The National Apology to Victims and Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse was delivered by the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives in Parliament House, Canberra, Monday, 22 October 2018.
A viewing of the National Apology was held in the Great Hall in Parliament House. After the Apology, the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition addressed guests in the Great Hall.
The National Apology is a day for survivors, families and supporters. To avoid the risk of traumatising survivors, representatives of institutions were not invited to attend.
Please refer to the letter received by the NCCA Interim General Secretary, Liz Stone from the Attorney-General’s Department advising:
"Members of institutions who wish to attend Apology events in their personal capacity as a survivor, or as a support person to a survivor, are respectfully asked to not wear a uniform or any clothing that identifies their association with an institution."
Many events were held around the country to view the National Apology, with many offering refreshments, qualified counsellors, social workers and support staff.
Read the ABC article Scott Morrison apologises to victims of institutional child sex abuse
Towns and cities that held these events included:
Jurisdictional viewing events:
Australian Capital Territory
Host: The ACT - two locations, in addition to the national events being hosted at Parliament House.
1: Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Weston Creek.
2: Yarramundi Cultural Centre, 245 Lady Denman Drive, Yarramundi Reach.
New South Wales
Host: The Lord Mayor of Newcastle
Details: Newcastle City Hall, Banquet Room
Host: The Premier of NSW, the Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP,
Details: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Northern Territory
Host: Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Honourable Michael Gunner MLA
Details: Parliament House in Darwin.
Queensland
Host: The Honourable Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
Details: Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre
South Australia
Host: The Government of South Australia - six events
Adelaide Convention Centre, Panorama Room, North Terrace, Adelaide
Berri Barmera Council Chambers, 19 Wilson Street, Berri (in partnership with the Berri Barmera Council)
Mount Gambier Library, 6 Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier (in partnership with the City of Mount Gambier)
Port Augusta Central Oval Function Centre – Flinders Room, 10 Augusta Terrace
Port Pirie Regional Council, Council Chambers, 115 Ellen Street (in partnership with Port Pirie Regional Council)
Whyalla Mount Laura Homestead (Next to Whyalla Public Library), 7-9 Ekblom Street, Whyalla Norrie (in partnership with Whyalla City Council)
Further details, including how to register your interest in attending an event, can be found at Child Protection SA.
Tasmania
Host: The Tasmanian Government
Details: Hobart Function and Conference Centre, 1 Elizabeth Street Pier. The Premier, Will Hodgman MP, and the Attorney-General, Elise Archer MP, were present.
Victoria
Host: The Victorian Government hosted viewing opportunities in four locations:
Melbourne: Members Dining Room, Gate 2, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Jolimont
Ballarat: Mercure Ballarat Hotel & Convention Centre, 613 Main Road
Geelong: GMBHA Stadium, Geelong Football Club, Kardinia Park, Latrobe Terrace
Traralgon: Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon, Grey Street
Western Australia
The Western Australian Premier offered a formal apology in State Parliament to all Western Australian survivors of child sexual abuse on 27 June 2018:
https://www.dpc.wa.gov.au/ProjectsandSpecialEvents/Royal-Commission/Pages/The-WA-Government-Response-to-Recommendations-(June-2018).aspx
Support organisation viewing events:
New South Wales
Host: Eden Therapy Service
Details: Eden Therapy Service: Suite 1, 318 Sydney Road Balgowlah. http://www.edencounselling.com.au/
Host: Parramatta Female Factory Precinct Inc. 1 Fleet Street, North Parramatta http://www.parragirls.org.au/
Host: Relationships Australia NSW, Wattle Place - held at The Mantra, located on the corner of Parkes St and Valentine Avenue, Parramatta. http://www.relationshipsnsw.org.au/support-services/wattle-place/
Host: Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) CLAN Office, 263 Chapel Road Bankstown, NSW. http://www.clan.org.au/
Queensland
Host: Bravehearts: 9 Byth Street Arundel, QLD. From 10:30am – 12:30pm. https://bravehearts.org.au/
Host: The Centre Against Sexual Violence (CASV) 5/13-21 Mayes Ave, Logan Central, QLD. http://www.casv.org.au/
Tasmania
Host: Sexual Assault Support Service Inc.
Details: Hobart Function and Conference Centre, 1 Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart. In conjunction with the Tasmanian Government. https://www.sass.org.au/
Victoria
Host: Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) : Aborigines Advancement League, 2 Watt St Thornbury, VIC. http://www.vacca.org/
Host: Tzedek 591 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick, VIC 3185: https://www.tzedek.org.au/
Western Australia
Host: Tuart Place 24 High Street Fremantle WA. From 12 noon WST. https://www.tuartplace.org/
For more details and links to state and rural viewings please see the Event page of the National Apology website
