Standing with Forgotten Australians to honour their experiences, advocate for their rights, and ensure their suffering is never repeated nor ignored.
Why we exist
The Alliance for Forgotten Australians (AFA) is a powerful national coalition dedicated to advocating for the needs and interests of Forgotten Australians, individuals who experienced institutional or out-of-home care as children in Australia during the 20th century. Partnering with supporters and stakeholders, we ensure their voices are heard and their experiences acknowledged.
AFA stands with Forgotten Australians, advocating for meaningful policy change, public recognition, and access to services that reflect their diverse needs. Through education, storytelling, and representation, we work to ensure their voices are included in national conversations that impact their lives.
Despite facing neglect, abuse, and long-term trauma, Forgotten Australians continue to show extraordinary resilience. Our mission is to honour their strength, create space for healing, and fight for the justice and dignity they have long been denied.
South Australian Memorial to Forgotten Australians.
Who is the Alliance For Forgotten Australians?
AFA is a national group of Forgotten Australians and supporters who work as volunteers to advocate for and promote national policies and services to meet the needs and interests of Forgotten Australians.
From the Alliance for Forgotten Australians’ 2014 video ‘Who are the Forgotten Australians?’
Who are the Forgotten Australians?
Forgotten Australians are a group of an estimated 500,000 Australians who spent a period of time as a child in a children’s home, orphanage, asylum, foster placement, training school or any other form of residential out-of-home facility in Australia before the end of 1989.
A boy stands on a cot in Dalwood Children’s Home at Seaforth, New South Wales, circa 1920s.
Finding Help
If you are someone who identifies as a Forgotten Australian, there are a number of support groups that assist Forgotten Australians.
“SingSong,” St Joseph’s WA Girls Orphanage
How to take Action
AFA encourages active engagement in its advocacy efforts through the following:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below is a list of commonly asked question about the Alliance of Forgotten Australians. For further information, please get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of the page.
How is AFA funded?
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The Alliance for Forgotten Australians Ltd is funded by the Australian Government, Department of Social Services.
Among other initiatives that were funded as part of the 2009 National Apology, AFA receives a modest amount of $150,000 per annum as core funding for its operations, which has increased with CPI over the years. This funding will cease on 30 June 2026.
Among other initiatives that were funded as part of the 2009 National Apology, AFA receives a modest amount of $150,000 per annum as core funding for its operations, which has increased with CPI over the years. This funding will cease on 30 June 2026.
How does AFA engage with Forgotten Australians?
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Each of the seven Forgotten Australians who sit on the AFA Board of Governance are connected to and participate in their home states' Find and Connect Services to engage with other Forgotten Australians. Through their contribution to newsletters and participating in group activities, they gather information and feedback, which is shared with the AFA Board and at the National Forums.
Why use the term Forgotten Australians?
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We took our name from the title of the 2004 Senate report. Sometimes we say we didn’t choose this name; it was a name given to us by the Australian Government. We use the term Forgotten Australians, as we think this is least likely to cause offence. Some people call themselves ‘care leavers’ and that term has also been used by the government. For some, the term care leaver sits badly. We were not cared for, so how could we have left care?
Can I become a member of AFA?
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In accordance with the AFA constitution, there are three types of membership:
(a) governing members
AFA’s Board is made up of Directors, known as governing members. The Board can have up to seven (7) Forgotten Australians on the Board at any one time, with these seven members coming from each state. The Board can also have an additional two Board members who may not be Forgotten Australians.
(b) affiliate members
The affiliate members are those bodies that receive government funding to deliver the Find & Connect Services to Forgotten Australians in each state/territory.
(c) associate members
The associate members are any Forgotten Australian or other individual or body that:
• supports the objectives of AFA;
• applies to become an associate member of AFA; and
• is approved by the Board.
(a) governing members
AFA’s Board is made up of Directors, known as governing members. The Board can have up to seven (7) Forgotten Australians on the Board at any one time, with these seven members coming from each state. The Board can also have an additional two Board members who may not be Forgotten Australians.
(b) affiliate members
The affiliate members are those bodies that receive government funding to deliver the Find & Connect Services to Forgotten Australians in each state/territory.
(c) associate members
The associate members are any Forgotten Australian or other individual or body that:
• supports the objectives of AFA;
• applies to become an associate member of AFA; and
• is approved by the Board.
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