The T-U-A-R-T values acronym was developed by Tuart Place support group members in March 2012.
T TOGETHER...we build “It just builds confidence in you, it builds camaraderie.”
U
UNDERSTANDING “Coming into Tuart Place has helped me see some light, and to be acknowledged, to be understood.”
A ACCEPTANCE “I’m not lonely because I know there are many, many more people like me.”
• Trauma informed counselling and support groups, (in person and phone outreach)
• Assistance with National Redress applications and other claims for institutional child abuse
• Specialist aged care support from our onsite aged care finder
• Regular visiting services, including financial counselling, hearing checks, podiatry, haircuts and beautician
• Computer literacy and IT assistance
• Family tracing and supported access to records
• Advocacy, liaison, and referral to other support services
• A drop in centre, social events and reunions, organised with participants
2024 Annual Report
Table of contents
Thank you to our volunteers Page 4 Director’s Report
Page 7
Tuart Place acknowledges the traditional owners of this Country, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation. We acknowledge Elders past and present. We are happy to be on Noongar country. With gratitude and respect.
Proud Noongar man Clive Morrison with Marissa Verma of Bindi Bindi Dreaming. Visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/bindibindi-reborn to donate funds to support Marissa’s medical costs.
FACT Board of Governance 2023-2024
About our Board
Tuart Place is governed by the Board of Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT) Inc.
The Board’s membership includes people with lived experience of out-of-home care and members elected for their expertise and professional qualifications in areas such as law, social work, accounting, service management, and academic research.
All Board members are elected as individuals and are valued for their qualifications, skills and life experience. Board members do not represent the interests of any other organisation with which they may have an association. Board members contribute their time on a voluntary basis.
Tuart Place is a leader in co-production of trauma-informed support services for Australian care leavers, including the ‘Forgotten Australians’, members of the Stolen Generations, and former child migrants. Peer leadership is central to our governance structure and service design.
Board member profiles and further information about FACT Inc is provided on the Tuart Place website at www.tuartplace.org/about/our-board/
John Ryall Chairperson
Dale Lynch Vice-Chairperson
Ross Stagno Treasurer
Lyn Sherwood
Kevin Collins
Cevrina Reed
Mark Farmer
Sue Bailey
Ann McVeigh Mia Lanigan
Margo O’Byrne Jacques Duvenhage
Tuart Place participants and clients
Demographic profile: June 2023 to July 2024
The demographic profile of Tuart Place participants and clients is detailed in the table below, which shows number of service users identified by age demographics, gender, Care Leaver cohort and geographic location.
A total of 889 individuals received a direct service from Tuart Place during the 2023/2024 financial year. This represents a 28 per cent increase from the 2022/2023, when 693 people accessed services.
Tuart Place’s client group is largely elderly, reflecting the ageing population of Forgotten Australians, former child migrants and members of the Stolen Generations, with just under 70 per cent of the client group aged 50 years and over.
However, the last financial year has seen the number of clients aged between 18 to 50 years grow from 140 to 220 representing a 57 per cent increase in this demographic, who now comprise 24 per cent of
the total client population.
We saw a further increase in the proportion of First Nations clients accessing services from Tuart Place in the 2023/2024 financial year, with Aboriginal Care Leavers now representing 48 per cent of the total client cohort. This proportion has grown by 18 per cent in the last two years.
The increase is partly due to the greater number of First Nations people seeking support with the National Redress Scheme, and also reflects the establishment of trust in Tuart Place, as demonstrated through word-of mouth referrals from existing service users.
Since we began recording data on homelessness in January 2024, we have noted that 158 clients are homeless or at risk of homelessness, representing 18 per cent of our total client group.
Who is eligible for Tuart Place services?
Tuart Place is a resource service for Care Leavers. Care Leavers are people who experienced out-of-home care during childhood, in settings such as large orphanages, missions, foster care, and group homes.
Care Leavers include Forgotten Australians, former child migrants, members of the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal people placed in care in the last century.
Chairperson’s Report
As we reflect on another successful year for Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc., I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and hard work of all the people involved in making Tuart Place a safe and welcoming place for Care Leavers.
This was my first year as Chairperson, and I must say that my first board meetings were quite overawing!
With the support of sympathetic people, it was not as hard as I had anticipated. At times I felt I could have gotten a speeding fine for going through the meetings so quickly!
We’ve had another wonderful year, with many opportunities to connect with our fellow Care Leavers.
We had a fabulous Christmas celebration at the end of 2023, a very well attended Winter Warmer, and a beautiful trip to Yanchep – just to name a few. All of these get togethers are a chance to connect with old friends, and other people that we don’t get to see very often.
It is an honour to serve as the Chairperson for FACT Inc, because Tuart Place has been a great yardstick for my recovery, and I am grateful to have seen the recovery of many others that have come in.
I urge people to recommend Tuart Place far and wide, so Care Leavers can access the huge ranges of services and supports we offer.
I would like to extend my thanks to my fellow board members. Your guidance and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in guiding Tuart Place through the challenges and triumphs that this year has presented us.
