Adam Oakhill first contacted Link-Up (Qld) in 2019, so he and his mother Maureen could try to find out the true story of his beautiful Nana and Aunties…
We believed my aunties, who were a lot older than Maureen, had been taken away from Nana and put into an orphanage when my Nana was living in West End as a single mother with two daughters. I had heard of Link-Up (Qld) while I was working with Indigenous youth for the Brisbane Broncos’ community programs. We applied to become a Link-Up (Qld) client and were delighted to be accepted, as we knew this would be the only chance for our family to find out the truth of what happened.
We were immediately made to feel very welcome and supported by all the staff, which really put my mother and I at ease in what was an emotional – and sometimes traumatic – time. It was the first time I heard my mother talking and sharing memories and recollections from her childhood, which we have tried to piece together ourselves. Working closely with our allocated caseworkers and researchers, and attending many of the morning teas and Link-Up (Qld) events, gave us a sense of belonging and being connected with community as we embarked on this journey.
My mother and I have learnt so much from these gatherings and made some lifelong connections and friends. Some other highlights for me were being able to assist with giving some young Indigenous job seekers I was working with at the time, with the Broncos, the opportunity to gain some invaluable work experience as part of their training at the Link-Up (Qld) Christmas Party in 2020 and attending the Sorry Day event at West End in 2022, which was hosted by Link-Up (Qld).
Once the research report, which was so detailed and thorough, was complete it was presented to us in a way that was very comfortable for my mum to understand and allowed us plenty of time to ask questions or seek more clarity. A reunion was then organised for us to meet our cousin, Uncle Ted Williams, who was able to help us make connections and answer any questions we might have had.
Link-Up (Qld) staff Kerry and Christine took us to the Beenleigh Heritage Museum, which displayed Yugambeh’s history. It was really beautiful watching Mum and Uncle Ted share childhood memories and names which were validated by each other.
It was a wonderful day together made possible by Link-Up (Qld).
Overall, this journey has been one of the most interesting, emotional and rewarding experiences of my life – I’ll be forever grateful to Link-Up (Qld).
I will continue to make further connections with my relatives and remain a part of the extended Link-Up (Qld) community.
Published 19 August 2024.
