The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, together with Relationships Australia NSW, will hold a community forum in Bathurst on 14 June 2016.

Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM will address the forum, provide an overview of the work of the Royal Commission and answer questions from the community.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said the forum provided an important opportunity for interested individuals and community groups in Bathurst to learn more about the Royal Commission.

“The forum is open to all individuals, community groups and service providers in the Bathurst region who have an interest in the work of the Royal Commission,” Mr Reed said.

“We particularly encourage people who have been affected by child sexual abuse in the care of an institution to attend. 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 – why it was established, how it works and some of the positive changes that have occurred as a result of its work,” Mr Reed said.

In addition to the community forum, private sessions will also be held in the region during the week.

“Over the course of the week, survivors of child sexual abuse living in Bathurst will have the opportunity to tell the Royal Commission of their experiences in a private session with a Commissioner,” Mr Reed said.

The Royal Commission has already held more than 5,100 private sessions across Australia.

“The information provided in private sessions is helping the Royal Commission better understand how child sexual abuse in institutions can be prevented,” Mr Reed said.

“We are also reminding people that we are closing registrations for private sessions on 30 September 2016. The closing date applies only to new applications for a private session. People who have already been accepted for a private session or who apply before 30 September will have an opportunity to meet with a Commissioner,” Mr Reed said.

Bathurst Royal Commission Forum

Date:            Tuesday 14 June 2016              
Time:            5:30 – 7:30pm
Location:     Bathurst City Community Club - 29 William Street, Bathurst NSW  
 
Please note: For privacy reasons, the community forum is closed to media. Children under the age of 16 who want to attend should be accompanied by an adult. If you wish to attend the community forum, email contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au.