My particular thanks to Vice-Chair Dale Lynch, Treasurer Ross Stagno, and to Margo O’Byrne, the Convenor of the Sustainable Tenancy Reference Group. I am proud of our committed team, and everything we have achieved.
I wish to acknowledge the service of Cevrina Reed, who served on the FACT Inc Board for eight years, and led the board as Chair from 2019 to 2023.
It is with sadness that we accepted her recent resignation from the board. Cevrina has been instrumental in the success of Tuart Place, working as a powerful advocate for Care Leavers. Her wisdom and
the tireless staff of Tuart Place. Each of you approach your roles with dedication, skill and compassion. On behalf of the board, I extend my admiration and thanks for the work you do.
Last but not least, I want to acknowledge the tireless and dedicated work of Dr Philippa White.
Pip has more charity in her character than most people I have engaged with at various services and institutions. She provides fantastic leadership of Tuart Place and demonstrates unshakable perseverance in her ideals.
We are in a strong position to tackle the next year with resilience, optimism and enthusiasm.
I look forward to working alongside all of my wonderful colleagues again.
Even though I am the Chairperson, I am still a person who needs the recovery and support of Tuart Place.
John Ryall, Chairperson, FACT Inc.
Our community of volunteers grows every year. We are most grateful for the contribution each of you makes to Tuart Place.
Mr John Ryall
Tuart Place volunteers
Thank you for all you do!
Tuart Place relies on a dedicated team of volunteers, who selflessly give of their time and skills every single week.
Volunteers contribute greatly to Tuart Place. We would particularly like to thank the following people:
• The Craft Ladies, who make and donate raffle prizes and beautifully wrapped Christmas presents
• Our participant volunteers who help with so many tasks at the centre especially Maria, Dave, Mary, Fran, Ingrid and Ted
• Our IT expert volunteers, Phil, Per, Jill and Yoyo, who provide practical help in the computer lab and with mobile phones
• Jill, Hannah, Cecilia, Pauline and Khaasyiyah who have helped in so many ways, including collating song books, alphabetizing our book shelves, helping with forms, scanning photos and assisting in reception
• Singing group leaders and guitarists Matt, Dave and Peter
• Help with our Monday community lunches from Cecilia, Eve, Per and Bev for her lovely home made desserts
• Onsite financial counselling with Karen from UnitingWA
• BBQs by the Clontarf Old Boys
• Beauty treatments with Ella and Nat
• Haircuts with Cinzia and Jacqi
• Ian who handcrafts windmills for our fundraisers
• Bus drivers on outings, Dave and John
• Podiatry with Kim and her students from UWA
• All of the dedicated members of the FACT Board
Director’s Report
This year has been one of consolidation and growth for Tuart Place. Once again, demand for our services escalated, with an incredible 60 per cent growth in client numbers over the last two years.
Tuart Place staff have excelled in responding to this rapid growth, maintaining well-supported waiting lists and linking new clients with the immediate wrap-around supports available through our ‘dropin’ model community centre.
The provision of traumainformed support within a participant-led community house model sets Tuart Place apart in the service sector.
Once again this year, we countered the continuing challenge of uncertain tenancy at our longstanding premises at 24 High Street.
Tuart Place participants are taking a keen interest in this issue and provided vital input as we explored many different options. The Sustainable Tenancy Reference Group, convened by FACT Board member Margo O’Byrne, has provided sound guidance throughout the process and continues to offer a steady hand.
I greatly appreciate the skilled governance of the FACT Board members, and the passion and dedication of our new Chairperson, John Ryall, who stepped into this role with purpose and vision.
John’s lived experience of child migration and out-of-home care bestows him with specific wisdom that is central to Tuart Place’s co-designed model of participant leadership.
Like his Vice-Chair Dale Lynch, John Ryall is a powerful public speaker and is central to our work in raising public awareness and informing the Care Leaver service sector.
I am also grateful to our staff team for their extraordinary work throughout another very busy year.
In a sector renowned for burnout and vicarious traumatisation, we are proud of Tuart Place’s low staff turnover.
The resilience of our highly skilled tight-knit team is enhanced by ongoing professional development
and expert clinical supervision offered to every staff member. However, some change is inevitable, and we were sad to farewell Aged Care Finder Margaret Fisher when she retired this year. We gladly accepted Marg’s offer to assist with recruitment and handover, which gave us the time and space to comprehensively interview and select an outstanding applicant for the Care Finder role.
Jane Hulands has a wealth of experience in human services, including more than 25 years’ leadership experience. Welcome aboard Jane!
Our longstanding Clinical Manager Susy Vaughan also headed towards retirement this year, and provided invaluable help with recruiting a new staff member to support the management and operation of Tuart Place.
Thankyou Susy for your tremendous work with Tuart Place. You helped build this service from the ground up, and we have you to thank for many achievements over more than a decade. We are delighted you will still be part of the Tuart Place community as a volunteer.
