Unveiling of the Memorial statue in Melbourne 26th October 2018

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Yesterday saw the unveiling by Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, of the beautiful sculpture Taken Not Given, a memorial to separation by adoption. There were close to 200 people in attendance, including Senator Claire Moore & Senator Ged Kearney from the Federal Government, Danielle Green, Lizzie Blandthorn & Sue Pennicuik from the Victorian Government, former Premier Ted Baillieu, former MPs Christine Campbell & Rob Hudson and Lord Mayor Sally Capp. Plus many many representatives from different organisations, supporters, friends and family, all celebrating the culmination of ARMS and Origins' vision. ARMS and Origins have worked very hard since we presented this vision to Daniel Andrews early last year, who took the idea and ran with it. We are so grateful to the Victorian Government for doing this for us, and to the artist Anne Ross for creating such a beautiful work of art. A wonderfully moving event which will live in our hearts forever. Thank you to everyone who came, particularly those coming from regional areas and interstate, who helped make it such an amazing event. And thank you to those who were with us in spirit.

This is not a memorial for one moment in time. The young mother is standing with an empty arm, depicting the baby she has lost. Her other arm is reaching out. However it is not just a baby that was lost, but a whole childhood, indeed perhaps a whole lifetime. This is represented by the toddler and the young girl, reaching or looking back to their mother but not touching. The children were not forgotten by us - there is always a connection, albeit fractured. The ripple effect of adoption is represented by the elements at the mother's feet. The words on the first element are:

• mother
• father
• our child

...for the rest of our lives.

The second and third elements show the ripple effect of adoption and who it touches:

• cousins
• brothers
• sisters
• aunties
• uncles

Grandchildren future partners husbands grandparents

We hope that this will be a space where all people can come and reflect in peace, hope and tranquillity.

Nov 13, 2018 - 9:59am

Gail: Emotional day but a beautiful moment to share with others. A shame more ARMS members did not attend. You missed out on a memorable day. A big THANK YOU to committee for ALL the hard work to accomplish this.

Feb 3, 2019 - 7:37am

Libby Payne:

Could I please have the address for the memorial statue of Mother & child., it was unveiled in October. Thanks

The Memorial Taken not given is in st Andrews Reserve near the Treasury building in Melbourne