The NSW Government has unveiled a permanent public memorial in Parramatta honouring mothers, children and families affected by forced adoption practices.
NSW Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said the memorial would provide a permanent reminder of the experiences of affected families.
“This memorial will remain a permanent testament to the wrongs committed against these families and the courage of the survivors who brought to light what happened in shadows.”
The ‘Stolen Hearts – Broken Bonds Memorial’ was unveiled on the anniversary of the NSW Government’s 2012 apology to people affected by forced adoption.
Forced adoption practices were widespread in Australia, particularly between the 1950s and 1970s, with thousands of babies separated from their mothers through government and church-run systems. Unmarried mothers were particularly affected, with accounts documenting coercion and pressure surrounding the removal of their children.
The new memorial, commissioned through the Memorial Consultative Committee and funded by the NSW Government, features a sculpture by acclaimed Australian artist Christophe Conder.
It is located within landscaped gardens in the Parramatta North Precinct, near the former Parramatta Female Factory and Parramatta Girls Home — sites that form part of the State’s history involving women and children.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the location was particularly significant given Parramatta’s connection to people affected by forced adoption.
“Parramatta has a unique connection to those impacted by forced adoption and it is appropriate that we honour these stories.”
Memorial Consultative Committee Chair Dr Amy Conley Wright, Professor of Child and Family Social Work at the University of Sydney, said separating mothers from their babies had caused grief and loss that continued across generations.
“The NSW Government apology was an important milestone in recognising the experiences of those affected and acknowledging the profound harm that was done.”
She said the memorial would provide a permanent place for remembrance and reflection and ensure the history and impact of forced adoption was not forgotten.
The NSW Government’s 2012 apology formally acknowledged the experiences of people affected by forced adoption practices and the harm caused by the separation of mothers and children.
The new memorial adds another permanent site of remembrance to the Parramatta North Precinct, allowing survivors, families and visitors to reflect on this chapter of Australia’s social history.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
