Marie Gilliland’s path to becoming a Link-Up (Qld) Board Director is a heart-warming story of reconnection and the unwavering dedication of those who seek to mend the wounds of the past.
In 2014, while grocery shopping, Marie bumped into a lady who introduced her to Link-Up (Qld). This marked the beginning of a journey that would uncover deep family ties and bring newfound connections. “It’s just by chance I bumped into a lady in Coles and she told me about all the amazing work Link-Up (Qld) do,” Marie recalls. “I got in touch, and they’ve found so much information for me.”
Photo: Link-Up (Qld Board Director Marie Gilliland (right) with Link-Up (Qld) Caseworker Kerry Sandow.
Marie’s discovery that she was related to the late Sam Watson, former Chairperson of Link-Up (Qld), was just one of the many extraordinary revelations. “We found brothers and sisters of my mother, we’re going to meet a couple of cousins next week,” she shares with a sense of amazement. Through Link-Up (Qld), Marie has been able to reconnect with numerous family members, including her mother’s sister in Sydney and cousins she never knew existed.
When the opportunity arose to become a Board Director of Link-Up (Qld), Marie’s initial reaction was one of hesitation. “No, no, no,” she admits. However, a heartfelt conversation with Link-Up (Qld) CEO Pat Thompson AM, and the memory of her cousin Sam inspired her to take on the role. “I said okay, I’ll do it for Sam,” she says, reflecting on the moment she decided to honour her cousin’s legacy.
Photo: Link-Up (Qld) Board Director Marie Gilliland (left) and sister Loretta (right) reuniting with one of their long-lost cousins.
Marie’s decision to join the organisation’s Board of Directors has been life changing.
“It’s the best decision of my life. I’ve become a lot closer with the Link-Up family, and I just love Link-Up (Qld). I don’t know where I’d be without them.
The Link-Up (Qld) team really go above and beyond to support every client. That’s what makes me so proud to be a Board Director.”
Photo: Link-Up (Qld) Board Director Marie Gilliland with her newfound nieces.
Marie encourages anyone considering reaching out to Link-Up (Qld) to take that step. “100% reach out,” she urges. “If you need to find family and reconnect with culture, go. It’s probably the only way you can do it with so much support.”
Marie’s story, filled with moments of joy, discovery, sadness and reconnection, exemplifies the impact that dedicated and compassionate support can have on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by forced removal. Marie wants her story to act as encouragement to all Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants to reach out and seek the support they deserve. Link-Up (Qld) stands ready to assist, providing compassionate, professional services to help reconnect with family, Country, and culture.
As Marie’s journey shows, the path to reconnection is filled with hope and extraordinary discoveries. “I don’t know where I’d be without Link-Up (Qld),” she says. “They’ve given me a family I never knew I had, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”
For more information on how Link-Up (Qld) can support you in your journey, browse our website or get in touch with our friendly team via phone or email.