Tuart Place Annual Report 2023

Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc trading as

Tuart Place

Annual Report 2023

Growing Stronger Together

OUR CORE PURPOSE Growing Stronger Together

OUR VISION

Growing Together – Leading the Way A place where participants build a better future

OUR VALUES The T-U-A-R-T Values acronym was developed by Tuart Place support group members in March 2012.

T – TOGETHER…we build “There is a family atmosphere at Tuart Place that I haven't found with any other organisation” U - UNDERSTANDING “Coming to the group has helped me understand that I’m not alone.”

A - ACCEPTANCE “Never before in my life, have I experienced a social setting, where I feel safe, accepted, and can truly be myself.”

R – RESPECT “I am welcomed and treated with friendship and respect at Tuart Place. There isn’t a ‘them and us’ atmosphere.”

T – TRUST “I can finally trust people to tell my story to and know that I’ll be listened to and believed.”

2

2023 Annual Report Tuart Place acknowledges the traditional owners of this Country, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation.

We acknowledge Elders past, present and future. We are happy to be on Noongar country. With gratitude.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

Core Purpose, Vision, and Values Acknowledgement of Country Table of Contents What happens at Tuart Place?

FACT Board of Governance Demographic profile of clients Chairperson’s Annual Report Thanks to our volunteers Director’s Annual Report Tuart Place staff team Advocacy: Unfolding Lives care finder – Aged care specialist Service delivery statistics & information Evaluation of National Redress support Commitment to justice Contact details Tuart Place Patrons Donate

2 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 13 14-16 17 18 20 20 20

What happens at Tuart Place?

Tuart Place provides free, specialised services to adults who experienced out-of-home care during childhood (‘Care Leavers’). Services are offered in an informal, non-bureaucratic setting, and include: • • • • • • • • • •

Trauma-informed counselling and support groups Assistance with National Redress applications and other claims for institutional child abuse Specialist aged care support from our on-site aged care finder Regular visiting services: financial counselling, Hearing Australia, podiatry, haircuts & beautician Computer literacy and IT assistance Phone outreach and counselling Help to access mainstream services Individual advocacy and liaison with housing and Centrelink Family tracing and supported access to records A drop-in centre, social events, and reunions, organised by participants.

3

FACT Board of Governance 2022-23 About our Board

Cevrina Reed Chairperson

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 https://www.tuartplace.org/about/ourboard/

Ross Stagno Treasurer

Lyn Sherwood

Sue Bailey

Chris Williams

John Ryall

Kevin Collins

4

Dale Lynch Vice Chairperson

Ann McVeigh

Margo O’Byrne

Tuart Place participants & clients June 2021 to July 2022

June 2022 to July 2023 The demographic profile of Tuart Place participants and clients is shown in Table I below, which identifies number of service users, age, gender, geographic location, and the number of people from each of the three care leaver cohorts who access Tuart Place services.

As shown in this table, a total of 693 individuals received a direct service from Tuart Place during the 2022-23 financial year. The statistics reveal a substantial (25%) increase in client numbers since the 2021-22 financial year, when a total of 553 people accessed services.

Tuart Place’s client population is elderly, reflecting the ageing demographics of Forgotten Australians, former child migrants, and members of the Stolen Generations.

Almost half of Tuart Place’s clients are in the 71+ years age group, with 80 percent aged 51 or over.

We saw a further increase in the proportion of Aboriginal clients accessing services at Tuart Place in the 2022-23 financial year. Aboriginal Care Leavers now comprise 43 percent of the overall client cohort. This proportion grew by 14 percent in the last year.

The increase is due partly to the greater number of Aboriginal people seeking support with the National Redress Scheme, and also reflects the establishment of trust in Tuart Place – as demonstrated through word-ofmouth referrals from existing service users.

Table I: Demographic profile of service users 2022 - 2023 Age

# Clients

18 - 30

16

31 - 50

124

51 - 70

271

71 +

282

Gender

# Clients

Male

362

Female

328

Unspecified

3

Origin

# Clients

Australian NonAboriginal

249

Aboriginal

298

Child migrant

146

Postcode

# Clients

WA

648

Interstate

39

Overseas

6

Who is eligible for Tuart Place services?

Tuart Place is a resource service for Care Leavers.

Care Leavers are people who experienced out-ofhome care during childhood, in settings such as large orphanages, missions, foster care, and group homes.

Care Leavers include the Forgotten Australians, former child migrants from the UK and Malta, and members of the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal people placed in care last Century.

Our National Redress support service is available to anyone who experienced institutional child sexual abuse.

5

Chairperson’s Report At the end of another eventful year, I want to thank all my fellow Board Members for the expertise they bring to the room. I am most grateful for your unwavering support and belief in the principles of our Board. We are always open and transparent, allowing those who don’t sit in the Board Room to trust.

A huge thank you to Vice Chair Dale Lynch, Sue Bailey, Kevin Collins, Ann McVeigh, Margo O’Byrne, John Ryall, Lyn Sherwood, Chris Williams, and our Treasurer Ross Stagno. Each of you is invaluable to our organisation. I’m proud of our strong, committed team. I wish the incoming Chairperson every success.

Four FACT Board members are re-nominating for another term of two years: Sue Bailey, Lyn Sherwood, John Ryall and myself. Although I will not stand as Chairperson in 2023-24, I will remain on the Board as a General Member.

