Link-Up (Qld) helps Stolen Generations survivors and descendants reunite with family, country and culture. Our core service is tracing family history and organising reunions, whether in person, at a gravesite, or on traditional country.

We work closely with each client to:

  • Carefully research family records and documents
  • Trace living relatives and connections
  • Organise and support reunion travel
  • Provide one-on-one guidance through a dedicated case worker

All services are free and confidential, and available to people aged 18 and over who were forcibly removed as a result of past government policies and practices.

After your reunion, we continue to walk alongside you. Clients are offered follow-up counselling sessions with our Social and Emotional Wellbeing team, and invited to join regular morning teas and healing activities. These gatherings offer a safe space to connect with others on similar journeys, reflect, and continue healing at your own pace and in your own way.

If you’re curious about where you come from or want to find missing family, we’re here to help you take that first step. To be eligible for this service, you must be over 18 years old, of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and have experienced (or be a descendant of someone who has experienced) separation from family and community due to forcible removal under past government policies and practices.

Client Enquiry Form Download brochure

Client Story: A Journey with Len Utz

40 years

40+ years
of experience

client-reunions

350+
client reunions

healing-activities

150+ community
healing activities

We provide the following services:

  • Family history research and family tracing to locate family members for the purpose of reunion
  • Assistance for family reunions, return to country, community or graveside reunion
  • Social and emotional support before, during and after a reunion
  • Healing activities (e.g. healing camps, support groups, counselling, digital story telling, art and music therapy)
  • Referrals to other agencies
  • Community events and education sessions

We can’t help you with:

  • Family history research for people who are not Stolen Generations survivors or descendants.
  • Proof of Aboriginality
  • Native title, land rights, compensation or reparations claims
  • Financial assistance outside our core business services
  • Locating missing persons
  • Relocation
  • Funeral expenses, including gravestones and monuments
  • More than one reunion

Client Testimonials

“The information Link-Up (Qld) provided was life-changing. For the first time, I had names, places, and real stories to connect with. It gave me a sense of identity and pride and helped me understand that I come from strong, resilient people.”

– Yvette, Link-Up (Qld) Client

“I would like to thank the Link-Up (Qld) team for the reunion and the information that was given about the family, which helped to fill in some unexplainable things. It was like putting a puzzle together from stories of long ago. It was also a healing and spiritual journey for me, moving closer to finding more of my identity. I thank you for making it all possible and wish all the best for you.”

– Uncle Wallabi, Link-Up (Qld) Client

“The work of Link-Up (Qld) is truly relevant and I hope the reputation of the magnificent work they do is spread everywhere, so they can continue to reconnect people to their mob.”

– Jennifer, Link-Up (Qld) Client

“Overall, this journey has been one of the most interesting, emotional and rewarding experiences of my life – I’ll be forever grateful to Link-Up (Qld). I will continue to make further connections with my relatives and remain a part of the extended Link-Up (Qld) community.”

– Adam, Link-Up (Qld) Client

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no cost to you for a Link-Up (Qld) reunion. Reunions are planned within a set budget, and Link-Up (Qld) covers all approved expenses. The number of people who can attend and how long the reunion goes for will depend on the funding available for each reunion.

To be eligible for this service, you must be over 18 years old, of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and have experienced (or be a descendant of someone who has experienced) separation from family and community due to forcible removal under past government policies and practices.

Tracing a client’s family history can be a complex and time-consuming process. It can take from a few months to several years. Finding family depends on the availability of information on records – there are many organisations who hold records and it takes time to research each case. Our research officers and caseworkers are experienced at utilising a wide range of resources to identify and locate a person’s family. However, it is important to understand that in certain cases we may not find any records.

We understand that while reconnecting with family can bring joy and excitement, it can also stir up feelings of fear or anxiety. The reunion journey is often filled with emotional highs and lows. That’s why our counselling team is here for you – whether you’d like to call, drop in for a chat, or explore any issues that may be on your mind. We can support you with problem-solving, connect you with our community events or support groups, and refer you to specialised services if needed.

We will recommend suitable locations based on family history research and allow the client to choose where they’d like their reunion to occur. We can arrange reunions at relevant locations all over Australia.

To search for a JP near you, visit the Queensland Government JP search page.

Yes, we travel to see our clients where possible.

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Helping build a brighter future

If you would like to make a donation to support the work of Link-Up (Qld), please contact us or click the link below. All donations are tax deductible.

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