Remember Me Now

There are stories in Australia’s history that should not be forgotten but often are.

In this series of seven short films, Jeannie, Jan, James (Jim), Priscilla, Chris and Jeannie share what it meant to grow up in out-of-home care. They discuss how those experiences continue to shape their lives.

These are not distant histories. They are lived experiences of Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers, carried into the present.

This series invites you to listen, to understand, and to recognise the impact of a childhood shaped by institutional care.

Viewer discretion is advised. These videos include discussions of abuse, neglect and trauma. Additional content warnings apply to Videos 3 (Then) and 6 (Ageing).

We thank all contributors for their willingness to share.

Who – introduces you to Jeannie, Jan, James (Jim), Priscilla, Chris and Jeannie and the kinds of care they were placed in as children, and explains who Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers are.

Why – explores why children were removed from their families, and why little is known about this part of Australia’s history.

Then – outlines some of the conditions and mistreatment of children in out of home care. This video comes with a content warning.

Now – discusses some of the lifetime impacts of childhood trauma.

Sorry – reflects on the National Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants and outlines where work remains to be done to meet the needs of Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers.

Ageing – discusses the challenges faced by Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers in accessing aged care services, as well as the ways in which the aged care sector can better meet their needs. This video comes with a content warning.

Joy – shares the things that bring participants joy.

Your feedback

We’d love to hear any feedback you have regarding these videos. If you choose, please share your thoughts in this short anonymous survey: Remember Me Now survey – Fill out form

Acknowledgement of country

In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.