News
Introducing our new Chair: Kerryn Pennell
VANISH is delighted to welcome Kerryn Pennell as our new Chair, taking over the role from Todd Dargan.
VANISH holiday closure and alternative support services
VANISH will close at 5pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025 and re-open on Friday 2 January 2026.
Student volunteers catalogue the entire VANISH library
A dedicated team of volunteers from Charles Sturt University’s Master of Information Studies program is cataloguing VANISH’s specialised adoption-related collection.
What VANISH taught me about adoption—and myself
Support Services Coordinator Gail Holstock reflects on 12 years working in post-adoption services at VANISH.
VANISH members advocate for redress for adoptees
When adoptee Bryce Morgan learned about Victoria’s Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme, he saw both progress and a gap. So Bryce wrote to his local MP.
Committee of Management transitions: Welcome Anna and farewell Simon and Hannah
VANISH is delighted to welcome Anna Anderson and also thank Simon Pryor and Hannah Spanswick for their years of dedicated service.
VANISH Psychoeducation Webinar: Thursday 23rd October (repeat session)
Join us for a repeat session of our popular webinar “Understanding Adoption Through a Trauma and Systems Lens”, facilitated by psychologist and adoptee Cheyne Bull.
DNA Testing Kits Available for Vietnamese Intercountry Adoptees
Free DNA testing kits are available for Vietnamese intercountry adoptees and mothers separated by adoption, through Viet Nam Family Search.
VANISH Intermediary Service
An intermediary is a neutral third party–such as a VANISH Search and Support Worker–who can assist in the process of reaching out to the person you are looking for.
New Self-Search Mini Guides now available
These seven short, easy-to-use guides cover key aspects of the search process—from getting started, to understanding records, navigating contact and utilising DNA to search for family.
Using DNA to Search for Relatives
In this article, republished from the May 2019 edition of VANISH VOICE, we share a bit more about DNA testing and how it may be useful in searching for family.
Historical Forced Adoptions Redress Scheme Update
The Victorian Government’s Historical Forced Adoption Redress Scheme is open for applications from...
VANISH Voice
The VANISH VOICE is our quarterly newsletter filled with information and updates, personal stories, invitations to VANISH events, and more
Get in touch with our friendly team
Contact us to find out more about our services or discuss how we can best support you.