Link-Up (Qld) supported Stolen Generations descendant Tina Gibson in tracing her father’s family, who he was separated from as a young child. The reunion gave Tina the chance to meet her great uncle and learn more about her grandfather’s life, helping her connect the pieces of her family history. In this video, Tina reflects on her journey, the importance of knowing where you come from, and the lasting support she’s found through Link-Up (Qld)…
“My name’s Tina Marie Gibson, and I’m a Mununjali woman from Beaudesert.
When I came to Link-Up (Qld), I was looking for my father’s side of the family. He never talked about them because he was separated from them at a young age, under the age of 10. Growing up in an orphanage – he wasn’t the same person after that. My dad has been my grounding unit throughout my life. He raised us on his own.
Finding family is everything. As a human being, that’s where we come from – a family. Not having that security, or a sense of knowledge and balance in your life and your history, it means you’re lost. In some ways, you’re lost.
Above: Tina Gibson meeting family during her Link-Up (Qld) reunion in 2023.
The reunion was great. I was looking forward to the first meet and greet at the dinner because I got to see them all for the first time. I was very emotional that night, but I was really happy. I took down presents, and there were a lot of extra people there for me to meet, too.
My brother was with me for support, so that was fantastic.
Above: Tina Gibson during her Link-Up (Qld) reunion in 2023.
I just remember travelling out and meeting my great uncle, he’s such a country bumpkin! We took him to the city later. It’s a memory I’ll never forget, because he was part of my grandfather’s life. They were in a band together, they travelled, and they went to the war together. Just to know him, and to sense my father’s way, my grandfather’s way – it’s important. I get that through him. I get a better understanding through him.
Link-Up (Qld) has helped me gather information about my family tree. They’ve got the basic grounding for all my relatives going back four or five generations, and all the offspring from those people.
They will support you mentally, physically, emotionally, and you can always be a part of the Link-Up (Qld) family.”
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Published June 2025.