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Jo Faulkner, who took on the role of Executive Support Manager this year and immediately demonstrated an extremely high level of professional skills and talents. Jo’s extensive experience in strategic planning and project management, and her exceptional organisational skills are a huge asset to the mission and vision of Tuart Place. Glad to have you on the team Jo!
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to Tuart Place this year: our wonderful participants, volunteers, patrons, political leaders, and other supporters who give so generously of their time to support this unique service.
Thank you for your unwavering belief in Tuart Place, and your willingness to stand with us through some tough times.
Together, we make a huge difference.
Dr Philippa White, Director, Tuart Place
Dr Philippa White
Tuart Place Wills Clinics 2024
The final wills clinic in this year’s series was completed on 8th August, with some very satisfied clients and excellent fieldwork experience for student lawyers from Notre Dame University.
Intestacy is a significant problem for survivors receiving redress payments, who may not have previously handled large lump sums of money.
Our wills clinics are organised by Tuart Place social worker Jan Newman in collaboration with Chinelle Duvenhage and Annette Watkins of UNDA School of Law and Business, and Frith Gibbons, Director of Bayside Legal.
As part of the pro-bono wills program offered through Notre Dame University and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) WA, the clinics are designed to assist survivors through the process of making and finalising a valid will.
(L to R): Dr Philippa White, Jan Newman, Frith Gibbons, Chinelle Duvenhage, and Kirsty Sprigg
Staff members (L-R): Office Coordinator/Receptionist Rosalie Grant; Redress Consultant Catherine Carr; Social Worker Jan Newman; Program Coordinator Natasha Samuelraj; Project Support Worker Mal Edwards; Aged Care Service Finder (former) Margaret Fisher; Executive Support Manager Jo Faulkner; Director Dr Philippa White; Counsellor Rose Fogarty; Administrator Linda Olive; Counsellor Mary-Ann Oliver; Clinical Manager Susy Vaughan
Leadership in the sector
One of the three Core areas of focus in Tuart Place’s 2021-25 Strategic Plan is to ‘positively influence policies, processes and programs through leadership and advocacy’ .
As a highly respected and trusted organisation in the sector, Tuart Place shares its expertise and experience to improve the knowledge base for best practice in co-designed, trauma-informed delivery of services. We also raise awareness and advance social justice changes for the Care Leaver community through submissions to Inquiries and Parliamentary Committees.
Outcomes in this area are achieved through various strategies, including: continuing engagement and collaboration with academic and research networks; written and oral submissions and reports; and increasing stakeholder engagement in participant-led activities and co-presentations with Care Leavers at public events.
The following snapshot of some of our systemic advocacy and public engagement activities over the last year shows that Tuart Place continued to exceed expectations in this Core area of focus.
Tuart Place’s most recent submission to this Inquiry (23 June 2024) focussed on a single issue: the emergence of a disturbing trend in which increasing numbers of Western Australian First Nations survivors are being found ineligible for redress by the National Scheme. We were grateful for an opportunity to discuss this problem with Committee Vice-Chair Senator Dean Smith when he visited Tuart Place in July. Senator Smith, a Patron of Tuart Place, raised this issue in a letter to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, who referred the matter to DSS. DSS subsequently contacted Tuart Place and, at the time of writing, we are awaiting news of an outcome.
Tuart Place’s most recent submission is available on the Committee’s website, and on Tuart Place’s website at: www.tuartplace.org/about/submissions-andevaluations
Do you know about the Scheme?
Find out more from:
• Tuart Place: 1800 619 795, or
• NRS Helpline: 1800 737 377, or
• Scan the QR code
Submissions to the Inquiry closed in September, and the Committee is expecting to report in October 2024.
Tuart Place Director Philippa White accepted an invitation to speak at the Law and Society Association of Australia and NZ annual conference at the University of Technology Sydney on 6-8 December 2023. The conference theme was ‘Voice, resistance, and repair: Law and living together’.
Philippa joined colleagues Dr Stephen Winter and Professor Juliet Davis in discussing the topic of ‘Redress, reparations and repair for past and ongoing injustice’, in relation to financial redress for nonrecent institutional child abuse.
Philippa’s paper, titled ‘When is a past provider not a past provider?’ examined the arbitrary distinctions between religious and state past providers underpinning the Federal Government’s funding of support services for survivors of institutional child abuse.
Senators Dean Smith and Catryna Bilyk, Vice-Chair and Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Implementation of the NRS
State
A state-level Inquiry into justice options for survivors of institutional child abuse in WA was active throughout the 2023/24 financial year.
The Community Development and Justice Standing Committee’s Inquiry was instigated by former FACT Board member Dr Katrina Stratton MLA, and Hon Dave Kelly MLA, and chaired by Dr David Honey MLA. Tuart Place had considerable input into the Committee’s work over the course of the year, including two appearances to provide evidence at public hearings of the Committee.
