Overview
Who It's For?
This free service is for those who experienced sexual abuse in an institutional setting as children, and who are considering applying to the National Redress Scheme (The Scheme). We are based in Parramatta, but we help residents anywhere in NSW via online and phone services.
How We Help
We provide trauma-informed support throughout the process of engaging with The Scheme, including providing information and answering your questions, to enable you to make an informed choice about whether to apply. The Scheme helps people gain access to counselling, a direct personal response, and an acknowledgement payment.
What to Expect
Our counsellors and caseworkers specialise in supporting people who experienced abuse in childhood. They understand the trauma that can result from childhood abuse, and the challenges that the Redress process may present. Our goal is to make the process as easy for you as possible.
Those who experienced childhood sexual abuse often suffer lifelong impacts and challenges as a result.
However, you are not alone. The staff at our Wattle Place centre specialise in assisting people who have been traumatised by experiences in their childhood. We provide safe and inclusive redress support services for people from all backgrounds. We can guide you through the Redress process, and provide counselling to support you through your interaction with the Scheme.
What we offer:

“Wattle Place provides a community of people who share the experience of being placed in institutions or foster homes as children. We know how isolating and challenging life can be when you feel like no one understands what you’ve been through or what you are going through now. Wattle Place staff do understand, they listen and work to earn our trust slowly, through compassion, honesty and reliability.”
- Wattle Place client

“I finally felt acknowledged and that’s all I have ever wanted. It’s a long-term process but I’m hopeful I can manage what I’ve been through as a part of my life now and not feel like I need to constantly run away. Everyone at Wattle Place made me feel so safe and supported.”
- Wattle Place client

“I have found Wattle Place to be an outstanding service to those who endured a difficult childhood, especially from a young age as I myself did. I thank the staff at Wattle Place for their diligent concerns, and for subsequently ensuring that we are not forgotten!”
- Terence, Wattle Place client