Tuart Times Issue 19, March 2020

The

Tuart Times

ISSUE 19: MARCH 2020 ISSN: 2204-7646

Redress Stadium: Where to from here?

REDRESS

Our story on ‘Redress Stadium’ in the last Tuart Times resonated with many people involved in the Redress WA scheme ten years ago, and the community response has been tremendous.

The stadium has a special significance for those who took part in Redress WA, and saw their abuse payments halved just before construction of the billion-dollar arena was announced. Applicants were told that the State Government did not have enough money to honour the levels of compensation advertised by this scheme, and had ‘no choice’ but to reduce them by half.

Many found this claim hard to believe, especially given the huge fanfare surrounding the announcement of the new stadium, which was in full swing throughout the time that applicants were receiving their drastically reduced payouts.

In our story in August last year, we reported that Redress Stadium had just been voted the Most beautiful sporting facility in the world. The news

had prompted Redress WA survivors to suggest some creative ways of having their situation acknowledged, and of sharing in the huge success of the stadium. Our hands-down favourite was the dedication of a ‘Colin Barnett Apology Lounge’.

Although most of the suggestions were light-hearted, they are underpinned by a very serious matter – the still unfinished business of Redress WA.

Life hasn’t got any easier for the survivors of Redress WA, fifty per cent of whom are not eligible to apply for the new sex-abuse-only National Scheme. They are calling on the WA State Government to Make Redress Right for those survivors who are left out and so far forgotten, yet again.

We must ask: How will history look back on WA’s response to survivors of institutional abuse?

Undoubtedly, Redress WA will be recognised among the all-time worst schemes worldwide: a state-of-the art scheme set up by Labor and ruined by an incoming government as soon as it

came to power.

But what about now that WA has returned to a state of prosperity and Labor government?

Historians will look back and ask: What did this Government do when it finally had a chance to right such a terrible wrong?

In this edition: 2-3: National Redress Scheme Special Feature 4 : Volunteer Profile: Ronaldo 5 : New computer facilities @ TP 6 : Heal for Life goes to Whitemoor 8-9 : Let’s get creative 10 : Amazing stories: finding family 11 : News from Northern Ireland 12-15 : NRS Special Feature (cont.)

16-17 : Vale Notices 18-20 : FACT Inc Board news 21-23 : What’s on at Tuart Place 24 : Tuart Place contact details

National Redress Scheme In this special feature on the National Redress Scheme (NRS), we highlight some serious concerns; identify some positive developments; and look at various solutions. Articles in this feature include:

Access to historic Child Welfare files: Our case study of ‘Betty’ (below) reflects a broader problem whereby applicants cannot access personal information provided to the NRS by participating institutions.

Betty needs to find out when she was made a Ward of the State so she can make informed choices about her application. This information has been provided to the NRS but they will not give it to Betty. The current waiting time to obtain this information from the State is a year or longer. Betty feels she is running out of time – she needs the information now. How can she get it?

Fairbridge: We revisit the astounding circumstances in which a ‘funder of last resort’ has still not been put in place for the long-defunct Kinsley Fairbridge Farm School in Pinjarra – one of WA’s largest children’s Homes (page 3).

Positive developments in redress include a major past provider developing its own flexible (survivor-focused) systems for responding to survivors of historic abuse.

As well as opting into the NRS, the Sisters of Mercy have established alternative pathways for survivors to approach them – including those whose experiences did not include sexual abuse. Well done. Other institutions and state governments should follow this example (and that of the Salvation Army) by offering redress for all forms of historic institutional harm.

Lives in limbo: examines the impact of redress and claims processes on abuse survivors and the re-traumatisation arising from long delays and extended periods of uncertainty, as claimants ‘wait to be believed’ (page 12).

A Parliamentary Joint Select Committee inquiring into the progress of the NRS has commenced a series of public hearings around Australia, starting in Canberra on 26 February. Public hearings will be held in Perth on 15-16 April 2020 (page 13).

‘Betty’s records’ A National Redress Scheme case study

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Betty submitted an application to the National Redress Scheme last October, with the help of Tuart Place counsellor Sarah Regan.

