Dictionary of Sydney

The Dictionary of Sydney was archived in 2021.

Forgotten Australians

Children and child migrants who experienced care in institutions due to poverty or family break down during the twentieth century. Many suffered abuse, neglect and appalling conditions. The Australian Senate used the term specifically when reporting on its 2003–04 'Inquiry into Children in Institutional Care'.

Type

Bidura

CC BY-SA 2.0
,
2015

As the primary hub for child welfare in Sydney, Bidura is a place shared by members of the Stolen Generations and Forgotten Australians and is remembered by them with little fondness.

Royleston

CC BY-SA 2.0
,
2015

Royleston, like the nearby girls' institution, Bidura, served as a depot for children in the New South Wales Government child welfare system from 1922 until 1983 providing temporary accommodation for children in transit between children's court hearings, foster care and institutions. For many members of the Stolen Generations and Forgotten Australians, it was a harsh and loveless place.

Yarra Bay House

CC BY-SA 2.0
,
2015

Yarra Bay House, originally built at La Perouse as a cable station, served as a NSW Government children's home from around 1917 until the 1980s. Since 1984 it has been owned by the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and has been the hub of the La Perouse Aboriginal community.