I am grateful for everything I have learned throughout my time as Chair. Director Dr Philippa White and Clinical Manager Susy Vaughan have shown much patience and belief in all I do, as have all the staff and Board.

As a Care Leaver in the position of Chairperson, I have had great opportunities to raise public awareness about issues affecting Forgotten Australians. It has been an honour to represent Tuart Place at national conferences and forums, and even at an international seminar on redress in Sweden in 2016.

I would like to thank Dale Lynch for chairing Board meetings in my absence. Dale also spoke on behalf of Tuart Place at Parliament House in Brisbane in April 2023, at the Official Launch of the new website for the National Aged and Community Care Roundtable for Forgotten Australians.

A great job Dale.

I had the privilege of co-chairing an online event for the National Roundtable as part of International Care Experienced History Month in April. Tuart Place hosted

6

a ‘hub’ for the event, where participants could attend as a group, while others attended remotely.

This year’s focus was on facilitating better informed aged and community care for Care Leavers.

It was with real sadness that we accepted the recent resignation of Board Member Chris Williams.

Since joining us in 2019, Chris has provided excellent legal guidance, throughout some challenging times. Our greatly respected elder statesman of the Board, Chris oversaw some important changes to our Rules of Association, leaving us well equipped for the future. Thank you for everything Chris.

Special thanks to Board Member Margo O’Byrne for stepping in as Convenor of our Sustainable Tenancy Reference Group. You have made fantastic progress in a very short time.

Our volunteers are priceless. Thanks to those who contribute to our High Street Happenings and to ALL the many volunteers who provide invaluable support at Tuart Place in so many ways. It is done with love, which keeps Tuart Place a home.

Many thanks to the hardworking staff of Tuart Place. I know Pip will thank each of you individually; I just want to add my respect and admiration for the important work you do.

Finally, a huge thank you to Tuart Place’s tower of strength, Director Dr Philippa White, you are truly amazing.

Your dedication to the wellbeing of Tuart Place, participants and all staff deserves much credit.

Thank you Pip for all you do and, on a personal note, all you have helped me with.

Cevrina Reed, Chairperson, FACT Inc.

Thanks to our volunteers Tuart Place relies on the skills and dedication of volunteers to provide some of our most popular and ‘visible’ services.

Ways in which people volunteer at Tuart Place include: • The Craft Ladies who generously give their time to make raffle prizes and gift-wrapped Christmas presents • Our participant volunteers who help with many tasks at the centre – especially Maria, Dave, Mary, Fran, Ingrid, and Ted • Our IT expert volunteers, YoYo, Phil, Jaye, and ‘Wiz’, who provide practical help in the Computer Lab and with mobile phones • Jill, who collated a new album of historical photos and a bibliography of library books, and helps with forms • Singing Group Leaders/Guitarists Matt, David, Mal and Dickon • Helpers with Monday Community lunches, Cecilia, Eve, Per, and Bev for her lovely homemade desserts • Onsite financial counselling with Karen and Alex from UnitingWA • BBQs by the Clontarf Old Boys • Beauty treatments with Ella • Writing group with Marian Cordwell • Haircuts with Cinzia • Ian who handcrafts windmills for our fundraisers • Bus drivers on outings, John R and John J • Podiatry with Kim and her students from UWA • All of the dedicated members of the FACT Board.

! u o y k n a Th

7

Director’s Report Dear Friends and Supporters, I am delighted to present to you the Tuart Place 2023 Annual Report.

It has been a year of remarkable progress and solid commitment to our Core Purpose of Growing Stronger Together - supporting survivors to seek hope, healing, and a path towards a better future.

This Report provides a comprehensive overview of our achievements, challenges, and the incredible impact we have made together.

I am truly inspired by the dedication of our team, the resilience of our participants, and the generosity of our volunteers.

We are most grateful to the WA Department for Communities for their unwavering support of Tuart Place over the last decade.

I would like to thank our Board Members for their solid governance of Tuart Place again this year, under the dedicated leadership of Chairperson Cevrina Reed and Vice Chair Dale Lynch.

Tuart Place staff also excelled in 2023, contributing their multi-faceted skills with warmth, compassion, and professionalism.

What an outstanding team.

We were delighted to welcome aged care specialist Margaret Fisher aboard earlier this year and, more recently, Executive Support Manager Annalisa Oxenburgh.

Annalisa’s extensive experience in the not-forprofit sector and her skills in fundraising and organisational governance have already proved invaluable.

I am grateful to my longstanding colleague, Clinical

8

Manager Susy Vaughan, for her highlevel input to the management and operation of Tuart Place, and to Jan, Rose, Mary-Ann, Catherine, Tash, Mal and Belle, for their great work this year.

Everyone plays an integral part in the extraordinary support offered by Tuart Place.

None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the incredible support of our volunteers and participants.

As we navigate some uncertain times, we remain committed to finding innovative solutions, exploring new options, and ensuring that we continue to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

As we face funding challenges and work hard to overcome them, we realise that advocacy is not only a powerful tool, but a vital one.

Our collective voices can influence change, draw attention to the critical work we do, and rally support from policymakers, governments, and the broader community.

The collective power of our voices cannot be underestimated. When we come together as a community, we can create a wave of change that reaches far beyond our individual efforts.

Together, we will overcome challenges and continue to grow stronger. Your support is a lifeline for those who depend on us.

Thank you for standing with us in this critical moment. We look forward to emerging from this stronger, together.

