Bunbury residents are invited to learn more about the work of the Royal Commission at two community information forums on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 May.

Commissioner Helen Milroy will address both forums, provide an overview of the work of the Royal Commission and answer questions from the community.

Royal Commission CEO Philip Reed said the community forums were open to any members of the public who have an interest in the Royal Commission.

"We particularly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been affected by child sexual abuse in the care of an institution to attend the Monday forum," 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.

"This may include making a submission to our latest issues papers on the police and prosecution responses – important policy areas where systems need to be improved in order to better protect children."

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 Bunbury 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 3,200 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

Bunbury Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Forum

This forum is being supported by South West Aboriginal Medical Service.

Date: Monday 18 May 2015
Time: 12 – 2:30pm
Venue: Koombana Bay Sailing Club, Koombana Drive, Bunbury WA

Bunbury Community Forum

This forum is being supported by Waratah Support Centre (South West Region) and Relationships Australia WA.

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2015
Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm
Venue: Koombana Bay Sailing Club, Koombana Drive, Bunbury WA

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.

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