The Royal Commission will hold a public hearing in Sydney commencing Wednesday 26 February 2014^* into the experience of women who were sexually abused as children, between 1950-1974, while residing in two institutions which were within the responsibility of the NSW Government:

1. The Parramatta Girls Training School in Sydney, NSW
2. The Institution for Girls in Hay, NSW.

The hearing will also consider any related matters.

Royal Commission CEO Janette Dines said this hearing will be an opportunity for women who experienced child sexual abuse at these two homes to publicly tell their story.

“While both of these homes are now closed, it is important that these stories are heard to inform the Australian community about the experiences of children at these homes and to help make institutions safer for children in the future,” Ms Dines said.

Any person or institution who believes that they have a direct and substantial interest in the Scope and Purpose of the public hearing is invited to lodge a written application for leave to appear at the public hearing by Friday 7 February 2014.

The form and the submission should be lodged with the Royal Commission via:

• Email: solicitor@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au; or
• Mail: GPO Box 5283, Sydney NSW 2001

For more information on lodging your submission call 02 8282 3824 or email solicitor@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au.

The public hearing will be streamed live to the public via webcast.

*Please note the change of date. The hearing is commencing later than originally advertised.