Together, we make a difference.

Dr Philippa White, Director, Tuart Place

Always stronger together

Tuart Place staff team 2023 The team at Tuart Place is united by their values and a professional commitment to providing a welcoming, and supportive environment for our participants and clients.

Staff members (L-R): Clinical Manager Susy Vaughan, Redress Consultant Catherine Carr, Administrator/Receptionist Belle Lyons, Program Coordinator Natasha Sameulraj, Project Support Worker Mal Edwards, Counsellor/Redress Consultant Rose Fogarty, Director Dr Philippa White, Counsellor Mary-Ann Oliver, Aged Care Service Finder Margaret Fisher, Executive Support Manager Annalisa Oxenburgh, Social Worker Jan Newman.

Latest submission to Joint Standing Committee on National Redress Scheme Tuart Place’s most recent contribution to the Joint Standing Committee on the Operation of the National Redress Scheme was submitted in February 2023.

It appears alongside more than 30 other submissions on the Parliamentary website at: https://www. aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/ National_Redress_Scheme_Standing/Redress47/Submissions Tuart Place continues to receive a significant influx of new enquiries from survivors seeking help to prepare applications to the NRS, and we currently have a waiting list of approximately 50 people.

Counsellor Rose Fogarty’s employment has been

increased to full time to help accommodate the growing waiting list of NRS clients.

Tuart Place provides Assistance Nominee support to NRS applicants, which typically continues for a year or more beyond the submission of each application.

As stated in Tuart Place’s submission to the Joint Standing Committee, the year or so it takes to process NRS applications is often an acutely stressful time for survivors, who describe a sense of ‘waiting to be believed’.

It is essential that NRS ‘Support Services’ are available to provide support during this time, rather than expecting applicants to navigate it on their own.

9

Advocacy

Unfolding Lives Memorial Tuart Place was proud to support the work of care leaver advocate Mark Farmer in the reinstatement of an important memorial to Care Leavers in Perth.

After taking his brother to see the Unfolding Lives (aka Chatterbox) memorial in Northbridge, and finding it missing, Mark started investigating. He discovered it had been removed and damaged during the museum renovations in 2016. Mark joined forces with artist and sculptor Judith Forrest in a quest to reinstate the memorial, and return it to the public eye.

Tuart Place hosted a series of consultations for Care Leavers providing input to this important project.

One of the big questions was the location.

We are pleased to say that on 8th May 2023 the

memorial was reinstated in a similarly prominent location, outside Boola Bardip Perth Museum, within 50m of its original position - the overwhelming preference voiced by Care Leavers at our consultations.

The significance of the Chatterbox to children in orphanages is that it was sometimes the only toy they had.

Ann McVeigh’s hand-crafted paper Chatterboxes bring the memorial to life – showing exactly what it looks like and how they were used. The Hon Sabine Winton MLA, Minister for Community Services (pictured above), was delighted to receive a gift Chatterbox specially crafted by Ann in silver paper.

Attorney General John Quigley and Commissioner for Victims of Crime Kati Kraszlan officiated at the rededication ceremony in May this year.

8

10

Promoting change

Raising Awareness

11

OPEN Day 2023

“Tuart Place is a lifeline for us.

It’s like a family and it’s not just us, other people say the same too.”

12

care finder Specialised aged care support Tuart Place’s Aged Care Navigator pilot project and care finder program are practical examples of our solid progress in achieving a major goal of our 2021-25 Strategic Plan: To respond to aged care issues and facilitate access to appropriate services.

A successful collaboration with Lotus Place in Brisbane and the National Aged Care Roundtable group resulted in an Aged Care Navigator position being federally funded through the Council on the Ageing (COTA) for a 12-month period January to December 2022.

Tuart Place was one of only two agencies approved to operate the national pilot project, aimed at providing intensive assistance to Care Leavers who need help to access aged care services and other relevant supports in the community.

Using our experience in running the pilot project, we prepared a successful tender to the WA Primary Health Alliance to provide an on-site care finder service, which is federally funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.

Care finder is a specialised service for older Australians, aged 65+ years, or First Nations people aged 50+ years, requiring intensive support to access aged care services and other community supports. It is a free, independent, and confidential service.

We were very pleased to welcome highly experienced aged care specialist Margaret Fisher to the Tuart Place team in January 2023.

Margaret used the first months of care finder to set up the program, establish contact with other care finders working in the community, and raise awareness of the

Tuart Place care finder Margaret Fisher program with service providers, other organisations, and platforms like HealthDirect.

The National program started officially in March 2023. In the first three months, 41 clients were assisted to learn more about the aged care system; request an aged care assessment for home care services; or to access new services like garden and home maintenance, transport, meals on wheels, and equipment like safety pendants.

Margaret also assists people to complete forms associated with aged care services; to register with My Aged Care; to compare the services offered by different providers; and to search for suitable aged care facilities. She conducts periodic ‘check ins’ to ensure that aged care services are working well.

On 21st June 2023, Margaret accepted a wonderful opportunity to join the ABC radio morning show Aged Care Spotlight Forum as an invited studio guest. She spoke about navigating the aged care system, the care finder program and the role of Tuart Place in supporting Care Leavers.

“Margaret helped me to get support rails installed in my bathroom. When I had problems with the people delivering meals, she rang them up and sorted them out! ” 13

Service Activity in 2022-23 Statistics and Report prepared by Susy Vaughan Professional and clinical services delivered at Tuart Place in the last financial year included traumainformed counselling and phone counselling; psychotherapy; and therapeutic support groups.

