An art exhibition featuring work from victims of child abuse is on display in Caringbah.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse draws to a close on December 14.
Interrelate has provided counselling and support services for victims during the royal commission which began in 2013.
This year, Interrelate clients were invited to contribute to an art display called Celebration Exhibition.
The exhibition was first displayed in Erina in September and has since made its way to Sydney. It is currently on show at Interrelate’s Caringbah office featuring the work of 23 victims.
“It’s just amazing how people have reflected their journey and resilience. And how they have overcome situations in their lives that have been extremely traumatic,” Julie Dale, Interrelate area manager for Sydney south, said.
The pieces include paintings, poems, photography, collages and video entries.
The Caringbah office opened the gallery on Friday during its combined AGM.
The royal commission will sit on December 14 to publicly mark the conclusion of the five-year inquiry.
Royal Commission chief executive Philip Reed said the sitting would be a chance for commissioners to thank the community for their continued support of its work.
"When we began in 2013, we had no idea just how widespread or prevalent child sexual abuse in institutions was in Australia, or how many people would come forward to share their story.
"Since then we have ... listened to the personal accounts of almost 8000 survivors of child sexual abuse,” he said.
"Combined with our comprehensive policy and research program, the royal commission has been able to contribute to the community’s understanding and awareness of institutional child sexual abuse."
The royal commission’s final report will be delivered to the Governor General on Friday, December 15.
- A public showing of the Celebration Exhibition and afternoon tea will be held at 2.30pm on Thursday, December 14 at the Caringbah office at 383 Port Hacking Rd. Please call (02) 8522 4450 if you would like to attend.