Events and outings

A day trip to Penguin Island; a weekend away at Fairbridge Pinjarra; visits to the Museum to see the Vikings and My Country exhibitions; a tour of Fremantle Prison; a tour of Optus (‘Redress’) stadium; lunch at Cicerello’s on Fremantle Wharf; and a tour of the underwater Observatory at Busselton Jetty are just some of the adventures we’ve had in recent times. More than 200 guests joined us for the Tuart Place Christmas party at the Esplanade Hotel in December – what a day that was! And – despite COVID – we were fortunate enough to be able to enjoy a wonderful annual picnic at Waterford, with a bumper crowd in attendance. In between the lockdowns we have also managed to host many of our regular in-house events, such as singalongs with Outback Paddy, Carmel & Lynda and of course our usual St Patrick’s Day celebration. We’re looking forward to more good times in the coming months – keep an eye out for ‘What’s On’ and the Tuart Place Events Calendar arriving in your letterbox soon!

March 2021: Day trip to Penguin Island. Photo courtesy of Kevin Collins

Computer, mobile phone and IT help at Tuart Place

Whatever your skill level (even if you’ve never turned on a computer before) you can get individual tuition from Tuart Place. Our friendly volunteers will assist with your iPad, mobile phone or digital camera, or help you learn skills such as browsing the internet, sending emails, scanning photos and accessing services online. Contact Reception on 1800-619-795 to book an individual appointment with one of our IT volunteers at Tuart Place, or to receive help over the phone. Tuart Place has free, secure Wi-Fi available to all visitors.

Connecting with Care Leavers in the South West

by Tuart Place Senior Therapist & Staff Manager Susy Vaughan

Not everyone can come in to Tuart Place, and a suggestion by Busselton resident Dale Lynch got us thinking about how to expand our outreach program. Dale, who is a care leaver and ViceChairperson of our Board, had pointed out that many care leavers living in South West WA don’t get a chance to join in Tuart Place activities because they live too far away. While our phone outreach/ counselling services are Australia-wide, there’s nothing like face-to-face contact for social connection. Dale, who also volunteers at Busselton Jetty, had the great idea of arranging a Jetty tour. He worked with Jo at Tuart Place to arrange the event and publicise it locally. We posted invitations to care leavers living South of Safety Bay, and Dale used his networks through Lanterns House, the Men’s Shed, and other groups to spread the word. On 25th March, 35 care leavers gathered at the Jetty where they were met by Dale and Cevrina, and Pip and Susy from Tuart Place. What a great day it was! We all had a delicious takeaway fish & chip lunch on the train as we travelled the 1.7km journey along the jetty. We then enjoyed a tour of the Underwater Observatory finding out about the history of the jetty and marvelling at the beautiful coral and fish. The trip was a huge success and we’re already planning for our next day out in the South West. Nice work Dale!