Tuart Place’s wrap-around service model also includes lifeskills groups; individual IT 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.

We assisted a larger than

ever number of clients to engage with national and international redress schemes and civil litigation processes.

Occasions of service and number of participants accessing professional and other nonadministrative services are shown in Table II below.

The largest areas of clinical service delivery in 2022-23 were psycho-social support; assistance associated with the National Redress Scheme; life skills & literacy development; counselling; and referral/liaison.

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 ‘wholeof-service’ model. Given with a therapeutic intent and using an informal, relational approach, this support provides an important contribution to the positive outcomes achieved by many of our participants.

Counselling & Phone Outreach TABLE II: Tuart Place: Direct service delivery 1-7-22 to 30-6-23 SERVICE Advocacy - individual

Occasions of service 233

No. of clients

91

Aged Care support (incl care finder) *

494

89

Counselling & phone counselling

1859

300

Family tracing & connection

20

10

Health/Legal/Financial

752

147

International schemes

45

17

IT skills/Computer Lab

328

76

Life skills & Literacy

2286

311

National Redress

3644

308

Navigator Pilot Project (aged care) **

88

35

Phone outreach support

294

100

Psycho-social support

6816

404

Records – supported access

555

135

Referral & liaison

597

243

Social Connection

5469

532

Support group

191 21 NB: Many clients accessed more than one service (n = 693) * ‘Care finder’ commenced in January 2023 ** Aged Care Navigator Pilot Project was the forerunner to ‘care finder’ and operated until the end of December 2022

All counselling is trauma-informed and provided in both formal and informal settings, in line with our client focussed, 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 safe points of access.

Life skills & 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; psycho-educational workshops; opportunities to participate in community awareness

“For me Tuart Place is food for my soul and it’s a safe harbor in very stormy waters. When I walk through the doors I always feel so comfortable because I can be me.”

14

.....Continued from page 14 and education activities; contributing articles for our newsletters; and invitations for participants to share their skills through writing workshops and art and craft sessions.

IT Skills and Computer Lab Increased digital inclusion among Care Leavers is one of our high level Strategic Goals for 2021-25.

One-to-one 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; 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.

“Tuart Place helped me through Redress by being there for phone counselling when I needed it. I can still call them for support, even though my Redress is finished.”

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 and advocacy for people approaching past provider institutions with historical abuse complaints.

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 self-confidence 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 trauma-informed 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 .....Continued on page 16

15

Service Activity Activity in in 2022-23 Service 2022-23 .....Continued from page 15 process and is available at any stage.

The Tuart Place ‘wrap-around’ 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.

16

Aged Care support – including the Navigator pilot project and the care finder program. See our care finder story on page 13.

Social connection Our strengths-based approach includes providing opportunities for people to engage in activities that improve social interaction.

This area of service is informed by the knowledge that social isolation is one of the major difficulties facing

many older adults who were separated from their families during childhood and experienced further disconnection and trauma in out-of-home care.

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.

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 2021-25 Strategic Plan: Participants; Leadership and Advocacy; and Sustainability.

Between January and August 2023, 45 people who participated in the National Redress Scheme with our support completed a feedback survey. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

The first set of eight questions related to how participants felt about the support provided by their Redress consultant throughout the whole process, including after the application was submitted (i.e. were they provided with a safe space; accepted without judgement; helped to tell their full story; explained their legal rights and referred to knowmore; given accurate information about the Scheme; helped to fill out the application form; asked if they wanted to speak to the NRS themselves or have the consultant speak on their behalf; provided support and information at all stages of the process).

There was an average of over 98.5% agreement with these statements. Comments included: “It’s the first time I’ve been in a place where I’ve felt comfortable.” “She kept me up to date with what was happening.” “They were top class.” “I’m still receiving on-going support”. “Just about every time I came in for any reason, she had a quick chat and updated me, even when nothing was happening, and it was just waiting. Even after I got the money, I got support as I struggled to know what to do with it.”

When asked if they would recommend the Tuart Place Redress support service to others, all 45 respondents said they would, and an outstanding total of 38

people gave additional positive comments including, “I encouraged my family to also go through it here.” “Yes, I have already recommended it to two people.” “Definitely, I can’t imagine going anywhere else as Tuart Place is my safe place.”

When asked how they found out about the Tuart Place NRS Support Service, 60% responded that they had heard through ‘family, friends or neighbour’.

Survey respondents were asked what other services and information they had accessed at Tuart Place, apart from support to engage with the NRS: • 79% had also accessed the Support Group, faceto-face Counselling, and/or Phone Counselling/Support • 61% had received help with financial, legal, housing issues and/or referrals to other services • 58% had participated in Social Connection Activities (lunches, social outings and events, drop-ins) • 13% had accessed Lifeskills & Computer support (includes computer use, help with IT, health information sessions, haircuts, public speaking/writing skills development).

Evidence of positive outcomes achieved are demonstrated by an average of over 80% of respondents agreeing with the following statements: As a result of attending the Tuart Place service: I feel more able to make changes in my life; ask for support when I need it; communicate with others; take steps towards working through my past; feel more socially connected; and have more hope for the future.

The 2023 NRS survey results clearly demonstrate 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.

