The dark history of forced adoption in Australia comes to light in a new exhibition at Geelong’s National Wool Museum.
Without Consent tells the stories of an estimated 250,000 Australians affected by forced adoption, with some victims sharing their suffering for the first time.
Council’s arts portfolio holder Trent Sullivan welcomed the “thought-provoking exhibition” to Geelong.
“This is a difficult subject, but it’s important we acknowledge and shed light on it, to recognise the people who were impacted,” he said.
“I encourage the community to go and see it, to expand their knowledge and challenge their understanding of Australia’s history.”
Between 1950 and 1975 Australian policy forced some unmarried mothers to give up their children to authorities for adoption.
On 21 March 2013 then Prime Minister Julia Gillard offered a national apology to those affected by forced adoption policies following a 2010 inquiry.
Following the inquiry’s recommendation of promoting community understanding, the National Archives curated Without Consent to shed light on the tragedy.
One letter in the exhibition, from a mother to her son, reads:
“I loved you so much it hurt, and I loved you much more than I loved myself; that was why I was prepared to sacrifice my happiness for yours.”
National Wool Museum director Padraic Fisher said the exhibition was a tribute to the courage and generosity of those who volunteered to share their experiences.
“As the only venue in Victoria to host the exhibition, it’s important to share this story with as broad an audience as possible.”
Without Consent: Australia’s past adoption practices is at National Wool Museum until 27 January 2020.
The exhibition’s companion website can be viewed at forcedadoptions.naa.gov.au
