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	Rees Offers Apology to Casualties of Care System By Matthew Benns Sydney Morning Herald September 20, 2009 http://www.smh.com.au/national/rees-offers-apology-to-casualties-of-care-system-20090919-fw4b.html?skin=text-only HUNDREDS of Australia's ''forgotten children'' gathered for an emotional apology and memorial unveiling ceremony at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney yesterday. Now adults, the survivors of children's homes, orphanages, foster homes and institutions wept openly as Premier Nathan Rees apologised for the hurt and distress they suffered in the care of the state. ''This should never have happened,'' said the Premier, before unveiling a monument to ''the lonely, the frightened, the lost, the abused - those who never knew the joy of a loving family''. ''Today will be an important marker in the lives of many people who have lived with sad and dark memories of their childhoods. I hope the apology will help us all move forward,'' he added before announcing a $9 million increase in funding for counselling and support for care givers. Dr Joanna Penglase, co-founder of the Care Leavers Australia Network, said: ''There is a great deal of pain here today and a great deal of release and relief because acknowledgement is what we have sought for so long. We know what happened to us but no one would hear us or believe us; people didn't believe it could have happened.'' More than 200,000 children were taken into care in NSW in the last century, many suffering physical and sexual abuse after being separated from their families. Those gathered in the sunshine yesterday bowed their heads as former Dalmar Children's Home resident Pamella Vernon said: ''It wasn't our fault, we are not to blame.'' Former Parramatta Girls Home resident Bonney Djuric said: ''It's been a long time coming but it is an acknowledgement that we existed.'' But the apology was not enough for some of the care givers. Wendy Patton, wearing a ''Retribution Now'' T-shirt, was stopped when she tried to interrupt the Premier's speech. ''It's not enough,'' she said. ''I don't think Nathan Rees delivered that speech with true heartfelt sincerity.'' This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.
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