17

Continuing commitment to advocacy and seeking justice In keeping with the Core Focus on Leadership and Advocacy in our 2021-25 Strategic Plan, Tuart Place continues to raise public awareness and advocate for improved outcomes for Care Leavers and survivors of institutional abuse.

Our agency has a long history of supporting survivors of institutional child abuse to seek justice.

For example: • Prior to the formal launch of Tuart Place in 2012, our staff operated the primary support service for the Redress WA scheme (2008-2012), assisting over 800 applicants.

• Tuart Place supported 201 survivors to engage with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2012-2017).

• Between 2006 and 2018 we supported more than 400 survivors with Towards Healing complaints against a range of Catholic past providers; and in direct claims with the Salvation Army, Parkerville Children & Youth Care, and the Anglican Archdiocese of Perth.

• In 2013 we provided a Report to Northern Ireland’s Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIAI), which was published as an Appendix to the Inquiry’s Final Report. 1 • We supported 49 former child migrants to provide evidence to the HIAI at Public Hearings.

The Inquiry Chairman sought our advice on trauma-informed support for former child migrants; and feedback on developing a model for Northern Ireland’s redress scheme (2019-2021).

• In 2017 and 2018, we hosted visits to WA by officers of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), who held private sessions with former child migrants at Tuart Place. In 2019, we submitted a Report on the impacts of migration on Scottish children sent to Australia under the UK Scheme 2, and Philippa White gave evidence to a Public Hearing of the Inquiry on 113-2020.

• The Scottish Government’s Report 3 identifies Tuart Place’s major role in publicising the Scottish scheme in Australia; supporting access to the £10,000 Advance Payment; and connecting survivors with the Future Pathways Scheme.

• Tuart Place prepared 28 of the 34 Advance Payment applications received from Scottish child migrants, and we continue to work alongside Scotland’s redress scheme and Future Pathways.

• After amendments to civil litigation laws in WA were introduced in July 2018, we referred approximately 100 survivors to private law firms for assistance with civil claims, and supported many through the process. The peak of our referrals for civil claims occurred between 2018 and 2020. Most of these clients were former child migrants who had already received financial settlements exceeding the limit for payment under the NRS. • Since 2018, Tuart Place has been a major provider of support for survivors navigating the National Redress Scheme. Since the Scheme commenced, we have assisted more than 657 clients; over 6,542 hours; in 9,164 occasions of service. We have submitted 268 comprehensive NRS applications, undertaking research necessary to achieve optimal results for these applicants.

• Tuart Place has contributed six formal submissions to a series of Inquiries on the NRS, and a submission to the Second Year Review of the Scheme. 4 • Most recently, Tuart Place provided evidence at a Public Hearing of the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee’s Inquiry into the options available to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse in Western Australia who are seeking justice.

https://www.tuartplace.org/about/submissions-and-evaluations/northern-ireland-historical-institutionalabuse-inquiry-report/ 2 https://www.tuartplace.org/about/submissions-and-evaluations/scottish-child-migration-submission/ 3 https://www.childabuseinquiry.scot/media/3855/updated-sg-report-on-child-migration.pdf , Section 4.

4 All submissions are available at https://www.tuartplace.org/about/submissions-and-evaluations/ 1

18

Sincere thanks to Matt and Lisa Reed of Sum Effect for their very generous donation of photographic services over the last year.

Many of the images on our website and in our publications are courtesy of Sum Effect. Creative Director Matt Reed also donated his time and considerable skills in producing a powerful advocacy video for Tuart Place. The goal was to highlight an unjust situation whereby Redress payments are being clawed back via residential aged care fees.

Matt was extremely effective in guiding us to convey the human story behind this issue. His video had immediate effect when it was screened at a National Forum on enhancing aged care for Forgotten Australians in Brisbane last year, prompting action by Health Department officials at the Forum. We are optimistic of new provisions being introduced in the coming year. Nice work Matt!

! u o y k han

T

The Hon Sabine Winton MLA, Minister for Early Childhood Education; Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; and Community Services, visited Tuart Place in September 2023 to talk with participants and meet with staff. The Tuart Place Craft Ladies presented the Minister and her staff with hand crafted plush coat hangers (a firm favourite with the ladies at Tuart Place!)

19

Contact Us Tuart Place 24 High Street Fremantle Western Australia 6160 Phone: (08) 6140-2380 Freecall: 1800-619-795 Email: admin@tuartplace.org Web: www.tuartplace.org

Tuart Place Patrons

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 https://www. tuartplace.org/about/patrons/

Former Senator Rachel Siewert

Donate to Tuart Place

Dr Robert Isaacs OAM

Senator Dean Smith

FACT Inc (trading as Tuart Place) is a Public Benevolent Institution with Gift Deductible Recipient status, so donations to Tuart Place are tax deductible. 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 The following documents are available on the Tuart Place website:

• •

FACT Inc Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 Report on the Independent Audit of the Financial Statements

Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc

Contents For the Year Ended 30 June 2023 Page Financial Statements Auditor's Independence Declaration Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income Statement of Financial Position Statement of Changes in Equity Statement of Cash Flows Notes to the Financial Statements Responsible Persons' Declaration Independent Audit Report

1 2 3 4 5 6 15 16

Auditor’s Independence Declaration To the Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc. In accordance with the requirements of section 60-40 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, as lead auditor for the audit of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc. for the year ended 30 June 2023, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: a. No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-forprofits Commission Act 2012 in relation to the audit; and b. 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 4th day October, 2023

