Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement recently attended a meeting of Link-Up (Qld) in Townsville.

Link-Up (Qld) Services started in 1984 in response to concerns about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who had been separated from their families and communities by actions of past government policies.

Professor Fredericks (front right) with some of the board members and staff of Link Up (Qld)

Several reports included the Bringing Them Home Report by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (1997) confirmed the devastating effects that removal of children had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and cultures. These children, who are now adults, are sometimes referred to as being members of the Stolen Generations.

Since 1984, Link Up (Qld) has been successfully reuniting people with their families and communities. This has included people within Central Queensland communities.

The next meeting of Link Up (Qld) will be in Rockhampton on Friday, September 21. A community event will also be held.

Professor Fredericks said that "some of the people separated from their families and communities could include CQUniversity students and staff along with members of the many communities that we work with".

"I look forward to seeing Link Up (Qld) meet in Rockhampton in September and to supporting their increased presence in the Central Queensland region," she said.

More details and contacts are available via http://www.link-upqld.org/