At the time, Betty was unsure whether an early foster care placement with a relative was State approved or had been privately arranged. Betty needs this information in order to make an informed choice about whether to add the sexual abuse she experienced during this placement to her NRS application.

Sarah flagged this issue when she submitted Betty’s application, and asked the NRS to let her know if records received from the WA Government shed any light on the matter.

In January 2020, the NRS contacted Sarah (as Betty’s Nominee) to advise that records from the WA Department of Communities had arrived; that Betty should consider “adding further information to her application”; and that Betty should be encouraged to request a copy of her child welfare records.

The NRS would not disclose what information had been received from the Department, nor confirm whether Betty had been a Ward of the State or if the State had responsibility for placing her with the relative.

This creates a real problem for Betty. Due to a very long waiting list, it is likely to take 12 months or more to obtain her records from the Department, which is why Sarah didn’t apply for them in the first place.

Betty is 71 years old; she has financial problems and multiple serious health concerns. She feels traumatised by reliving her childhood abuse during the application process. Her application is now on hold and there is not time to wait for records to arrive from the Department.

What should Betty do?

The bigger picture Betty’s situation highlights a broader problem with survivors’ access to institutional records obtained by the NRS.

It seems fundamentally wrong and unfair for survivors to be denied access to information provided about them that will be used in assessing their claims.

It is also most unhelpful that survivors do not have timely access to the most basic of information needed to make informed choices about what to include in their application – or indeed whether they are eligible to apply at all.

An NRS staff member confirmed this week that any institutional records received by the NRS will not be released to applicants or nominees; and that this was a condition put in place on behalf of institutions opting in to the scheme.

It would be most helpful to survivors if institutions elected to waive this condition. It would represent an act of good will and reconciliation, and demonstrate openness, fairness and transparency.

It would be heartening if institutions were to act swiftly to rectify this obviously wrong provision, which is contrary to the Royal Commission’s recommendations and Guidelines developed by the ‘Setting the Record Straight for the Rights of the Child’ initiative.

In light of this we are calling on all participating institutions to advise the NRS that they are happy to allow access to records they provide to the NRS, if requested by the applicant they concern.

We’re also hoping that someone might be able to help Betty get timely access to the information she needs.

Special Feature ‘Unravelling Redress for Institutional Abuse of Children’ A new journal article by Kathleen Daly and Juliet Davis provides expert analysis of the national scheme; how it went wrong; and what it would take to rectify the problems (page 13).

A Yokai Stolen Generations Redress Forum held at Derbarl Yerrigan in January 2020 tackles the big issues surrounding national redress and maintains ongoing public scrutiny and analysis of the scheme (page 13).

Rebecca Moran’s PhD research on survivors’ experiences of making a ‘victim submission’ to the child abuse Royal Commission. Bec’s findings are highly relevant to the

provision of redress and compensation (page 14).

At a Q&A session held at Tuart Place in November 2019, Victims of Crime A/Commissioner Kati Kraszlan and four members of the State Coordination Unit for the National Redress Scheme answered some tough questions from survivors struggling for justice. The team continues to offer local-level support to applicants, and is providing individual sessions at Tuart Place (pages 14-15).

knowmore Legal Service’s Perth office has been up and running since September 2019, offering free legal advice to people engaging with the National Redress Scheme. Free financial counselling is now also available to knowmore clients

Still no funder of last resort for Fairbridge Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School (KFFS) is a defunct institution. It closed in 1981, and there is no legacy institution.

The Fairbridge site was purchased

by Alcoa in 1983, and in 1989 it was leased to Fairbridge WA Inc, which offers tourist accommodation and activities. Many of the old KFFS cottages have been restored and are rented to holiday-makers.

The State Government (and in the case of former child migrants, the Commonwealth Government) are obliged to act as funder of last resort for applications recieved from KFFS ex-residents who were placed there by the State as children.

In the last Tuart Times we reported on frustrating delays encountered by Fairbridge ex-residents applying to the National Redress Scheme because a ‘funder of last resort’ had not been put in place for the former Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School.

That was six months ago. Fairbridge ex-residents are still waiting.