The issue of WA First Nations survivors being deemed ineligible for the National Redress Scheme featured prominently in Tuart Place’s three submissions to the WA Inquiry. Submissions available at www.tuartplace.org/about/submissions-and-evaluations Issues raised by Tuart Place also feature in key Recommendations in the Committee’s final report, titled Seeking Justice: Improving options for survivors of institutional child abuse (Volume 2: Western Australia's support for survivors including the National Redress Scheme)
At the time of writing, we are awaiting the State Government’s Response to the Committee’s Recommendations.
Our photo shows members of the Tuart Place community with other survivors at Parliament House for the tabling of the Committee’s final report on 15 August 2024.
Tuart Place’s pivotal role in supporting Western Australian survivors was identified by the Parliamentary Committee inquiring into justice options.
The closing Recommendation in the Seeking Justice report highlights the need to secure stable accommodation for the Tuart Place service.
Recommendation 21 by the Committee is that:
“The State Government urgently works with Tuart Place to ensure it can find sustainable long-term accommodation to enable it to continue to provide its valuable services” (p.54)
The Committee’s final report is available at: https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/commit.nsf/ (Report+Lookup+by+Com+ID)/5755C5796A8E757348258B79002C095A/$file/20240813%20Final% 20Report%20Volume%202.pdf
Leadership in the sector (continued)
Child Protection Week: Remembrance Day event at the Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane 2024
Tuart Place’s ‘sister service’ in Queensland, Lotus Place, invited us to provide the keynote address at the 2024 Remembrance Day event in Brisbane on 4th September. This annual event acknowledges the experience of adult survivors of childhood abuse in institutional settings and affirms the continued courage and determination of people in breaking the silence and being an ongoing voice for reform and justice.
Tuart Place Board member Margo O’Byrne and Director Philippa White delivered their presentation to an audience of 200+ Care Leavers alongside a slide show of images depicting the history of Tuart Place and advocacy by WA Care Leavers over the last 15 years.
Margo, a Forgotten Australian, spoke of Tuart Place’s model of participant leadership and advocacy for trauma-informed, person-centred aged care. Philippa reflected on the early years of service delivery in WA
Our photo shows (L-R), Margo, Pip, and Val Cooper, a Queensland Care Leaver who participated in the Remembrance Day event.
I've never been able to tell my story before, until I visited Tuart Place. Their understanding and support is beyond reproach. I had a wonderful counsellor and person, for NRS; group work with Susy; and a few 'light bulb' moments to wake me up.”
InquiryintopastforcedadoptionpracticesinWA
An Environment and Public Affairs Committee Inquiry into forced adoption practices in WA, held throughout the 2023/24 financial year, sought feedback from Tuart Place on the provision of future support services for survivors.
After responding to the Committee’s written questions, Tuart Place agreed to provide evidence at a public hearing on 12 June 2024. A video recording of the hearing is available on the parliamentary website at: https://players.brightcove.net/6193427228001/ default_default/index.html?videoId=6354838888112
The Committee’s questions focussed on the Tuart Place service model, and how it could be adapted to support survivors of forced adoption. Tuart Place’s recommendations and feedback feature in the Committee’s Report, titled Broken Bonds, Fractured Lives, which was tabled in the Legislative Council in August 2024.
The Committee’s final report is available at: https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/commit.nsf/ (Report+Lookup+by+Com+ID)/91B2EE4ED85A7CCC48258B80000F3299/$file/ev.pfa.240816.rpf.066.xx.pdf
carefinderat Tuart Place
Customised aged care support for Care Leavers
care finder is a specialist service for Australians aged 65+ years, or First Nations people aged 50+ years, who require intensive support to access aged care services and other community supports.
It is a free, independent, and confidential service.
“I’m in my 60s, and have been really isolated. I was referred to Tuart Place’s care finder service because I am a Care Leaver. I am pretty shy, and I was really scared to come to Tuart Place at all. By the end of my first day, I had a good feeling about the place, and decided I would keep coming. I have been back every week since! It might not seem like much, but it has totally transformed my life. I have even joined in on some special outings and events. Thanks to Tuart Place and Jane, I have found an instant group of friends, and at last I have found somewhere I belong.”
We were sad to farewell Tuart Place aged care finder Margaret Fisher when she retired in June 2024. Marg excelled in the care finder role, and kindly assisted with the process of recruiting, interviewing and handing over to Tuart Place’s new care finder, Jane Hulands, who commenced her role with Tuart Place in July.
Jane has a wealth of experience in aged care, community, and disability sectors, and over 25 years of senior operational and leadership experience. Jane’s experience and passion for direct support of older people made her an obvious choice for the role, and we are delighted to welcome her to the Tuart Place team.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, Tuart Place’s care finder service assisted 183 clients to learn more about the aged care system, to request an aged care assessment for home care services, or to access new services like garden maintenance, transport, meals on wheels, and safety equipment like pendants.
The service also assists people to complete
forms associated with aged care services, to register with My Aged Care, to compare services offered by different providers, and to search for suitable aged care facilities. Jane conducts periodic check-ins to ensure that aged care services are working well.
High level data reveal that Tuart Place provides care finder services to just over 91 per cent of Western Australian clients who identify as Care Leavers. We are particularly proud of the care finder service, and look forward to continuing to support Care Leavers to make informed choices within the aged care system.