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income For the Year Ended 30 June 2023 2023

2022

$ 772,230 14,962 (788,236)

$ 681,862 397,415 (655,655)

(35,119) (7,732) (2,219) (27,797) (41,449) (29,953) (18,584) (29,916) (4,453) (15,654) (11,136) (6,420) (3,695) (3,349) -

(4,956) (5,583) (1,694) (26,850) (40,742) (32,867) (5,577) (34,808) (5,263) (23,513) (17,976) (13,424) (4,034) (6,836)

Profit/(loss) before income tax Income tax expense

(238,520) -

199,499 -

Profit/(loss) from continuing operations

(238,520)

199,499

Profit/(loss) for the year

(238,520)

199,499

-

-

-

-

(238,520)

199,499

Revenue Other income Employee benefits expense Depreciation and amortisation expense Insurance expenses Telephone expenses Bookkeeping and auditing Food and catering General IT and computer equipment Rent expense Office expenses Internet expense Events and gatherings Other expenses Program costs and equipment Building maintenance Finance expenses Write off RUA Assets

Note 4 4

8

Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Items that will be reclassified to profit or loss when specific conditions are met Total comprehensive income for the year

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

2

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Statement of Financial Position As At 30 June 2023

Note ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables Other financial assets Prepayments

5 6

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS Property, plant and equipment Right-of-use assets

7 8

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

2023

2022

$

$

426,064 49,500 550,000 18,953

1,017,555 16,500 250,000 8,732

1,044,517 43,955 92,554

1,292,787 40,396 -

136,509

40,396

1,181,026

1,333,183

29,600 57,683 33,601

40,398 34,022

120,884

74,420

38,217 51,945

50,263

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

90,162

50,263

TOTAL LIABILITIES

211,046

124,683

NET ASSETS

969,980

1,208,500

EQUITY Retained earnings

969,980

1,208,500

TOTAL EQUITY

969,980

1,208,500

TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables Lease liabilities Provisions

9 8 10

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease liabilities Provisions

8 10

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

3

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Statement of Changes in Equity For the Year Ended 30 June 2023 2023

Balance at 1 July 2022 Loss for the year Balance at 30 June 2023

Retained Earnings

Total

$

$

1,208,500 (238,520)

1,208,500 (238,520)

969,980

969,980

2022 Retained Earnings

Total

$

$

Surplus for the year Other comprehensive income

1,009,001 199,499 -

1,009,001 199,499 -

Balance at 30 June 2022

1,208,500

1,208,500

Balance at 1 July 2021

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

4

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Statement of Cash Flows For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

Note

2023

2022

$

$

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Grants Payments to suppliers and employees Interest received Donations and contributions

299,500 (1,007,363) 3,959 450,733

602,500 (840,105) 3,923 456,473

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities

(253,171)

222,791

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchase of property, plant and equipment Investment in Term Deposits

(7,826) (300,000)

(32,352) -

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

(307,826)

(32,352)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Payment of lease liabilities

(30,474)

(2,237)

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities

(30,474)

(2,237)

(591,471)

188,202

1,017,535

829,353

426,064

1,017,555

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents held Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year

5

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

5

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

The financial report covers Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc as an individual entity. Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc is a not-for-profit Association, registered and domiciled in Australia.

The principal activities of the Association for the year ended 30 June 2023 were providing professional clinical services and peer support and leadership opportunities to 'Forgotten Australians', Former Child Migrants, and members of the Stolen Generations, collectively known as care leavers. All services are free of charge, and include counselling, support groups, supported access to records, family tracing, peer-led social activities, and a drop in centre.

The functional and presentation currency of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc is Australian dollars.

The financial report was authorised for issue by the Board of Management on 20 July 2022.

Comparatives are consistent with prior years, unless otherwise stated.

1

Basis of Preparation The financial statements are general purpose financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards - Simplified Disclosure and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012.

The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and are based on historical costs modified, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities.

Significant accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are presented below and are consistent with prior reporting periods unless otherwise stated.

2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a)

Revenue and other income 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 revenue is received whereby the Association incurs an obligation to deliver economic value directly back to the contributor, this is considered 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 Together 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.

6

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (b)

Income Tax The Association is exempt from income tax under Division 50 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

(c)

Goods and services tax (GST) Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Receivables and payable are stated inclusive of GST. Cash flows in the statement of cash flows are included on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which is recoverable from, or payable to, the taxation authority is classified as operating cash flows.

(d)

Property, plant and equipment Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairment.

Plant and equipment Plant and equipment are measured using the revaluation model.

Depreciation Property, plant and equipment, excluding freehold land, is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the assets useful life to the Association, commencing when the asset is ready for use.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable asset are shown below:

Fixed asset class Office Equipment (e)

Depreciation rate 100%

Financial instruments Financial instruments are recognised initially on the date that the Association becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

On initial recognition, all financial instruments are measured at fair value plus transaction costs (except for instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss where transaction costs are expensed as incurred).

Financial assets All recognised financial assets are subsequently measured in their entirety at either amortised cost or fair value, depending on the classification of the financial assets.

Classification 7

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (e)

Financial instruments Financial assets On initial recognition, the Association classifies its financial assets into the following categories, those measured at: ·

amortised cost

·

fair value through profit or loss - FVTPL

·

fair value through other comprehensive income - equity instrument (FVOCI - equity)

·

fair value through other comprehensive income - debt investments (FVOCI - debt)

Financial assets are not reclassified subsequent to their initial recognition unless the Association changes its business model for managing financial assets.