Old Fairbridgians Association WA President Richard Hinch has been active in lobbying on behalf of his membership by contacting politicians and bureaucrats. He is far from satisfied with their responses. “If they reply at all, they just blame someone else. No one will actually tell us why there is such a delay in having a funder of last resort put in place for this long-defunct institution, or when it will happen”, Mr Hinch said.

“The reply I received from Senator Anne Ruston – the Minister in charge of the National Redress Scheme – just repeated a series of things we obviously already knew (because we had contacted her about these same things), and appeared to imply that the delay was the WA State Government’s fault. Senator Ruston went on to say how the Government is committed to a “survivor-focused trauma-

informed Scheme, and is continuously improving the process of providing redress to survivors…”

“I’m sorry to say, these words ring very hollow and Fairbridge survivors continue to suffer unnecessarily because of this cruel delay”, Richard said.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

Tuart Place now knows of at least one Fairbridge ex-resident who couldn’t wait for ‘last resort’ funding to be put in place, and has accepted a one-third reduced NRS payout.

Vulnerable applicants – who are often cash-strapped, elderly, and re-traumatised – should not be forced to choose between taking a reduced payment now or waiting an unknown length of time for the proper amount. This is the opposite of trauma-informed practice.

Payments made to applicants in these circumstances should be topped up when the necessary arrangements are finally in place.

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Thank you to our great IT volunteers

by Program Coordinator Jo Hocking

We are incredibly lucky to have a fantastic team of volunteers at Tuart Place who love helping people with their mobile phones, tablets and computer issues.

Tricia, Judy, Yoyo, Mary and Ronaldo are some of the IT volunteers who help on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. No question is too big or too small for them, so if you need some help, pop in any time from 10.30am.

We were sorry to say goodbye to William in January. He was a dedicated volunteer who came every Monday, come rain or shine, patiently helping people, often with a queue of others waiting to see him.

Unfortunately after 18 months with us, William has moved to Kalgoorlie for work. He will be greatly missed, and we wish William all the best in his new adventures in the Goldfields.

Volunteer Profile: Ronaldo Mororó Ronaldo Mororó has been volunteering at Tuart Place since October 2018, helping people with their computer skills and solving IT problems.

We recently asked Ronaldo to tell us a bit about himself. Ronaldo writes:

“Originally from a small town with white sandy beaches on the North-Eastern coast of Brazil, I moved to Australia via Europe and landed in Sydney about 16 years ago.

Some of my personal qualities include creativity, patience and altruism. The altruism is a family legacy, from my father, and also my mother, who used to help remote indigenous communities as a university professor in the rain forests in my home country, Brazil”.

Professionally, Ronaldo is a tech savvy problem-solver with a hunger for learning and engaging with people to find solutions to a diverse range of challenges.

With his friendly ‘trademark’ smile and great listening skills, Ronaldo helps participants feel at ease and overcome any barrier that modern gadgets may offer.

Thanks for your great work Ronaldo!

PHOTO: Ronaldo (on left) with Peter Bent in the newly re-furbished computer lab at Tuart Place

Computers: Get in the know with Jo and her team

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Program Coordinator Jo Hocking

Whatever your skill level (even if you’ve never turned on a computer before) you can get individual help.

Use the computer room, or bring in your iPad, mobile phone or digital camera and learn to browse the internet, send emails, scan photos and shop online.

Please call in to see one of Jo’s computer volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am.

Computer room upgrade

The Tuart Place computer room has had a revamp, and we are delighted with the improved computer resources for participants at Tuart Place.

Our old computers provided many years of good service, but it was time to let them go…. All PCs have now been replaced with high functioning Hewlett Packard machines, and monitors with in-built webcam and speaker capabilities, making Skype and other online communication much easier.

New computer desks have also been installed (many thanks to David L, David M and Yoyo for their work on this), making it a more welcoming and functional space.

Everyone is happy with the new, faster machines and attractive furnishings.

Mary Mogridge said “the new room is amazing! It’s welcoming and it’s here for everyone who needs help with their IT. There are friendly volunteers to help you out and if you are new to IT, you can come and learn.”

Can you help?

St Joseph’s Orphanage

My sister Veronica and I lived at St Joseph’s Orphanage from around 1966 to about 1975.

I have always cherished the happy times I had with two dear friends who were there at the same time. One is Karen O (who had an older sister Cheryle O) and the other is Cecelia C.