“I’m getting older, and have had a lot of trouble getting around for years. When I talked to the care finder at Tuart Place, she said she’d be able to get a package that would make it easier for me to stay at home. It has been such a good change in my life! They put special equipment in my bathroom so I can shower by myself again, and someone comes to help me clean the house. I can get someone to drive me to places I need to go too. It has changed my life. I feel safer when I am at home and out and about, I am enjoying myself, and it’s easier to stay in touch with the people I love.”
Participating in the National Aged and Community Care Roundtable for Forgotten Australians enables Tuart Place to convey WA’s perspective in a national forum, and allows us to connect with key decision makers.
Thanks to Roundtable Convenor Anne Livingstone, we were able to compete nationally for an Aged Care Navigator position when the pilot program commenced in 2022. In partnership with Lotus Place in Queensland, we gained funding to start up the first specialist support service for Care Leavers in Australia.
We now have an onsite Care Finder who assists older Tuart Place participants to access the aged care services they need. Care Finder works especially well within Tuart Place’s drop in model, offering support in a non-threatening environment, meeting many different needs.
Tuart Place care finder Jane Hulands
Service activity
Service statistics and information for the 2023/2024 financial year
Professional and clinical services delivered at Tuart Place in the last financial year included trauma informed counselling and phone counselling; psychotherapy; and therapeutic support groups.
Tuart Place’s wrap-around service model also includes life-skills development; pro-bono health, financial and legal services; supported access to records; family tracing and connection; individual advocacy; and specialised help to navigate aged care services.
Year on year, our client numbers continue to grow. This
financial year we assisted the largest number of clients to engage with the national redress scheme and civil litigation processes. Occasions of service and number of participants who accessed professional and other nonadministrative services are shown in the table below.
The largest areas of clinical service delivery in 2023/24 were psycho-social support; assistance associated with the National Redress Scheme; life skills and literacy; counselling, including phone counselling and outreach; health,
legal and financial assistance; and aged care support.
Psycho-social support
Psycho-social support is provided in a variety of ways by both clinical and non-clinical staff.
Each morning our staff meet as a group to customise therapeutic interventions and interactions for individual participants, reflecting the Tuart Place therapeutic ‘whole-ofservice’ model. Each instance of support is given with a therapeutic intent and using an informal, relational approach and provides an important contribution to the positive outcomes achieved by many of our participants.
National Redress Scheme (NRS)
The therapeutic benefits for survivors who recount traumatic childhood experiences, and are believed and validated by an institutional authority, often include a greater sense of self-worth and empowerment, and increased selfconfidence and trust.
For most of our participants, who are on pensions or low incomes, the financial outcomes of redress processes can enhance living conditions and wellbeing. Redress support usually involves accessing records; preparing a comprehensive application; providing traumainformed counselling; and liaison with the NRS.
Individual counselling and customised support continues to be available throughout and after completion of the National Redress process.
We obtain expert legal advice from knowmore Legal Service
“
on all our NRS applications. All incoming abuse complaints are screened for potential civil claims, and warm referrals are provided to knowmore and specialist private law firms.
Support and assistance with a range of welfare issues (health, legal, financial) is often accessed during the process and is available at any stage. The Tuart Place ‘wraparound’ model allows for seamless movement and access to the full range of our services and activities.
Feedback from participants responding to the NRS support service evaluation (on opposite page) provides overwhelming evidence that this is a model of best practice for supporting a disadvantaged cohort with multiple and complex needs.
Social connection
Our strengths-based approach includes providing opportunities for people to engage in activities that improve social interaction.
who were separated from their families during childhood and experienced further disconnection and trauma in out-of-home care.
“I am a shy person, but I found Tuart Place a safe place that I can rely on for help.”
Social activities this year included our on-site ‘drop-in’ service and a wide variety of outings, celebrations, reunions and other group activities, many of which are initiated and organised by participants, particularly the Tuart Place Social Activities Group.
Life skills and literacy
Wherever possible, opportunities are provided for participants to develop personal and life skills, especially in the areas of positive decision making; communicating with confidence; and exercising a greater degree of selfdetermination.
This area of service provision includes customised tuition in skills development with individual participants;
our newsletters; and invitations for participants to share their skills through art and craft sessions and presentations.
Counselling and phone outreach
All counselling is trauma-informed and provided in both formal and informal settings, in line with our client focused non-bureaucratic approach. The number of appointments provided to each individual is not capped, and people can access regular intensive counselling, or ‘dip in and out’ as needed. Internal referrals from staff delivering a range of other services create a safe point of access.
IT skills and computer lab
Increased digital inclusion among Care Leavers is one of our high level Strategic Goals for 2021-25. One-toone IT support and tuition are available onsite from our team of IT volunteers, who assist participants seeking any kind of help with computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
Feedback indicates that this support has enabled many people to feel more confident in asking for help and to develop skills such as using a smart phone; browsing the internet; sending emails; scanning photos;
Service activity (continued)
Phone counselling and outreach
...continued from page 12 connecting with relatives and friends; and registering for MyGov and My Aged Care. For those who already have IT skills, free use of the computer lab and WiFi is available during opening hours.
