BendigoWeekly www.bendigoweekly.com.au
ISSUE 872 FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2014
PAIN: The Royal Commission may bring closure for some, but the sad memories of their time at St Aidan’s will remain.
WE HEAR YOU Photo: ALLAN DONEY
By DIANNE DEMPSEY
THE Royal Commission into Sexual Abuse is coming to Bendigo on July 23. A spokesperson for the commission said they have so far received 21 reports of child sexual abuse. These incidents are not necessarily confined to institutions within the City of Greater Bendigo. The commission declined to say
Royal Commission coming to Bendigo
which institutions were involved. Two former residents of St Aidan’s told the Weekly they welcomed the commission saying that it would be invaluable help towards the healing process. The visit will consist of two distinct parts. One will be a community
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forum to be held at the Bendigo Town Hall on Wednesday, July 23 between 6pm and 8pm. During the forum, the Royal Commissioner Justice Jennifer Coate will provide an overview of the work of the Royal Commission and answer questions from the community.
Royal Commission chief executive officer Philip Reed said the community forum was open to any members of the public who have an interest in the Royal Commission and encouraged people affected by child sexual abuse while in the care of an institution to attend.
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“You will not be required to discuss your personal story at the community forum, it is a chance to find out more about the work of the Royal Commission and how you can be involved,” he said. In addition to the community forum, private sessions will also be held on the following day,“ Mr Reed said.
STORY Pages 4 and 5 EDITORIAL Page 13