I have longed to see them again, and would love to catch up and say hi.

My contact details are below.

Kind regards, Colleen Mckenzie (nee Miller)

Lyn McLaughlin said “the new room is cheerful and welcoming, especially with the new plants in the corner! The volunteers who help out are fantastic, they’ll be patient with you if you are learning how to use computers”.

We have a strong network of IT volunteers ably coordinated by Program Coordinator Jo Hocking, ensuring ready access to assistance for participants seeking any kind of help with computers, tablets and mobile phones. Jo said that while many people bring in their own mobile phones and tablets, others really appreciate the fact that we have computers and printing facilities on site.

IT assistance is one of Tuart Place’s key service areas, particularly in light of the increasing expectation among Government and private sector organisations (such as banks) that people are able to receive and transmit information electronically.

Tuart Place has free Wi-Fi for participants and visitors.

St Joseph’s Facebook page The Joey Girls have started a private Facebook page for anyone who has photos they would like to share.

Information about reunions and gatherings can be included. This is an idea from the Rolfe sisters.

If you are interested, come and see me at Tuart Place on Mondays. Ann McVeigh

Ph: 0438 888 091 Email: cmckenzie1060@gmail.com 5

Clive raises the flag Clive Morrison is an Aboriginal Elder and Tuart Place participant.

In October last year, Clive was being photographed outside the Roundhouse, which is just down the road from Tuart Place in Fremantle.

A Roundhouse staff member came over and asked him if he would like to raise the Aboriginal flag.

Clive was indeed happy to raise the flag. He said later that he had felt very proud to have been asked and pleased that Aboriginal people were being recognised in this way.

Fremantle’s historic Roundhouse raises the Aboriginal flag every day to demonstrate respect for the Whadjak Nyoongar people and their land.

This and other Roundhouse activities are in keeping with Fremantle’s Walyalup Reconciliation Action Plan.

Heal for Life goes to Whitemoor Prison

by Dale Lynch

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endured some form of childhood trauma and abuse. This has contributed to poor decisionBesides my role as a Board making skills and entering member of FACT, I have been the prison system. Many involved with the Heal for Life prisoners also have previously (HFL) Foundation since 2010, untreated mental illnesses and/ firstly doing my own healing and or addictions – also related to then as a peer support volunteer childhood trauma. and mentor, working with people

On the first day we who have also endured childhood presented the module to a group trauma and abuse. of 15 prisoners and about six

In October last year Liz therapists; and on day two we Mullinar (Founder of HFL) invited worked with a group of 40 of me to help her present a module the unit’s prison officers and on ‘The Effects of Trauma on the clinicians.

Brain’ at a prison in London. We

The emphasis was on how were to be accompanied by Henri to ‘de-trigger’ ourselves and Seebohm, a psychologist and others. The HFL model has a counsellor who has worked in UK simple, four-step method of deDale with Henri & Liz outside Whitemoor Prison prisons. triggering immediately, thereby

It was too good an allowing the person to think and opportunity to miss, and so in November 2019 Liz, Henri and I presented the module over act in a calmer and logical manner.

Despite their pasts and crimes, the prisoners were two days at ‘Whitemoor’ - a maximum security men’s prison a lovely group to work with and it was obvious that what near Cambridge in England.

A special unit inside Whitemoor houses happened in childhood had played a big part in how they approximately 70 long term prisoners who experienced came to be serving life terms in prison. They participated severe childhood trauma and struggle to get along with well, and the feedback we have since received from both other prisoners to such a degree that they have spent most the prisoners and staff has been very favourable, with some describing the workshop as life changing. of their prison term in isolation.

For me it was a truly awesome experience.

Over 95% of prisoners in the western world have

A visit from Tony Cartwright

by Sarah Regan It was a pleasure to meet with Anthony (Tony) Cartwright and his wife Rose when they dropped in to Tuart Place in January.

Tony was born in Malta and arrived in Western Australia under the child migration scheme in 1963. He travelled to Perth on board the Flavia and was placed at Bindoon.

