld)’s event, the “5th Anniversary of the Apology Commemoration.”

Sheryl Sandy whose Mother was a Cootamundra girl, detailed Link-Up (Qld)’s program for the day’s event which was organised to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the Apology.

Sam Watson, who was in Canberra in 2008 for the Apology, thanked Kevin Rudd and emphasised that this was a huge step taken, and that the focus was now back on ATSI organisations, in particular Link Up services, to assist in the healing of the transgenerational trauma.

Uncle Des Sandy advocated for all Australians to work together and to create their own flag and National Anthem because “Aboriginal people are not young and free”.

Aunty Bessie Parsons stated that the Apology was fantastic and reflected on her years growing up in Hervey Bay and the atrocities her Mother faced throughout her life. She recited the “Prayer of Reconciliation Week” and said “There is a Future, don’t look back, there’s too much hurt”.

Cathy Illin spoke of her own family reunion and also a reunion she conducted with an elderly client into Wujal Wujal country.

Ruth Loli, Research Manager and Ruth Link Social, Emotional Well Being Counsellor both spoke of the research and time management of reunions and stated that some reunions could take years to complete and that unfortunately, not all research would result in a reunion.

Upcoming EventsCathy Illin chatting on “Let’s Talk”

Tiga Bayles on 98.9FM’s “Let’s Talk”program at Link-Up (Qld)’s

5th Anniversary of the Apology


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Photos from 5th Anniversary of the Apology


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5th Anniversary of Apology Event Feedback

Hi Donna

I was thrilled to be invited to begin with and my Granddaughter Taneisha Deen Fisher year 9 student from All Hallows School has loved Kevin Rudd since he made the Apology 5years ago. This day she’ll remember with the presence and wisdom of our Leaders, Elders and Youth with their inspirational movement of telling a Story.

All Hallows School has a coverage in Catholic Leader paper this week with other photos from our Apology Day where we had over 150 adults / students.

Please feel free to use photos that we have sent, after all it was your day and we were honoured to be a part of it.

I’ve come back reflecting from a wonderful week and your day was great end of the week to mark and honour our community, Link ups hard work and our most forgiving Elders.

Thank You Link UpLooking forward to a partnership next year.

RegardsRavina Waldren

Dear Sheryl,

Thank you for such an amazing afternoon on Friday. I found it overwhelming. I cried tears for those taken, stolen and lost (including those in my family) and tears of happiness and joy for those who have been reunited and found.

I got back to Rocky tired but happy that I had made the effort to be with you and everyone.

Please pass on to staff how proud I was of every-one. I saw how staff would just appear present tissues, help Elders and offer support to those who needed it.

It was wonderful to know and see Link Up staff in action.

Once again thank you Sheryl.

Warm regards,Bronwyn Fredericks


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Link Up (Qld) Publications

RESPECTFUL DESIGNS book launchLink-Up (Qld) coffee-table book was launched on 15th February 2013 by Dr Norm Sheehan, Sheryl Sandy and Sam Watson at the Link-Up (Qld) 5th Anniversary of the Apology Commemoration.

This is a coffee table styled book of the visual works of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander participants in the Connective Art programs conducted throughout Queensland communities.

More than two hundred grass roots Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants produced interconnected works in this program. The visual strength of these works and the record of expressions of social and emotional connection promoted by this program are a testament to the resilience of our Indigenous cultures.

Some of these works delve into the wounded spaces of forced removal and community dislocation; others deeply express the cultural integrity of our people. The visual impact of this record of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connection is shown through numerous individual expressions and the patterns of connection evident in the group mosaics.

Link-Up (Qld) asks you to enjoy the depth and authenticity of these expressions and to support the development of these healing and cultural development programs.

The book will be available through Link-Up (Qld) for $30.00. Call the office on FREECALL 1800 200 855 or send an email to:- [email protected].


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Become a Link Up (Qld) MemberIt is being involved with an organisation that provides a culturally appropriate and sensitive

service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It also presents a voice for our people in major forums relating to issues and concerns of our clients and community in general such as

NAIDOC, National Sorry Day & Reconciliation and other significant issues and concerns.

The benefits of membership include the ability to utilise your own skills, talents and expertise as a volunteer, receive updates and bi-monthly newsletters, voting at general elections, being a part

of the solution in terms of righting the wrongs and having your say in the way Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation operates.

(Fill out the form on the following page and send it back to us)

Want to make a Donation to Link Up (Qld)?

