Crucifix on stand which belonged to Janice Konstantinidis, one of the ‘Forgotten Australians’

This crucifix was given to Janice Konstantinidis by a nun at the Convent of the Good Shepherd at Mount St Canice. It symbolises Janice’s experiences as an inmate in the convent’s commercial laundry between 1962 and 1965. She and many other female workers referred to themselves as slaves.

Janice was one of hundreds of thousands of children who were separated from their families. They were placed in institutions run by governments, churches and charities. During this time, many suffered mental and physical harm, and experienced grief and trauma with life-long consequences. They became known as ‘Forgotten Australians’. Their experiences were acknowledged and recognised by the Australian Government on 16 November 2009 when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered a National Apology to Janice and other ‘Forgotten Australians’ and child migrants.