More Than Words Exhibition

Australia has an ageing population. It is an undeniable demographic fact. When disturbing reports of elder abuse forced the establishment of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in 2018, I was interested in what was going to be said, and more importantly what might be done to ensure our society met its responsibilities. Both of my parents died in aged care, and my mum was still alive when the Commission started. She has since died, but I believe they were both well-looked after. So many others were not. Thousands of allegations of ill-treatment emerged as I followed the Royal Commission. The stories of abuse, cruelty, neglect and private sector greed astonished, sickened and scared me. This work is my response. Testimony is at the heart of this exhibition. Thousands of people’s voices were heard in the years of the Royal Commission’s existence. I like to think that I am honouring their courage through the slow process of embroidering some of what they had to say and hoping that there will be action. That they are not just words.