Tuart Place counsellor Sarah Regan with Tony and Rose

Tony and Rose travelled to Perth from their home in Victoria and this was their first visit to Tuart Place. They met with Tuart Place staff and participants, Phone Outreach service, where our regular phone call help him feel connected to the Tuart Place community, including some Bindoon ex-residents.

Tony enjoyed looking through historical photo despite living interstate.

After his visit, Tony wrote: “Tuart Place felt like a albums of Bindoon and was especially happy to see the safe house for me, both Rose and I felt welcomed, the staff Maltese flag hanging among the memorabilia in our lounge were very friendly, and it was great to meet some of the old area. boys and girls.

We exchanged some stories and they really

Tony was also able to join in the camaraderie of made me feel like I knew them for a long time”. our regular Monday lunch gathering and kindly shared

Thank you for visiting with us Tony and Rose, we stories and photos about his life and his children. hope to see you next time you’re in the West!

Tony expressed appreciation for our

Book Review

Heal for Life: Heal yourself from the pain of childhood trauma.

Liz Mullinar AM

A Review by Dale Lynch Liz Mullinar is a survivor of childhood trauma and founder of the Heal for Life (HFL) Foundation. She developed the HFL Model over 25 years ago as a way to help other survivors to permanently heal from the impact of childhood trauma and abuse. Heal for Life started in the Hunter Valley in NSW Australia and has now spread internationally and operates in the UK, US, Philippines and, shortly, India.

Liz, an internationally renowned speaker and expert in childhood trauma and healing, has written two previous books: Breaking the Silence and The Liz Mullinar Story.

Liz kindly donated a copy of her new book to the Tuart Place library. I have just finished reading the book and thoroughly recommend it. I believe this book should be required reading, not just for survivors, but for any health professionals working in the field of trauma or child welfare.

The book is easy reading in a bigger font and extremely informative, setting out positive strategies in the HFL model.

Prior to reading this book I have been through my own HFL healing weeks and walked alongside other survivors in their healing journey, so I know that everything in the book works.

Like so many other survivors I have found the HFL model life changing and I live and use it daily.

If you would like to know more about Heal for Life, visit www.healforlife.com.au

Photo: Dale Lynch and Tuart Place Director Pip White with Liz Mullinar’s latest book, kindly donated to the TP Lending Library

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Let’s get creative!

Writing Workshops

Writer Carmel Ahern has run two very successful and fun workshops with participants at Tuart Place in the last year. Carmel says there is a story in most things that happen in our everyday lives, and that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to express ourselves.

Workshop participants say they feel relaxed and comfortable being part of Carmel’s writing groups, and are looking forward to the next one.

Please register your interest with Vicky at Reception.

As eye see it photographic exhibition The As Eye See It photographic exhibition, coordinated by the Department of Communities in 2019, provided an opportunity for young West Australians living in care to express what is important to them through photography.

The young participants were given a camera and encouraged to take four photographs of things which hold a special significance for them.

The collection of photographs aims to raise awareness about what it means to live in out-of-home care and provides an insight into the worlds of the young contributors.

The framed images were exhibited at the WA Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle from August to October last year, and a group from Tuart Place paid a visit in September. Here’s what David and Julie had to say:

“A group of us walked down to the nearby Shipwrecks Museum on a Wednesday to visit the As Eye See It showed tranquil scenes of the bush and I found the exhibition photographic exhibition, which contains photographs taken quite moving and relevant to me as it reminded me of my by young people who are living in care. Lots of the photos childhood and how I liked being outdoors.” (David M.)

“It would have been a valuable exercise for the young teenagers as they could reach out and capture a part of their world that’s important to them and share it with others.” (Julie D.)

The collection of As Eye See It photographs can be viewed online at https://tinyurl.com/ AsEyeSeeIt

September 2019: A group outside Tuart Place before walking down High Street to the Shipwrecks Museum

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Counsellor Dickon Oxenburgh is well known to many readers, not only for his warm and professional counselling skills, but also for his considerable musical/vocal talents (Dickon and band-mate Richard ‘rocked the house’ at the 2019 Christmas party!)

Dickon is currently looking for participants interested in working with other artists to create art and craft works that tell their personal stories.

