The NSW Government has established a permanent public memorial to those affected by forced adoption practices.
Forced adoption practices were widespread, particularly between the 1950s and 1970s. The practice saw tens of thousands of babies forcibly removed from their mothers by government agencies and church organisations, often using violence and coercion, on the basis that the women were unmarried.
Unveiled on the anniversary of the 2012 Apology by the NSW Government, the 'Stolen Hearts - Broken Bonds Memorial' provides a solemn place for remembrance of the legacy of forced adoption in NSW.
The memorial, commissioned through the Memorial Consultative Committee and funded by the NSW Government, is a sculpture crafted by acclaimed Australian artist Christophe Conder which marks the grief and ongoing loss felt by the families subjected to these practices.
Surrounded by landscaped gardens, the new memorial is in the Parramatta North Precinct and joins the nearby sites of the Parramatta Female Factory and Parramatta Girls Home as significant monuments in the State's history of women and children.
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:
"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.
"This memorial has been a long time coming, and I am deeply grateful to everyone involved for the enormous work put in to establish this important place of remembrance in the State's history."
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:
"It is my honour to welcome the Stolen Hearts - Broken Bonds Memorial to the historic fabric of Parramatta.
"Parramatta has a unique connection to those impacted by forced adoption and it is appropriate that we honour these stories and welcome visitors from across the State and country who come to learn and reflect on the past."
Memorial Consultative Committee Chair Dr Amy Conley Wright, Professor of Child and Family Social Work, The University of Sydney, said:
"Separating mothers from their babies caused profound grief and loss that endures across lifetimes and generations.
"The NSW Government apology was an important milestone in recognising the experiences of those affected and acknowledging the profound harm that was done.
"This memorial provides a permanent place for remembrance and reflection, honouring those affected and ensuring this painful chapter of our history and its impact is never forgotten."
