Deputy PM launches exhibition to recognise Care Leavers who served our nation
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles launched a special exhibition at the Australian Orphanage Museum to honour the State Wards and Care Leavers who fought for our country.
The Remembering Care Leavers Who Served exhibition highlights the contribution of State Wards and Care Leavers in Australia’s armed forces – a history of service that was significant and often overlooked.
Thousands of State Wards and Care Leavers served our country over the past 115 years. Their service was considerable and included two winners of the Victoria Cross; our highest award for valour.
Western Australian man, Lawrence Dominic McCarthy, was brought up at St Joseph’s Boys’ Orphanage/Clontarf Orphanage in Perth before serving at Gallipoli. He earned a Victoria Cross medal for actions on the Western Front in the Allied Hundred Days Offensive in 1918.
Rayene Stewart Simpson was separated from his siblings and placed in the Church of England Home for Boys in Carlingford in 1931. Rayene Simpson received a Victoria Cross for actions in Kon Tum Province, South Vietnam, on 6 May 1969.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles with Care Leavers Australasia Network CEO Leonie Sheedy and CLAN members and Australian Orphanage Museum volunteers Laurie Pirotta and Anne Pirotta.
Research shows that State Wards and Care Leavers enlisted at a higher rate than other volunteers.
Some State Wards and Care Leavers had family to put their name forward for memorials and a few Orphanages and Children’s Homes erected Rolls of Honour. However, the service of many Care Leavers is still unidentified and unrecognised.
Queenslander Roy Allison enlisted at 18 years of age after becoming a State Ward at eight. He survived World War 1 only to die from the effects of gas poisoning six weeks after returning to Brisbane at the age of 21. Because Roy Allison had no will and no relatives, his war medal and memorial scroll were given to the State Children’s Department.
The Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) works tirelessly to determine the identity of State Wards and Care Leavers who served our nation and connect families with war records. This discovery process is often the first time State Wards and Care Leavers see a photo of their father.
The Remembering Care Leavers Who Served exhibition will be open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm at the Australian Orphanage Museum, 351 Ryrie Street, Geelong.
Quotes attributable to Acting Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
“The Care Leavers Australasia Network and the Australian Orphanage Museum have worked tirelessly in unearthing the identities of State Wards and Care Leavers who served our nation.”
“It is an honour to open the Australian Orphanage Museum’s Remembering Care Leavers Who Served exhibition, to mark the service of men and women who grew up in Orphanages, Children’s Homes and Foster Care, and shine a light on their hidden stories.”
A few changes to the operations of the Australian Orphanage Museum:
- Entrance is now via Fitzroy St ONLY.
- Opening Hours are Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 10am-4pm. Group bookings by appointment only. Phone: 0425 204 747 to book.
We can’t wait to see you there!
January 2025 renovations at Australian Orphanage Museum. More to come.