Amortised cost Assets measured at amortised cost are financial assets where: ·

the business model is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows; and

·

the contractual terms give rise on specified dates to cash flows are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

The Association's financial assets measured at amortised cost comprise trade and other receivables, term deposits with a maturity of greater than 3 months from balance date and cash and cash equivalents in the statement of financial position.

Subsequent to initial recognition, these assets are carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method less provision for impairment.

Interest income, foreign exchange gains or losses and impairment are recognised in profit or loss. Gain or loss on derecognition is recognised in profit or loss.

When determining whether the credit risk of a financial assets has increased significant since initial recognition and when estimating ECL, the Association considers reasonable and supportable information that is relevant and available without undue cost or effort. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information and analysis based on the Association's historical experience and informed credit assessment and including forward looking information.

The Association uses the presumption that an asset which is more than 30 days past due has seen a significant increase in credit risk.

The Association uses the presumption that a financial asset is in default when: ·

the other party is unlikely to pay its credit obligations to the Association in full, without recourse to the Association to actions such as realising security (if any is held); or 8

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (e)

Financial instruments Financial assets ·

the financial assets is more than 90 days past due.

Credit losses are measured as the present value of the difference between the cash flows due to the Association in accordance with the contract and the cash flows expected to be received. This is applied using a probability weighted approach.

Trade receivables Impairment of trade receivables are determined using the simplified approach in AASB 9 which uses an estimation of lifetime expected credit losses. The Association has determined the probability of non-payment of the receivable and multiplied this by the amount of the expected loss arising from default.

The amount of the impairment is recorded in a separate allowance account with the loss being recognised in finance expense. Once the receivable is determined to be uncollectable then the gross carrying amount is written off against the associated allowance.

Where the Association renegotiates the terms of trade receivables due from certain customers, the new expected cash flows are discounted at the original effective interest rate and any resulting difference to the carrying value is recognised in profit or loss.

Other financial assets measured at amortised cost Impairment of other financial assets measured at amortised cost are determined using the expected credit loss model in AASB 9. On initial recognition of the asset, an estimate of the expected credit losses for the next 12 months is recognised. Where the asset has experienced significant increase in credit risk then the lifetime losses are estimated and recognised.

Financial liabilities The Association measures all financial liabilities initially at fair value less transaction costs, subsequently financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.

The financial liabilities of the Association comprise trade payables, bank and other loans and lease liabilities. (f)

Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprises cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term investments which are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

(g)

Leases At the lease commencement, the Association recognises a right-of-use asset and associated lease liability for the lease term. The lease term includes extension periods where the Association believes it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised.

The right-of-use asset is measured using the cost model where cost on initial recognition comprises of the lease liability, initial direct costs, prepaid lease payments, estimated cost of removal and restoration less any lease incentives received.

9

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (g)

Leases The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the lease term on a straight line basis and assessed for impairment in accordance with the impairment of assets accounting policy.

Exceptions to lease accounting The Association has elected to apply the exceptions to lease accounting for both short-term leases (i.e. leases with a term of less than or equal to 12 months) and leases of low-value assets. The Association recognises the payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

(h)

Provisions Provisions are recognised when the Association has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.

Provisions recognised represent the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period.

(i)

Other Liabilities

Other liabilities represent the unutilised amounts of unconditional grants received in advance to enable the Association to generally fulfill its charitable objectives. The Association may invest such funds received as it considers appropriate, benefiting from any interest received and retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the funds. Accordingly, the Association continues to recognise the unconditional grant funds as a financial asset and recognises an equal amount as a financial liability to expend such funds at its discretion, as required by paragraph 3.2.15 of AASB 9.

The services provided by such unconditional grants are usually provided within 17 to 25 months of receipt of the grant. The financial liability is reduced as and when revenue and corresponding expense is recognized in accordance with the Associations revenue recognition policy and when the criteria for each of the Association s different activities have been met. (j)

Adoption of new and revised accounting standards The Association has adopted all standards which became effective for the first time at 30 June 2023, the adoption of these standards has not caused any material adjustments to the reported financial position, performance or cash flow of the Association or refer to Note for details of the changes due to standards adopted in the prior year.

3

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments The Board of Management make estimates and judgements during the preparation of these financial statements regarding assumptions about current and future events affecting transactions and balances.

These estimates and judgements are based on the best information available at the time of preparing the financial statements, however as additional information is known then the actual results may differ from the estimates.

The significant estimates and judgements made have been described below.

10

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

3

Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments Key estimates - Useful Economic Life of Equipment The Association s Board of Management determines the estimate of useful life and related depreciation charges for its equipment.

Key judgments - Long service leave Assumptions are formulated when determining the Association s long service leave obligations. This requires estimation of the probability of current employees attaining the service period required to qualify for long service leave benefits as well as the usual pattern in which leave is taken once all service requirements have been met.