Aged Care support
Comprehensive and specialised support is available for Care Leavers as they age, through the Tuart Place care finder service. The care finder service is profiled on page 10.
Pauline and Mal are two Tuart Place staff members who offer phone outreach and support. This year we have provided over 100 hours of phone outreach, with calls ranging from a casual check in and chat, to more formal counselling and support.
Advocacy & Referral / Liaison
Participants received assistance with a broad range of issues including advocacy for housing transfers; liaison with community corrections officers; support for care leavers in prison; liaison with aged care providers, financial counsellors and medical practitioners; support with stolen wages claims; and advocacy for people approaching past provider institutions with historical abuse complaints.
“
While I was waiting for my redress, the people at Tuart Place helped me access aged care services , and showed me how to get messages on my phone. It’s a one stop shop!”
National Redress Scheme Survey
The Tuart Place service model is firmly grounded in evidence-based practice in trauma informed support, tailored to the specific needs of older Care Leavers. Our commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement is underpinned by the three Core Areas of Focus in our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan: Participants; Leadership and Advocacy; and Sustainability
Since commencing data collection in January 2023, 76 people who participated in the National Redress Scheme with our support completed a feedback survey. Their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
The first set of eight questions relates to how well supported participants felt throughout the whole process, including after the application was submitted. Participants answered on a three points scale (disagree; unsure; agree). There was an average agreement of 99% with these statements
Importantly, participants overwhelmingly indicated that they:
• were provided with a safe and trusting environment (98%)
• accepted without judgement (100%)
• helped to tell their full story (100%)
• felt that their legal rights were accurately explained, including how to contact knowmore Legal Services (99%)
• provided information and support at all stages of the process (100%)
When asked if they would recommend Tuart Place Redress Support service to others, 100 % of respondents agreed that they would and 68 participants provided an additional comment for this question. Their comments included: “I always recommend Tuart Place to others”; “This is the best way to go”; “They were very good to me, good people”; and “Yes – I do recommend
them! Tuart Place is doing a great job – no-one gives a service like Tuart Place” .
When asked about how they found out about the Tuart Place Redress Support service, 68% responded that they had heard about the services through ‘family, friend or neighbour’.
Survey respondents were asked what other services and information they had accessed at Tuart Place, apart from engaging with the NRS:
• 78% has also accessed the Support Group, face to face counselling and phone counselling
• 71% has accessed help with financial , legal and housing issues (including referrals to other services)
• 44% had engaged in social activities
• 13% had accessed support with life-skills and digital literacy
Evidence of positive outcomes achieved are demonstrated by the positive response to the following statements about what participants feel were the results of attending Tuart Place:
• I feel more able to make changes in my life (83%)
• I have taken steps towards working through my past (96%)
• I am more able to ask for support when I need it (90%)
• I am more able to communicate with others (77%)
• I feel more socially connected (70%)
• I have more hope for the future (80%)
The NRS Survey results clearly illustrate the ways in which Tuart Place’s wrap-around service is a model of best practice for supporting survivors, particularly those with multiple and complex needs.
“I feel like a part of one big family, I've never had support like that before. Services are above and beyond. With counselling I was able to move through the redress process.”
Social Connection
Breaking down social isolation is a key part of the Tuart Place service model, and is designed to assist Care Leavers whose early life experiences damaged their family relationships and social networks.
Participants lead the way in our Social Connection program, instigating and organising reunions, outings ,and social events at Tuart Place.
Program Coordinator Natasha Samuelraj also works with volunteers and external providers to develop a calendar of events that has something for everyone!
Tuart Place is fortunate to have the support of three Patrons who generously donate their time and expertise in support of our services. To find out more about our Patrons, visit www.tuartplace.org/about/patrons
Your DONATION is tax deductable and your contributions will directly support Care Leavers.
To donate, use the PayPal Donate button on the Tuart Place website, or donate via Electronic Funds Transfer.
Account name: Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc
BSB: 066-107 Account number: 1048-4327
FACT Inc Financial Statements 2023-2024
Financial statements are available on the Tuart Place website: www.tuartplace.org
You can VOLUNTEER your time and skills, and make connections with a great bunch of people!
Perhaps you would like to help with community lunches, spend time socialising with participants in the drop-centre, or share your skills?
Send an email to programs@tuartplace.org to express your interest and Natasha Samuelraj, Program Coordinator will be in touch with you.
Former Senator Rachel Siewert Dr Robert Isaacs OAM
Senator Dean Smith
Australians Coming Together Inc
Officers' report
30 June 2024
The officers present their report, together with the financial statements, on the public benevolent association for the year ended 30 June 2024.
On behalf of the officers
25 September 2024
Auditor’s Independence Declaration
To the Directorsof Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc.
