Forgotten Australian Support Service

Counselling might not be something you have ever considered, but it can be useful in many different ways. For example, a counsellor might provide moral support through a current challenge you are facing, a counsellor might give you practical strategies to use if you feel overwhelmed, or you might be ready to tell someone, for the very first time, what happened to you in your childhood. But we understand if you choose not to have counselling.  We will always be guided by you. We have Aboriginal counsellors for Aboriginal people preferring to speak with another Aboriginal person. We also offer the choice of a male or female counsellor. Whatever you request from us, please be assured, your wellbeing, safety and confidentiality are our highest priorities.

Brokerage is a financial contribution towards the costs of services that support your wellbeing, such as medical, dental, optical, etc. Please note that strict guidelines and eligibility criteria apply for access to brokerage and decisions are made on a case by case basis. Brokerage Guidelines

The Forgotten Australian Support Service applies on your behalf to Government agencies and former out-of-home care providers for identification documents and records from your time in out-of-home care. Finding records of identity, family or time in institutions or foster homes can be incredibly significant, but can have both positive and negative impacts. Wattle Place not only helps to find records but also provides support, when needed, to deal with those impacts. We obtain all records at no cost to you.

Connection to families was often completely severed. Children were often lied to and told their parents had died or abandoned them. The Forgotten Australian Support Service can apply on your behalf for records relating to your family history. Finding out information about your family can help to fill in gaps about your identity and origins. There is no cost to you for any records.

If possible, we can facilitate contact and the first reunion with family members you were separated from, and haven’t seen since you were placed in out-of-home care. This can be a very emotional and unpredictable process and we are here to guide and support you through it. Please note that strict guidelines and eligibility criteria apply to family reunions and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Sometimes it may be that you will be better supported by an appropriately qualified counsellor who is closer to where you live or with whom you have a trusting relationship. If approved, we can arrange a professional of your choice to provide your counselling.

Your counsellor or caseworker can work with you and support you to set and achieve certain goals, face certain challenges, develop strategies and connect with people or services who are best placed to assist you.

If Wattle Place is unable to provide what you need, or there is more appropriate assistance available, we will help you sort through options or connect with services who are better placed to assist you.

The group work and the social activities offered by Wattle Place provide fun and varied ways to explore creativity, gain new skills, experience new things and develop connections and friendships.

We offer a wide variety of workshops at Wattle Place. These workshops are designed to be fun, encourage you to explore your creativity, develop strategies and skills to help you manage some of your feelings and reactions and potentially make connections with other Forgotten Australians.

Wattle Place provides a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere to have a cuppa or something to eat or use the computer. Drop-in Centre is currently available between 10am and 4pm, Mondays to Thursdays.

We post out a newsletter every three months to keep you informed about news, groups, social activities and events happening at Wattle Place, as well as important news and information about issues relevant to Forgotten Australians and care leavers.

You can read past editions of the Wattle It Be newsletter here