Dickon says: “It could be through textiles, printmaking or quilt-work, audio-visual projections, animation, puppetry, creative writing – anything really that would be interesting for participants to make and would lead

Art Project to further understanding, growth and healing in the community”.

The aim is to mount an exhibition for the general public at a gallery or similar space in time for the 2021 Festival of Fremantle or Perth Festival.

Come and have a chat with Dickon about the project if you’d like to find out more. He’s planning to hold a workshop later in 2020. Watch this space!

Pamela Story was born in Carlton, Victoria, and was placed in institutional care when she was about two years old.

Pamela lived in four institutions (the Methodist Babies Home, Berry Street Orphanage, Royal Park and Turana), before being sent to a number of different foster families.

Pamela is a talented artist, having received a scholarship to study graphic design at Swinburne University in Melbourne.

She enjoys spending time with her two young grandchildren and has been a regular visitor at Tuart Place over the past 12 months.

FALLING OLD BRIDGE a poem by Pamela Story

Falling away from a ridge Nothing to hold the doggered bridge Groans and cries of no rebound Darkness blinks a sorry sound Now a whimper and not so bold It’s given up its timeless hold Free falling, flying through a space A broken life now at the base Its strength and might is all now shattered A life that was, now lost and scattered

PARRAGIRLS:

Reimagining Parramatta Girls Home though art and memory We first covered the Parragirls Project in The Tuart Times in 2017 (see p.17 of Issue #14 at https://tinyurl.com/TuartTimes14) and we have been big fans of editors Dr Lily Hibberd and Bonney Djuric OAM ever since.

Lily and Bonney’s new book, Parragirls, published in 2019, brings together the many different elements of the Memory Project, and is a model for using art to convey powerful messages about the past and the possibilities for ‘remaking’ of memory today.

Reviewer Eugenia Flynn writes: “Parragirls is an impressive book that serves as both an art publication and a record of social change. As an enduring testament to the experience of the Parragirls – a collective of former residents of Parramatta Girls Home, where abuse and cruelty were rife – it charts the work of the Parragirls Memory Project across seven years of visual art, performance, events, exhibitions, writing, advocacy and activism” (The Saturday Paper, 9 Nov 2019, p.23)

Tuart Place counsellor and multi-talented artist Dickon Oxenburgh is planning an art project for Tuart Place (see article above), and has drawn inspiration from the Parragirls work. He has also received helpful and encouraging feedback from Bonney Djuric. Thanks Bonney!

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Dennis McNerney finds more family!

As readers may recall from previous stories, Dennis McNerney has worked very hard over the years to find his family of origin, with considerable success.

Dennis’s persistence paid off once again, when - with the help of DNA technology and research by Dr Lesley Silvester of the WA Genealogical Society (WAGS) - he located a sister in Portugal and nieces in England.

Dennis and his lovely wife Nicky travelled to Europe in August/September 2019 and met his sister Shirley for the first

time, in Lagos in southern Portugal. Dennis said the meeting with Shirley went fabulously well, and the strong connection they made was more than he could have hoped for.

Dennis also made a great connection with his father’s sister – Aunty Dymphna (also in Lagos), and with his nieces Michelle and Sharon (Shirley’s daughters) in England.

Congratulations Dennis – we are in awe of your dedicated family tracing work.

Photo: Dennis with his sister Shirley

Bob Taylor’s amazing story of finding family After six decades of searching for his Sheila’s only sister had also passed family of origin, former child migrant away, but her three children – Bob’s first Robert Taylor finally located family cousins – knew they had a missing cousin members in 2016 (see our story on Bob named Robert, and were delighted that in the Feb 2017 Tuart Times: https:// Bob had finally found them. tinyurl.com/TuartTimes13).

Since finding his cousins Bob has

Bob’s search for his mother travelled to England three times, with began when he left Bindoon at the age the help of the UK Government’s Family of 16, and continued with frustrating Restoration Fund.