As lead auditor for the audit of Forgotten Australians Coming Together for the year ended 30 June 2024, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been:
no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements as set out in the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; and no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
William Buck Audit (WA) Pty Ltd
ABN 67 125 012 124
Conley Manifis Director
Dated this 25th September 2024
The financial statements cover Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc as an individual entity. The financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc's functional and presentation currency.
Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc is a not-for-profit incorporated association, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Its registered office and principal place of business are: Registered office
place of business
24 High Street
24 High Street Fremantle Fremantle WA, 6160, Australia WA, 6160, Australia
A description of the nature of the incorporated association's operations and its principal activities are included in the officers' report, which is not part of the financial statements.
The financial statements were authorised for issue on 5 August 2024.
Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc
For the year ended 30 June 2024
Deficit for the year attributable to the members of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc 15
Other comprehensive income for the year - -
Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to the members of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc (72,883) (238,520)
of financial position
As at 30 June 2024
of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 June 2024 The above statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
For the year ended 30 June 2024
(307,826)
1,017,535
and cash equivalents at the end of the financial year 4 73,181 426,063
Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2024
Note 1. Material accounting policy information
The accounting policies that are material to the incorporated association are set out either in the respective notes or below. The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year, unless otherwise stated.
New or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted
The incorporated association has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board ('AASB') that are mandatory for the current reporting period.
Any new or amended Accounting Standards or Interpretations that are not yet mandatory have not been early adopted.
Basis of preparation
These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting StandardsSimplified Disclosures issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board ('AASB'), the Australian Charities and Not-forprofits Commission Act 2012 and Western Australian legislation the Associations Incorporation Act 2015, the Charitable Collections Act 1946 and associated regulations, as appropriate for not-for profit oriented entities.
Historical cost convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the incorporated association's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 2.
Income tax
As the incorporated association is a public benevolent institution in terms of subsection 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, as amended, it is exempt from paying income tax.
Current and non-current classification
Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position based on current and non-current classification.
An asset is classified as current when: it is either expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in the incorporated association's normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be realised within 12 months after the reporting period; or the asset is cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other assets are classified as non-current.
A liability is classified as current when: it is either expected to be settled in the incorporated association's normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is due to be settled within 12 months after the reporting period; or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other liabilities are classified as non-current.
Impairment of non-financial assets
Non-financial assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.
Recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. The value-in-use is the present value of the estimated future cash flows relating to the asset using a pre-tax discount rate specific to the asset or cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Assets that do not have independent cash flows are grouped together to form a cash-generating unit.
Goods and Services Tax ('GST') and other similar taxes
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the tax authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of the acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.
Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2024
Note 1. Material accounting policy information (continued)
Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority is included in other receivables or other payables in the statement of financial position.
Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.
Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.
Note 2. Critical accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Management continually evaluates its judgements and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. Management bases its judgements, estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on other various factors, including expectations of future events, management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting judgements and estimates will seldom equal the related actual results. The judgements, estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities (refer to the respective notes) within the next financial year are discussed below.
Allowance for expected credit losses
The allowance for expected credit losses assessment requires a degree of estimation and judgement. It is based on the lifetime expected credit loss, grouped based on days overdue, and makes assumptions to allocate an overall expected credit loss rate for each group. These assumptions include recent sales experience and historical collection rates.
Estimation of useful lives of assets
The incorporated association determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation and amortisation charges for its property, plant and equipment and finite life intangible assets. The useful lives could change significantly as a result of technical innovations or some other event. The depreciation and amortisation charge will increase where the useful lives are less than previously estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold will be written off or written down.
Employee benefits provision
As discussed in note 1, the liability for employee benefits expected to be settled more than 12 months from the reporting date are recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flows to be made in respect of all employees at the reporting date. In determining the present value of the liability, estimates of attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation have been taken into account.
Australians Coming Together Inc
30 June 2024
Note 3. Revenue
The incorporated association recognises revenue as follows:
Grant revenue
Grant revenue is recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income when the association obtains control of the grant, it is probable that the economic benefits gained from the grant will flow to the entity and the amount of the grant can be measured reliably.
When grant revneue is received whereby the association incurs an obligation to deliver economic value directly back to the contributor, this is considrered a reciprocal transaction and the grant revenue is recognised in the statement of financial position as a liability until the service has been delivered to the contributor, otherwise the grant is recognised as income on receipt.
Forgotten Australians Coming Togther Inc receives non-reciprocal contributions of assets from the government and other parties for zero or a nominal value. These assets are recognised at fair value on the date of acquisition in the statement of financial position, with a corresponding amount of income recognised in the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Donations
Donations and bequests are recognised as revenue when received.
Other income
Other income is recognised on an accruals basis when the association is entitled to it.
Interest
Interest revenue is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.
Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2024
Note 4. Current assets - cash and cash equivalents
Accounting policy for cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
Note 5. Current assets - trade and other receivables
Accounting policy for trade and other receivables
Trade receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any allowance for expected credit losses. Trade receivables are generally due for settlement within 30 days.
