Australian activist, writer and academic, Frank Golding OAM (b. 1938), was in 3 orphanages and 3 foster homes as a child. He was in Ballarat Orphanage from 1943-1953.

In 1953 Frank was released from state 'care' and returned to live with his parents. With their encouragement he completed his secondary education and then won a scholarship to Ballarat Teachers College. At the end of 2 years he had done well enough to attend the University of Melbourne. Frank qualified for a Bachelor of Arts at the end of 1960. He then taught in primary schools, in a teacher's college, and in high schools. Frank was also Head of Curriculum Studies at the University of South Australia (as it became), during which he completed an MA at the University of London.

Frank is the author of numerous books and was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2018 for his services to "child welfare and social justice and to the community."