East Melbourne in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Taken not Given

Ann Ross, 2018

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026

1. Taken not Given Marker

Inscription. This artwork remembers the mothers and children who were separated by forced adoption policies and practices.

It acknowledges the loss and pain that this created a lifetime of grief for us, the mothers, and the loss of birthright for our sons and daughters: The right to love and care for our children was taken from us and the harm inflicted is irreparable.

Following a damning Commonwealth Senate Inquiry, the Victorian Parliament took steps towards ameliorating this shameful legacy by offering an unreserved apology

Unveiled on 28 October 2019

Erected 2019.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical date for this entry is October 28, 2019.

Location. 37° 48.739′ S, 144° 58.656′ E. Marker is in East Melbourne, Victoria, in Melbourne. It is at the intersection of Lansdowne Street and Saint Andrews Place, on the left on Lansdowne Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 St Andrews Pl, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

in Australasia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in South

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Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Scotch College (Lansdowne Street) (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Saint Patrick's College (about 150 meters away); John F. Kennedy Memorial (about 210 meters away); Fitzroy Gardens Welcome (about 210 meters away); Great Petition Sculpture (about 210 meters away); Daniel Mannix (about 240 meters away); Great Petition (about 240 meters away); Fitzroy Gardens (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in East Melbourne.

Also see . . . National Apology. National Museum Australia

On 13 February 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.

The journey to National Apology began with the Bringing Them Home report – the findings of an inquiry instigated
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, May 11, 2026

2. Taken not Given Sculpture and Marker
by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission in 1995.

(Submitted on May 27, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.