Bob’s extended results throughout his adult life. family have been very welcoming and

In 2011, Bob published a receptive. book called Who Am I?, detailing his

Bob’s most recent trip was life experiences, including his earliest to celebrate his 80th birthday on 12th memories in the UK, his time at Boys’ September 2019. He writes: Town Bindoon, his work as a National “On the day of my birthday, a Park Ranger, and his ongoing search for surprise celebration had been arranged his mother and his own identity. for me by my wife Carol and my newly

In 2016, with the help of DNA found cousins Chris, Rod and their wives, technology and genealogist Louise Bob (centre) with cousins Chris & Rod Janet and Sylvia. Nearly 30 relatives Coakley, 76-year-old Bob learned that turned up for the buffet lunch, over three his mother’s name was Sheila Taylor, and that she had died generations (some I’d never met). It was the best birthday I decades ago. have ever celebrated in my whole 80 years”.

Des and Merle O’Neill receive The Tuart Times because Des’ brother Peter came to Australia in 1939 as a 10-year-old with other boys from Nazareth House Bristol, leaving behind two brothers, Des and Patrick.

It was a sad time for the three brothers. When Peter arrived in Australia he was sent to Clontarf and Tardun.

His brother Des came to Australia in 1950, with the express purpose of reuniting with Peter.

The brothers got to know each other again and Merle says that Peter was the “best uncle to our children growing up, and is remembered to this day by all of them with love”.

Peter never married and passed very suddenly of a heart attack in 1999. Des is now 92 and happily married to Merle, with a lovely family of four children, three grandchildren, and four great10

The story of Peter O’Neill grandchildren.

Des and Merle stay in contact with family members Peter discovered when he travelled back to England in 1997 and met a previously unknown brother and sisters. Des and Merle also went back to England, for a reunion of former residents of Nazareth House Bristol, where Des caught up with some of the boys who had been there with him and his brother Patrick.

Many thanks Merle for sharing your family’s story with us.

Our two photos show a young Peter O’Neill at Tardun in the 1940s, and in the 1990s.

Progress with Redress in Northern Ireland

Frank and Judith Marshall joined Philippa White at Tuart Place on 17 February for a Skype meeting with Brendan McAllister, Interim Advocate for Victims/Survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse in Northern Ireland, and his colleague Claire Campbell.

The meeting provided a chance to talk with Brendan about the progress of NI’s redress scheme, particularly as it will affect former child migrants living in Australia.

Frank and Judith, respectively Vice-President and Secretary of the Tardun old Boys Association Inc, raised questions on behalf of their members, and voiced concerns about the lengthy delays in establishing a redress scheme in Northern Ireland, pointing out that many people have died waiting for justice.

Brendan acknowledged the delays and said he expected that the Redress Board would be open for applications in March, with the first payments expected to be issued in May/June 2020. This is welcome news indeed.

We were also pleased to learn that the Redress

Judith & Frank Marshall joined Pip at Tuart Place for a Skype meeting with Northern Ireland

News from Northern Ireland

HIA Interim Advocate Brendan McAllister Board who will deal with the applications will have access to the records from the HIAI Statutory Inquiry. This includes evidence from former child migrants who gave evidence to the Inquiry when it visited Australia in 2013/14.

Brendan also confirmed that the spouse or children of eligible survivors who died on or after 28 April 1953 will be able to claim under the scheme.

During the course of our meeting, Brendan outlined eight key areas of need he had found among NI survivors of historic institutional abuse: Welfare needs, Health – mental and physical, Social support and connection, Documents and family tracing, Accountability of institutions, Restitution, Acknowledgement and apology, and Reconciliation. These eight areas sound very familiar to us, and perhaps they are universal.

We look forward to further conversations with Brendan and his colleagues as the scheme develops.

If you would like to receive the HIA Interim Advocate’s newsletter by email, contact info@hiaadvocate.org.uk

Boundaries workshop

by Roslyn H. I have been coming to Tuart Place for a few years now.

I think of it as a safe harbour from a sometimes mentally stormy world. The staff are very nice and respect everyone’s personal space. Whether you feel like chatting or not, they are always welcoming.

I always feel so comfortable when I walk through the doors because I can just be me.

On Wednesdays, Susy Vaughan runs a group session from 10:30 to noon. If you don’t feel like talking you simply say ‘pass’, and it moves onto the next person. There is no pressure to talk - the choice is all mine and everyone understands.

At Susy’s group on 29 January 2020 we talked about personal boundaries, which was very helpful to me on many different levels.

