Today is National Sorry Day. FYA would like to acknowledge and pay its respect to the Aboriginal and/or Torres Islander peoples of this land. On this day we recognise those who were or are members of the Stolen Generations. We recognise that First Nations Peoples were not only removed from their family, but from their country and their rich culture. We acknowledge the intergenerational trauma that is still suffered by the younger Generations today.

This is an opportunity to consider our country’s past, where we want to go and how we can get there together. 

FYA-er Will, has kindly shared his story of dad, Neville. Neville is a member of the Stolen Generation and was removed from his family when he was just 15 months old. He was a ward of the state till he was 16.

Dad’s story

At 15 months old Neville Austin was taken into Hospital by his mother due to a cough, like any mother would do. It was this day that he would be removed from his mother and family, becoming a ward of the state for the next 16 years. Neville’s mother falling $12 short in the boarding fees at St Gabriel's Babies Home in Balwyn, was the reason given for his removal.

For 16 years Neville was shuttled between institutions and foster parents while his mother, Eileen Austin, wrote repeatedly to the state government seeking the return of her son and information about his welfare.

For all those years Neville failed to be notified of his Aboriginal Heritage. He was denied his true identity and forced to live the life that others wanted him to live. Through-out this stage of his life he was given over 5 different last names, having to adapt to each one and their expectations as he was moved from family to family.

Neville Austin at 16 years of age was eventually released from the system, which truthfully was just as brutal as being taken away. On release they informed him of his aboriginality and his real last name. He was then thrown out with no direction given. He had no idea of who any of his family were or where to start looking.

After finally tracking down his mother, Eileen Austin, he was only able to treasure 8 years with her until she passed away in 1989.

In 2011, Neville become the first Victorian Indigenous man to receive compensation and a written apology off the Victorian Government due to his poor treatment as a member of the Stolen Generation.  "I wish my mum was here today to hear me read this letter in which the State of Victoria acknowledges its wrongdoing and the impact it had on me, my mum and my family” Neville said.

Dad describes his case as “It's one for Mum. I put myself second as always, but, you know, we've all seen apologies before and I think it's very special. It's a great acknowledgement and a salute to a mother who never gave up loving me”.

Impact this had on me

Dad’s court case was developed over a number of years. During this time he was required to re-live all the experiences he had as a child. This was dramatic and had an effect on him and his health.

Despite all of this, Dad overcome all challenges that come his way and is now a much respected man within the Aboriginal community.

I consider myself to be very lucky in the position that I am in. My father was denied his identity and the opportunity to immerse himself within his Aboriginal culture. He was denied the right to have a voice and an opinion.

A lot of the things I do in my life now, is to make my Dad proud and to make the most of all opportunities that are presented to me as a young Indigenous man that he was not given.

I will have a voice, I will have an opinion, I will connect to my culture and I will identify as Will Austin a strong and proud Gunditjmara man.

It is an absolute privilege to be working at NIYLA. In this position I am able to share my experiences and knowledge and become a part of other young people’s journeys in finding their voice, passion and true identity.