As some of you may remember when rabbit proof fence and similar films/books get mentioned Seang usually refers to the "orphans" (many were not orphans) sent over to Aus. Usually my point being that it was not just Aboriginal children that were mistreated or taken and yet the white europeans that were sent over get very little if any "mediafication". Very little was ever done for these people (many now dead).
I was forwarded this article from the Sunday Times that was published this weekend you may like to read.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...cle2139344.ece

I've heard of those children. I've heard that some were put in Banardo's childrens homes temporarily and then sent to Aus without their families knowing and being told their families were dead. There are some awful stories.

There were some cases where the parent (usually single) was told the child had died at child birth and never knew that they had actually survived. All the survivers got in the end was some assistance IF they want to go back to the UK to try and trace any surviving family themselves. They were usually in their seventies when this was offered.

it was a sad episode of the history of Australia (and UK) that for many years was swept under the carpet.

I think I mentioned a while back that years ago on a visit to Aus I met one of the children sent out. In his late 60's at the time and with his own family it still haunted him and also the lack of interest in the authorties on both sides in the plight of the kids sent out.

There was a two part series made about it about 10 years ago - will try to dig the title out tomorrow

An awful part of both countries history. It's shocking that the authorities don't seem to care! I had no idea that the children were taken so soon after birth.

Was it part of the 'White Australia' programme before they brought that in fully in the 60s?

Please do find the title of the programme. I find this kind of thing very interesting, although sad.

the children wouldnt have been sent as babies i think but may then have in orphanages before then. The one story (which I read) was regarding a single catholic mother.

the film - http://www.abc.net.au/programsales/s1123499.htm

Thanks for the link.

Was it mainly the children of so-called 'fallen women' who were taken? As well as the poor?

That was a devastating read.

4 year olds... christ! Babies really.

I cannot understand the arrogance of the UK and Aus gvts to be complicit in such evil.
It's beyond me.

I think from memory it was called : "The Leaving of Liverpool"?

I remember that series - the Catholic Church again mistreating children.

I think there was a scene in a barn where a poor little piggy came in for some harsh treatment............. or was that in Deliverance?

Old age is playing havoc with my memory?