The Wire

Between 1924 and 1970 hundreds of Aboriginal boys and babies were forcibly removed from their families to live at the notorious Kinchela Boy’s Home near Kempsey in New South Wales. The Wire has previously told of how the boys were completely cut off from relatives, and of the severe physical punishments meted out for minor infringements. Now, more than three decades after the home was closed, moves are underway to set up a healing strategy for the survivors. Project Co-ordinator Ray Minnecon says they’ve had to try to overcome some big hurdles when addressing such a sensitive issue in consultations, and admits healing will be difficult to achieve. Mr Minnecon is working with the University of New South Wales to develop a strategic plan for the Kinchela Boy’s Home Corporation, set up by the former residents.