Former Ballarat Orphanage resident Eric Jackson urged long-time city residents not to feel ashamed of the institution following yesterday’s national apology to the Forgotten Australians.

Though the apology extended to more than 400 Ballarat Orphanage residents who resided there in more than 100 years of operation, Mr Jackson said those who supported it had no cause to feel ashamed by doing so.

‘‘I would not like Ballarat people to think they have something to be ashamed of in supporting the orphanage,’’ he said.

‘‘I can’t speak for other homes but I’m still in contact with some close mates who have made very successful

lives and we are all of the opinion it was not an unhappy time.’’

Mr Jackson, 79, entered the orphanage in 1934 and stayed for more than eight years.

He said while he did not reject claims by other residents that abuse and neglect occurred, overall his experience and that of the mates he made there — who he still remains in contact with to this day — were positive.

‘‘The thing was it was like a big club and money couldn’t buy you into this club,’’ he said.

‘‘There were incidents that went by of course, and some things we deserved for things we knew were wrong

but across the board we probably had a better life than the average kid whose dad came home drunk and

belted the family.’’