Apology from Anglican Church of Australia

The apology reads:
Dear Mrs Hamilton
Thank you for your letter of 12th September 2009 regarding your experiences in St. Mary's Home in Toowong.
I apologise for the delay in replying to your letter.

I was most concerned when I read of your distressing experiences in St. Mary's in 1966 and the sad separation from your baby as he was taken for adoption. As you have so poignantly written, the effects of that separation are still with you and your son even after so many years. These effects may perhaps be only slightly lessened by your knowledge that he is alive and safe.
It is concerning now to be made aware of actions taken in the past which- while often taken with the best of current knowledge at the time- have now caused so much distress and hurt to those persons directly involved.
I sincerely apologise to you for the hurt and distress caused to you by past actions of the Church and those persons employed by the Church at St. Mary's. On behalf of the church, I would like to offer you pastoral support and counselling. If you consider this may be helpful, please contact Mr Rod McLary- Director of Professional Standards- on 3835 2266. Mr McLary will then make the necessary arrangements with you.
I trust that you may be able to commence your journey towards healing as you address the effects of the adoption of your son.
Yours faithfully,

The Most Revd Dr Phillip Aspinall
Archbishop of Brisbane

Margaret Hamilton

DECLARATION OF PROFOUND LOSS

We the undersigned

MOURN the loss of our children
TAKEN FOR ADOPTION
MOURN the loss of our families of origin
DENIED US BY ADOPTION
MOURN the loss of our brothers and sisters
CAUSED BY ADOPTION
MOURN the loss of grandparents
DENIED US BY ADOPTION
MOURN the loss of our rightful position in life
DECREED BY ADOPTION

Actions for the Rights of Mothers and Children Organisation(NSW)
:whitestolengeneration@hotmail.com
Adoption Loss Adult Support (QLD): alasqld@alasqld.com
The Apology Alliance (AUST.) Please sigh the petition at:
www.petitions.com/petition/apologyalliance/
Association Representing Mothers Separated From Their Children by Adoption (SA)
ph(08) 8245 8100
Association Representing Mothers Separated From Their Children by Adoption (VIC)
ph (03) 9769 0232
Association Representing Mothers Separated From Their Children by Adoption (WA)
ph (08) 9312 1999
Children of White Stolen Generation (QLD) (07) 5484 5949
Inter-country Adoptee Support Network (ICASN) www.icasn.org/
Jigsaw (QLD) www.jigsawqueensland.com
Mothers for Justice (WA) sue.macdonald@ymail.com
Mothers of the Stolen Generation (VIC) babsrok@hotkey.net.au
Sydney Post Adoption Support Group (NSW) chrissiehancock@hotmail.com
VANISH (VIC) ph:(03) 9328 8611
Voices for Justice Australia (NSW) robinleslie.au@gmail.com
Wollongong Links (02) 4229 2687 www.reunitecards.com.au Mob:0410 422 916

Post Adoption Resouce Organisations:

Adoption Research and Counselling Services Inc (ARCs) WA: (08) 9370 4914
Adoption Jigsaw WA: (08) 9388 1922
Adoption Information Services Counsellor for Anglicare: mia.bieske@anglicarevlc.org.au
NSW Post Adoption Resource Centre of the Benevoient Society (PARC): (02) 9365 3444
Post Adoption Support Services (PASS)Relationships Australia SA (08) 8245 8100
National Alliance of Natural Parent Groups (NANPO): If you are a natural parent, adoptee and/or support our initiative please contact: c.cole@uws.ed.au

All the above are part of the Apology Alliance
Concept: J Kashin (1st Sept 2008)

Federal Apology

As noted in Jenny Macklin's media release.

Anyone wishing to fill out a survey questionaire for a federal apology, see details listed.
To obtain the form:

Ring:1800 050 011

Email: child.protection@fahcsia.gov.av

Post: Child Polocy Branch JH2
P.O. Box 7576
Canberra Business Centre
ACT 2610
To be sent back by 1st October 2009.

If you need any help with questionaire,
please email alasqld@alasqld.com

Apology Alliance

Alas is a member of Apology Alliance and as such, we are bought together with other groups around Australia under the Declaration of Profound Loss.

Apology to those abused a "step forward"

The world News 30th August 2009, states in the coverage of the abuse of children in the foster care system, that Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is expected to deliver a formal apology by the end of the year.

At the end of the article, Ms Macklin said, "We have also begun a dialogue with mothers and children separated by past adoption practices which were inappropriate or unethical.
"The government recognises that the pain and suffering of these women also endures."

We would like to sent out congratulations to the generations of children who have suffered while in the care of the foster care system.

Good luck and good on you!

To My Birth Mother

MOTHER DEAR, PLEASE BE BRAVE
YOUR DAUGHTER'S TEARS YOU COULD SAVE
ALONE IN THE WORLD, & YET NOT
IS THIS TO BE MY LOT?

YOU, TO SEE, I CRAVE
MY ADOPTIVE PARENTS
IN THEIR GRAVE
DO LIE
THE WINGS OF HOPE
ARE THEY NOW A MERE SIGH?

MY OLDER BROTHER, ADOPTED TOO
WHERE IS HE,
LOST IN RED TAPE
DOES HE KNOW OF ME?

YOUR FEARS ARE MY FEARS
I DO UNDERSTAND
YOUR TEARS ARE MY TEARS
ALSO, A CHILD TO ME WAS BORN
BY ADOPTION TOO, FROM ME
HE WAS TORN.

A poem written by Lorraine

Melbourne Times Complaint.

A letter has been sent by ALASQLD to Melbourne Times with an objection of the use of the term "fallen women in their article titled, "Show highlights mother's sacrifices,"printed 29th July 2009.

This in no way describes single women who lost their babies to adoption.
The media has to be accountable for what they write in their paper.