Former Hughes MP and Federal Minister Robert Tickner will talk about his own adoption at the Benevolent Society's Post Adoption Resource Centre (PARC) forum at Hurstville this month.
Mr Tickner, who was the Federal Member for Hughes from 1984 to 1996, and served as Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs under prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, has written a memoir about his experience being adopted.
Ten Doors Down was released this month and details Mr Tickner's search for his birth parents and eventual reunion.
Mr Tickner says the birth of his own son led him to delve into his past.
"I was extremely privileged to have a wonderful outcome in my adoption reunion and my book is about my extraordinary journey with all its unbelievable coincidences and deep highs and lows," Mr Tickner said.
"I know that my story is the exception and my heart goes out to others who have not had my good fortune in their attempted reunion.
"I am no expert on adoption but am honoured to be able to talk about my own story and about the amazing coincidences detailed in the book."
PARC is holding a series of forums for anyone affected by adoption.
"It is estimated that one in 15 people are affected by adoption and the effects are often likened to ripples in a pond, touching more and more people as time passes and generations of a family grow," said The Benevolent Society PARC team leader Fiona Cameron.
"We welcome all people with an interest in adoption to come and hear Mr Tickner speak about the highs and lows of searching for one's origins and making contact with family of birth."
The event will take place at The Benevolent Society, 7-11 The Avenue, Hurstville, on Wednesday, March 11, from 7pm-9pm.
The event is free but bookings are essential. Phone 9504 6788 or email PARC@benevolent.org.au.
