The Board of the UPA of NSW has issued the following apology:

The United Protestant Association of NSW (UPA) established 14 children’s homes between 1940 and the early 1980s, when these larger institutional homes were wound down and closed. From that time until the mid 1990’s we also managed a number of smaller Group Homes. Over those two periods, some homes were well managed and some were not. We sought to be trusted by children, parents, and the State, but we freely acknowledge that in many of our homes we failed to provide the safe and nurturing environment that children need to thrive. Emotional, physical and sexual abuse did occur in those homes. We are ashamed of those failures and offer our sincere and deep apology for the harm caused.

Today, we seek to make amends by listening and believing, offering access to records, reporting to authorities, funding counselling services, making redress payments. We welcome contact from any person who once resided in a UPA children’s home. At the moment there are a number of cases currently or soon to be heard in the courts. We are pleased when we hear a “guilty” plea and welcome the prosecution process. Whenever we receive an allegation of abuse we work with NSW Police to ensure that each person has the opportunity to be heard and information gathered. We are committed to ensuring privacy is protected and that care, support and services are readily available.

Our Contact details:
After Care Support: Graham Hercus 02 9487 7362, graham.hercus@upa.org.au
CEO: Tim Thorndyke 02 9487 7362, tim.thorndyke@upa.org.au

Other Sources of Information:
http://www.clan.org.au/
http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/

The UPA Homes

  • Melrose Boys Home, Pendle Hill.
  • Sunnylands Boys Home, Wollongbar.
  • Adelaide Walker Home, Strathfield.
  • Woodlands Boys Home, Newcastle.
  • Rathgar Home, Grafton.
  • Rathmore Home, Grafton.
  • Ellimeek, East Maitland.
  • Ellimatta Girls Home, East Maitland.
  • Glen Eden, Glen Innes.
  • Buena Vista, Orange.
  • Gumleigh, Wagga Wagga.
  • Lillimur, Dubbo.
  • The Laurels, Kogarah.
  • Murrayvale Home, Albury.