Bernard Allen was born and raised in Logan City and worked as a social worker for 20 years before becoming a Link-Up (Qld) client.
I left school in grade 10 and entered the workforce. It was only when I was in my early 20’s that I completed my senior certificate, and I went to university to study social work. I have worked in social work for 20 years. I now live with my wife and two beautiful daughters in Burrum Heads, near Hervey Bay.
I was trying to help my mum make sense of her past and her story. I was conducting family research as she had very little understanding of her family tree. I contacted Link-Up (Qld) for tips on family research with no intention of becoming a client, but Christine encouraged me to apply. It felt like a long process (years) and I felt that an important part of myself and my daughters journey was coming to an end. I also knew that my story will continue to be written until I die, and then passed on to my children.
I genuinely did not know what to expect when we finally went home, and didn’t want to go with set expectations. I guess my main feeling was calmness. When I got off the plane and put my feet on the grass outside Dubbo Airport, I know I was on Country and home. This sense of calmness stayed with me throughout the trip.
My wife Jennifer was my support person on my reunion, she has been such a support throughout my journey. I am so grateful I would not be at this point in my journey without her support – it was a reconnection to Country, which I found. I also hoped to connect with Elders, which I did through Uncle Frank, also known as Riverbank Frank. I was blessed to spend time with Uncle who was gracious enough to allow me to return with a jar of Wiradjuri soil. Community and graveside reunion, we were fortunate enough to meet people related to my ancestors as well as attend the graveside of my great great grandparents Elizabeth Burns and James Thomas.
It had been more than 30 years since I had stepped on Wiradjuri Country and was deeply humbling and spiritual to be able to return and feel the land under my feet. My feelings after the reunion, I felt inner peace, knowing I had reconnected with country and that this would now form a significant part of my life and my daughters stories moving forward. Also gratitude to Country welcoming me back, Uncle Frank for his open arms, Link-Up (Qld) for genuinely providing that link in my journey that would have otherwise been severed.
Do I plan on going back or reconnecting again? Absolutely, every year or two and with my family. Also return to Country on behalf of my mother, who has limited mobility, and return with stories and pictures of her past and her memories.
I’d like to thank everyone at Link-Up (Qld), especially Christine and Kerry: you will forever be in my heart. And the Link-Up (Qld) researchers, who work in the background with such amazing skill and professionalism. My wife, who has walked this journey with me. Uncle Frank Doolan, Riverbank Frank, for welcoming me with such love and acceptance. Auntie Debra Clark, my cultural support, mentor and friend. The Butchulla men, who have welcomed me into their community, and on whose land I am privileged to live, work and raise my family. My mother Valerie, who did not know the privileges I grew up with, and the love I took for granted as an adult.
I also wish to acknowledge the intergenerational trauma we all live with as Indigenous people. This is particularly relevant for Link- Up (Qld) staff who work daily in this space of such trauma and hurt in support of our mob connecting with what was lost as they walk that journey with them.
Published 29 August 2024.