“All donations, great and small, make a difference in supporting our organisation to continue the work we do with members of the Stolen Generations still searching for their family. We trully appreciate your generosity.”

- Sheryl Sandy CEO Link-Up (Qld)

If you are interested in supporting Link-Up (Qld), all donations are tax deductible and can be made to:

Account Name: Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation ABN: 36 073 956 496Banking Institution: WestpacBSB: 034 013 Account Number: 277 709

Please send all cheques to PO Box 3229, South Brisbane Queensland 4101

For more information, please call our office on FREECALL 1800 200 855


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Membership.docx S:/Common/LUQ Key Documents/Link-Up Membership Application Form

Membership Application

Full Name Of Applicant: ………………………………………………………………

Address: ……………………………………………………………………………….

Suburb:…………………………………………………………Postcode:…………….

Telephones: (H)……………………(W)…………………….Mob…………………….

Date Of Birth: ………………………Email: …………………………………………

Would you be available to assist Link-Up on a voluntary basis? YES NO

What skills can you bring to the Organisation? ..………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Please state the reason why you would like to become a member of Link-Up (Qld):

…………………………………………………………………………………………..

Is Proof of Aboriginality document enclosed as required? YES NOIf NO, please contact your local Aboriginal organisation to confirm your Proof of Aboriginality.

Signature Of Applicant:………………………………………………………………...Date: …………………..

Please return this form with your supporting documents to: LUQ Membership Application,

PO Box 3229, South Brisbane, Q 4101

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation is a registered Body Corporate under the Aboriginals Councils and Associations Act of 1976.

For Office Use Only:

Membership Authorised Not Authorised by the Governing Committee.

Chairperson:…………………………………………………… Date: ………………...

ACTION REQUIRED: Send letter of Acceptance Rejection

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Please complete the �ipside of this Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Membership form and return it to:

Link-Up (Qld) Memberships Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation

PO Box 3229 South Brisbane Q 4101

or drop the form into:

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation 3 - 5 Reid Street Woolloongabba Q 4102


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SUPPORT GROUP STOLEN GENERATIONS CLIENTS

MORNING TEA

Welcome31 January

28 February

18 April

30 May

27 June

25 July

29 August

26 September

31 October

21 November

VENUE:Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation 5 Reid Street Woolloongabba Q

CONTACT: Tel: (07) 3034 8444 or FREECALL: 1800 200 855Email: [email protected]

Our Support Group Morning Teas are continuing on the last Thursday of the month commencing from 31st January at 10.00am.

Come along for a cuppa and some cake and share some stories, meet old and new friends, Link-Up (Qld) staff

or just join in with the activities.We will be introducing our Music and Art Programs.

Contact Link-Up (Qld) on FREECALL: 1800 200 855


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DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to respect cultural traditions, Indigenous readers are advised that this publication may contain images of people who are deceased.

Contact Details:

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Cairns PO Box 3229 South Brisbane Q 4101 18 Scott Street Parramatta Park, Cairns NQ 48705 Reid Street Woolloongabba Q 4102 Phone: 07 4041 7403 or 07 4041 7030Email: [email protected] Fax: 07 4027 9665URL: http://www.link-upqld.org.au Phone: 07 3034 8444 Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation TownsvilleFax: 07 3217 3458 Unit 21 / 184 - 186 Vickers Road North, Condon Q 4815 Mobiles: 0428 951 301 or 0420 306 504 Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Mt Isa 1/81 Miles Street Mount Isa Q 4825 Mobiles: 0417 097 322 or 0459 028 380

FREECALL: 1800 200 855 for all Link-Up (Qld) offices

Still Bringing Them HomeStill Bringing Them Home

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• Link Up is a FREE service

• We offer support before, during and after your family reunion

• We respect your privacy and treat all information confidentially

• Link-Up (Qld) runs a range of healing activities: camps, support groups, art, craft and music workshops

• We offer cultural renewal activities and support return to country

Quick Facts:About Link Up (Qld) - Our Mission

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation supports the healing journeys of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been separated from their families and

cultures through forced removal, fostering , adoption and/or institutionalisation.

We deliver professional, culturally sensitive and confidential research, reunion

and cultural wellbeing services.

Link-Up (Qld) Aboriginal Corporation Caseworkers and Counsellors are experienced individuals who can assist in reuniting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. We are able to facilitate workshops, provide

information sessions at Universities, Schools, Conferences, Government Depatments

and Community Organisations. We also provide a referral service to the appropriate

organisation or Government Department.