The Upper House Reparations for the Stolen Generation in New South Wales inquiry was held at the Kempsey-Macleay RSL club last Monday, and in Grafton the following day.  

The inquiry is looking at the Government’s response to the Bringing them Home report as well as potential legislation to make reparations to members of the Stolen Generations in NSW.

Among the groups on the North Coast to give evidence last week were former residents of the Kinchela Boys Home. 

Before the hearing, the group of men along with the inquiry’s committee visited the former site of the boys’ home which is now known as Benelong Haven.

Chairwoman and Greens MLC Jan Barham said it was telling for the committee to visit the site to better understand what local men had to endure.    

“That was a special opportunity to go there with them,” she said.

“To hear about their experiences and how the home has shaped their lives, it was very important.”

Ms Barham said from the feedback provided it is clear that more needs to be done by all forms of government.  

“We’ve had a substantial amount of submissions,” she said. 

“There have been some very honest comments. Some of the men have said how they came out of those institutions angry and resentful towards white people. 

“The inquiry has heard of the intergenerational trauma that has resulted from the removals and the effects on individuals, families and communities.

“The survivors want to see more support and services available for their own children as well as future generations to break that cycle. 

“We also heard that while the apology was important there needs to be more work done.”  

The idea for a healing centre at South West Rocks was also put forward to the committee.  

“The men feel they need a place to go to talk with others who can relate to their experiences and somewhere they can find support,” she said. 

“For the site itself (Benelong Haven) there was a request that the place become a site of education – a museum as well as an education facility.” 

Ms Barham said the inquiry also highlighted that there is still a lack of knowledge about the Stolen Generations.  

“The Bringing Them Home report was released in 1996 and since that time there has been school based education of this issue but there are many people in the community who do not have an understanding of the practice of the forced removals of Aboriginal children and the long term impacts,” she said. 

“Perhaps without the understanding of the history, some people may judge the circumstances for Aboriginal people harshly, not recognising the long term pain and suffering and some of the effects with alcohol and substance abuse, a lack of good parenting skills and the anger, disadvantage and vulnerability that may have resulted.

“A greater understanding of the history may be beneficial in providing the compassion and support for the reparations that are necessary to address the intergenerational harm that was caused by these past practices.”

The inquiry committee will travel to the South Coast soon to hear more submissions before compiling a report with reccommendations.   

Ms Barham said it is hoped the report will be put to the Government in May.