星空视频

Written by Mark Jarradd

My name is Mark (AKA Jarradd). I am 54 and feel older than my age. I was removed as a baby as part of the 鈥榖aby scoop era鈥檕f Australia鈥檚 former forced removal practices.

In my adopted family鈥檚 home, I grew up at Epping West until third class at school. Later we moved to a new home in Crestwood in the Hills District. I have lived many other places, yet the home was always there.

I ran away multiple times from a very young age as I never felt understood. Also, I was treated more like a 鈥榟ome domestic鈥�, responsible for my brother and recognised as my mum鈥檚 carer through NSW Health.

As my adoptive parents were non-citizens, we had no family support networks. It seemed the only support was through the outreach of the NSW Health Department. My father and I argued about mum’s care. This led to me as a teen being forced to be homeless to avoid family violence. Thankfully I was taken in by kind, compassionate people that I had a lot in common with. They also had removal backgrounds.

During my homelessness, I inadvertently met my grandmother Una. She was running the Red Cross behind Paramatta Council Chambers on Church Street. When I was older, I realised this connection when I had a reunion with my biological mum. Meeting her and my three younger sisters gave me a place and heritage that I sorely needed. Even finding that ANZAC spirit, I finally understood my adopted father calling me his 鈥渓ittle ocker鈥�.

Later in my teens, I started to play football in the barefoot comp of South Sydney. I played A-grade at 17 and was offered to play for Warrington. At this stage I fortunately met with Shirley Smith AO OBE鈥攐r 鈥楳um Shirl鈥� as she鈥檚 known. Through her understanding and teachings, I learned about removal practices. I learned a lot through her and my mate Buddy and his family. I eventually moved to Ashfield, into one of many houses Mum Shirl had.

I put my name down for housing pretty young. In around 1994-5, through the birth of my children, a place became available in Emerton. I had to give it up in 2009-10 as I was carer for my adoptive mum back in the Crestwood home. When she passed away in 2015, it put me, the children and grandchildren in a place of homelessness. 

Today I am Treasurer for Link-Up NSW Aboriginal Corporation, Chairperson of Stolen Generations Link-Up NSW and Vice President and foundation member of Adoption Rights Australia. Also, I am on a Committee with the Department of Communities and Justice.

For some years now I have been on the Board of the NSW Peugeot Car Club, as we all need hobbies. I’ve just been nominated to be on the Board for Hawkesbury Helping Hands.

Leaving school early, I have put adult education to good use. I completed a Diploma in Indigenous Studies and a few Cert III at TAFE through Mick Young scholarships. In 2010, I studied a post-graduate degree in Gestalt Psychology.

Formerly, I used to be an Outreach for the Lone Father’s Association in my old place over in Emerton. My own family court issues gave me knowledge, in turn preparing me to help at the Men’s Shed. I also used to do a lot of community work up at the Holy Family Church. Not paid work, but turning up and giving my time and helping others, advocating for services and advocating for other people. I even fixed up old computers and donated them to those in need, including the Men’s Shed, Carwarra Women’s Refuge and other community places.

My life experiences mean that I walk with a lot of knowledge. So when people talk me about stuff, I am usually able to help them in some way by pointing them in the right direction. My community involvement from a young age has put me into a position where if I don’t know an answer, I can probably find someone that will.

Recently, I attended the Great Hall at Australian Parliament House for the 15th anniversary of Rudd’s apologies to the Stolen Generations. In 2008, I was present during the apology as a Director of Link-Up NSW 2008.

Ten years ago this March, Prime Minister Julia Gillard made a national apology to people affected by forced removal practices.

Most of our Forgotten Australians and Stolen Generation haven’t had families or are trying to locate some. People tend to forget about what removal practices have done鈥攖he loss and alienation it has inflicted on numerous peoples and extended families.

When people find they have a commonality, it becomes more like family. For me, my family is community.

Three and a half years ago, Link Wentworth placed me in a two-bedroom property in South Windsor. I was fortunate to receive the help of their Outreach Officer Christy who really went to bat for me, as I was couch surfing and living in my car for some years.

Being involved with local organisations here in the Hawkesbury, even being on the Link Wentworth TAG, brings a whole other perspective to housing. I see things from many different angles through life’s experiences.

I am very grateful to the TAG leader Vanessa who is welcoming and a stalwart for Link Wentworth.

I don’t know where I’d be without being housed by Link Wentworth. They gave me a lifeline and the lifeline’s a house.