Statement of Joanna Oldham for Tulou – Our Pacific Voices: Tatala e Pulonga (Pacific Peoples’ Experiences) Hearing 21 July 2021
***Distressing content warning***
Joanna Oldham is of Tongan and Palangi descent. She was unaware of her Tongan ethnicity or culture growing up and speaks about the racism experienced within her family. Joanna shared her experience of sexual abuse by a Reverend of the Anglican Church, followed by placements in various care settings including family homes, foster homes, and State residences including Kingslea Girls Home where she experienced many forms of abuse.