The incorporated association has applied the simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, which uses a lifetime expected loss allowance. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on days overdue.
Note 6.
- Other
7.
- prepayments
Note 8. Non-current assets - property, plant and equipment
Notes to the financial statements
30 June 2024
Note 8. Non-current assets - property, plant and equipment (continued)
Accounting policy for property, plant and equipment
Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the net cost of each item of plant and equipment (excluding land) over their expected useful lives as follows:
Office equipment
The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when there is no future economic benefit to the incorporated association. Gains and losses between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds are taken to profit or loss.
Note 9. Non-current assets - right-of-use assets
Accounting policy for right-of-use assets
A right-of-use asset is recognised at the commencement date of a lease. The right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, adjusted for, as applicable, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date net of any lease incentives received, any initial direct costs incurred, and, except where included in the cost of inventories, an estimate of costs expected to be incurred for dismantling and removing the underlying asset, and restoring the site or asset.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful life of the asset, whichever is the shorter. Where the incorporated association expects to obtain ownership of the leased asset at the end of the lease term, the depreciation is over its estimated useful life. Right-of use assets are subject to impairment or adjusted for any remeasurement of lease liabilities.
The incorporated association has elected not to recognise a right-of-use asset and corresponding lease liability for short-term leases with terms of 12 months or less and leases of low-value assets. Lease payments on these assets are expensed to profit or loss as incurred.
Note 10. Current liabilities - trade and other payables
Note 10. Current liabilities - trade and other payables (continued)
Accounting policy for trade and other payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the incorporated association prior to the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature they are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.
Note 11. Current
-
Short-term employee benefits
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and long service leave expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.
A lease liability is recognised at the commencement date of a lease. The lease liability is initially recognised at the present value of the lease payments to be made over the term of the lease, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the incorporated association's incremental borrowing rate. Lease payments comprise of fixed payments less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend on an index or a rate, amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees, exercise price of a purchase option when the exercise of the option is reasonably certain to occur, and any anticipated termination penalties. The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Lease liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The carrying amounts are remeasured if there is a change in the following: future lease payments arising from a change in an index or a rate used; residual guarantee; lease term; certainty of a purchase option and termination penalties. When a lease liability is remeasured, an adjustment is made to the corresponding right-of use asset, or to profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset is fully written down.
Accounting policy for other long-term employee benefits
The liability for annual leave and long service leave not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.
Note 15. Equity - retained surplus
Retained surpluses at the beginning of the financial year 969,978 1,208,498 Deficit for the year (72,883) (238,520)
Retained surpluses at the end of the financial year 897,095 969,978
Note 16. Key management personnel disclosures
Compensation
The aggregate compensation made to officers and other members of key management personnel of the incorporated association is set out below:
397,436 299,319
Note 17. Related party transactions
Parent entity
Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc is the parent entity.
Key management personnel
Disclosures relating to key management personnel are set out in note 16.
Transactions with related parties
There were no transactions with related parties during the current and previous financial year.
Receivable from and payable to related parties
There were no trade receivables from or trade payables to related parties at the current and previous reporting date.
Loans to/from related parties
There were no loans to or from related parties at the current and previous reporting date.
Note 18. Events after the reporting period
No matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2024 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the incorporated association's operations, the results of those operations, or the incorporated association's state of affairs in future financial years.
Officers' declaration
30 June 2024
In the officers' opinion:
● the attached financial statements and notes comply with the Australian Accounting Standards - Simplified Disclosures, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 and Western Australian legislation the Associations Incorporation Act 2015, the Charitable Collections Act 1946 and associated regulations;
● the attached financial statements and notes give a true and fair view of the incorporated association's financial position as at 30 June 2024 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; and
● there are reasonable grounds to believe that the incorporated association will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
On behalf of the officers
25 September 2024
Independent auditor’s
report
to the members of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc.
Report on the audit of the financial report
Ouropinion on the financial report
In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc. (the Association) has been prepared in accordance with Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-forprofits Commission Act 2012, including: giving a true and fair view of the Association’s financial position as at 30 June 2024 and of its financial performance for the year then ended; and complying with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures and Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulations 2022.
What was audited?
We have audited the financial report of the Association, which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2024, the statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive incomefor the year then ended, the statement of changes in equity for the year then ended, the statement of cash flows for the year then ended for the year then ended, notes to the financial statements, including material accounting policy information, and the Board of Management’s declaration.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the Association in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (ACNC Act) and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
wa.info@williambuck.com williambuck.com
Other information
The members of the Board are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Association’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024, but does not include the financial report and our auditor’s report thereon.
Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilitiesof the Board and Those Charged with Governance for thefinancial report
The members of the Board of the Association are responsiblefor the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012. The members of the Board responsibility also includes such internal control as the members of the Board determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial report, the Board of Mangement are responsible for assessing the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board of Mangement either intend to liquidate the Association’s or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
The Board of Management are responsible for overseeing the Association’s financial reporting process.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit ofthefinancial report
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards willalways detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of these financial statements is located at the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at:
