Warrnambool residents are invited to learn more about the work of the Royal Commission at a community information forum on Wednesday 17 June.

Commissioner Justice Jennifer Coate 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 community forum is open to any members of the public who have an interest in the Royal Commission.

“We particularly encourage people who have been affected by child sexual abuse in the care of an institution to attend,” Mr Reed said.

“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.

“You can also find out how you can be involved,” he said.

“For example, you might want to have your say on an important policy area by preparing a submission to one of our issues papers. So far we have released eight issues papers on topics such as redress, civil litigation and more recently, experiences of police and prosecution processes.”

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

“Over the course of the week, survivors of child sexual abuse living in Warrnambool 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 3,400 private sessions across Australia.

“Private sessions are critical to the Commission’s work, as they allow Commissioners to hear firsthand of the impact of abuse on people and how the response of an institution affects survivors over their lifetime,” Mr Reed said.

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

Event details: Warrnambool Community Forum

This forum is being supported by South Western Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) and the Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative.

Date: Wednesday 17 June
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Venue: Lighthouse Theatre, 185 Timor St, Warrnambool VIC

Children under the age of 16 who would like to attend should be accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the forum or if you would like to confirm your attendance, please contact contact@childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au or call (02) 8284 2412.

Please note: For privacy reasons, the community forum is closed to media.