4

Revenue and Other Income

Revenue - National Redress Scheme - Government grants - Laurie Humphreys Fund - Other grants

2023

2022

$

$

332,500 330,000 109,730

272,500 330,000 4,500 74,862

772,230 2023

681,862 2022

$ Other Income - donations and fundraising - interest - other income fair value adjustment to investment property

5

5,963 3,959 5,040

338,795 3,923 54,697

14,962

397,415

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash at bank and in hand Short-term deposits

6

$

2023

2022

$ 421,064 5,000

$ 1,012,555 5,000

426,064

1,017,555

2023

2022

$

$

550,000

250,000

550,000

250,000

Other Financial Assets

CURRENT Term Deposits

11

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

7

Property, plant and equipment PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 2023

2022

$

$

40,680 (6,375)

40,680 (2,563)

34,305

38,117

Office equipment At cost Accumulated depreciation

21,880 (12,230)

14,053 (11,774)

Total plant and equipment

9,650 43,955

2,279 40,396

Plant and equipment At cost Accumulated depreciation

8

9

Right-of-use assets Buildings

Office Equipment

Total

$

$

$

Year ended 30 June 2023 Additions to right-of-use assets Depreciation charge

123,405 (30,851)

-

123,405 (30,851)

Balance at end of year

92,554

-

92,554

Buildings

Office Equipment

Total

$

$

$

Year ended 30 June 2021 Opening balance Depreciation charge Reductions in right-of-use assets due to changes in lease liability

(6,836)

-

(6,836)

Balance at end of year

-

-

-

2023

2022

$

$

130 13,503 15,967

5,841 20,196 14,361

29,600

40,398

7,813 (977)

846 (846)

8,659 (1,823)

Trade and Other Payables

CURRENT Trade payables ATO Liability Superannuation payable

12

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

9

Trade and Other Payables The carrying value of trade and other payables is considered a reasonable approximation of fair value due to the shortterm nature of the balances.

10

Provisions

Current liabilities Annual leave

Non-current liabilities Long service leave

11

2023

2022

$

$

33,601

34,022

33,601

34,022

2023

2022

$

$

51,945

50,263

51,945

50,263

Key Management Personnel Remuneration The remuneration paid to key management personnel of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc during the year is as follows: 2023 2022 Short-term employee benefits Post-employment benefits

12

$ 271,702 27,617

$ 256,119 24,705

299,319

280,824

Contingencies In the opinion of the Board of Management, the Association did not have any contingencies at 30 June 2023 (30 June 2022:None).

13

Related Parties (a)

The Association's main related parties are as follows: There were no transactions with related parties during the current previous financial years.

Key management personnel - refer to Note 11.

There were no trade receivables from or trade payables to related parties during the current previous financial years.

There were no to or from related parties during the current previous financial years.

13

Forgotten Australian Coming Together (FACT) Inc

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 June 2023

14

Events after the end of the Reporting Period The financial report was authorised for issue on

by the Board of Management.

No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the Association, the results of those operations or the state of affairs of the Association in future financial years.

15

Statutory Information The registered office and principal place of business of the association is: Forgotten Australian Coming Together Inc 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160

14

. " ' ( . #( '.

$ ., -. . % ) * .

&+ + . ! .

½

WN@ @¿, @¿ @, }n,/f@¿K }³n< ¿ ~¿0BfXA·B¿ O,¡¿¦PB¿ BLY ¢B C<¿Bo°^¢º¿X ¿,1fB¿£~¿ ,»¿,hf¿ G¿ Z¤ ¿<D2¥ ¿, ¿-n<¿¸QEp¿¦R@»¿ 3@7 j@¿<´@¿,q=¿ ,¼,2eF'¿,r>

¾

£S@¿G^n,s8[.f¿ §,¨BkBs© ¿,t?¿n ªB ¿ ,±d J¿«T@¿ B µ\ @l@n¬ ¿ IiSB¿ PFOB,% 1S # CO* GS 2 S 7J 7> <?8!H

9/0&II'73S KS +]Mu@<¿Xv¿,99} -w:B¿¹^­U¿ ¶4 B;²_~x¿&! "% $ ¿ H¿®VB¿ QFL@ -( 4S $ DL+ FS 5 S : 7A =E MS( mm` a y¿ "R. N);6FS

*B z b5fB ¿ @ ¿

),¯B<¿

*@ { c6gB¿ B }|¿ ¿ ¿

S

¿ ¿ ¿ ¿

#%¿

Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc. Independent auditor’s report to members

Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements Opinion We have audited the financial report of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc. (the Association), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2023, the statement of profit or loss and the comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the responsible persons’ declaration.

In our opinion the financial report of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc. has been prepared in accordance with Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, including: a. giving a true and fair view of the Association’s financial position as at 30 June 2023 and of its financial performance for the year then ended; and b. complying with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures and Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulations 2022.

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.

Emphasis of Matter – Basis of Accounting We draw attention to Note 1 to the financial report, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial report has been prepared for the purpose of fulfilling the Association’s financial reporting responsibilities under the ACNC Act. As a result, the financial report may not be suitable for another purpose. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

Responsibilities of the Board of Management for the Financial Report The Board of Management of the Association is responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and have determined that the basis of preparation described in Note 1 to the financial report is appropriate to meet the requirements of the ACNC Act and the needs of the members.

The Board of Management’s responsibility also includes such internal control as the Board of Management determines 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 Management is 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 Management either intend to liquidate the Association 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 of the Financial Statements 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 will always 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: https://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar4.pdf This description forms part of our independent auditor’s report.

William Buck Audit (WA) Pty Ltd ABN 67 125 012 134

Conley Manifis Director Dated this 4th of October, 2023