Roslyn (centre) with fellow participants We learned how negative childhood experiences can affect personal boundaries, and about respecting others’ boundaries, as well as our own.

Thank you, Susy, for such an amazing session and I look forward to future topics.

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Australian National Redres Lives in limbo as survivors ‘wait to be believed’ It’s been one year since WA became active in the National Redress Scheme, and a year since changes were made to WA’s civil laws on child sexual abuse claims.

One thing that has emerged above all else during this time is that the long delays are a killer.

The distress and re-traumatisation of survivors engaging in historic abuse claims is a little-understood area. Survivors suffer. Badly. No matter how much support is provided, post-trauma symptoms are triggered by the application process; and survivors’ number one fear – not being believed – is a gnawing and ever-present reality as they wait for their personal childhood abuse to be assessed.

The following scenario was compiled with feedback received from many, many survivors, and is typical of the common experience in applying for redress.

Imagine: you were abused as a child in an institution; your family network was fractured or non-existent; and the path your life has taken is an extension of your early trauma, abuse and neglect.

Along comes a royal commission, and then a redress scheme. The news coverage is relentless – one story after another – triggering savage memories and flashbacks; yet also raising hopes that perhaps this could be a way for your abuse to be acknowledged and compensated (as far as money can ever do that).

The amounts they offer seem a lot – you’re on a pension and living week-to-week. It’s hard to trust anyone – especially ‘the system’ – but, eventually, you decide to apply.

It’s tough. You get good support from a counsellor who fills out the 40-page application form, but the process is still distressing and traumatic. Of course it is.

The application goes in. And you wait. And wait. And wait. Your most personal and painful memories have been sent off to a faceless assessor, and you now a Reference Number. A bit like Centrelink really.

No one hears anything for ages. You don’t like to ask.

Doubts begin to surface, and you wonder why it’s taking so long. Don’t they believe me? Are they going to say I’m mistaken – or lying? Your long-buried bad memories are closer to the surface now. You cry and/or get angry more easily and often.

Things weren’t great before the redress scheme, but at least you knew where you stood. Now you’re thinking and worrying about the money. Of course you are.

You can’t help wondering how much it will be: Will it mean I can get a decent car, or just cover the cost of fixing the old one? Will it be enough to fix my teeth? Will there be enough to give the grandchildren? How much will I get? If only I had it now.

Life is in limbo and the future is on hold.

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As of 3 January 2020, 5,829 applications had been received, but only 975 payments made under the National Redress Scheme.

An early ‘selling point’ of this scheme was a three-month turnaround on applications, but the current waiting time is more than 12 months, which is far too long – especially as many applicants are elderly and in poor health.

It is important to have redress schemes, but keeping people waiting in a painful state for a year or more is nothing short of re-abuse.

We know that redress can have positive and healing outcomes for the applicants, and help people feel heard, believed and recognised – but lengthy delays are causing further pain and suffering to survivors.

The current civil claims process is also very slow, and it is imperative that more timely and compassionate processes are adopted by the District Court of WA. Amending the law is not helpful to survivors if its procedures cause further unnecessary pain and anguish.

What can we do?

If you’re an applicant or claimant, talk to someone about how it’s affecting you. You are certainly not alone. Survivors often think there is something wrong with them if they have flashbacks or feel bad while they are applying for redress. Not so – you are having a normal reaction to an abnormal and stressful process.

Talking about it helps. Attend a support group, talk to a counsellor, or a friend - anyone you trust.

Advocates and those who work in this area must also speak out. It is totally unacceptable for survivors of institutional abuse to be subjected to yet more harm by yet another ‘system’.

Across the world there is growing recognition that redress schemes can cause harm to applicants – as thousands were harmed in Redress WA, and in other notorious schemes overseas.

How will history look back on Australia’s national scheme? Will we eventually need another scheme to compensate the damage done by this one?

Only time will tell.

ss Scheme Special Feature

...Continued from pages 2 & 3

Parliamentary inquiry into the implementation of national redress The Joint Select Committee on Implementation of the National Redress Scheme has begun its inquiry program with a series of public hearings around Australia, which commenced in Canberra on 26 February 2020.

Committee Chair Senator Dean Smith said hearing from survivors and those who are navigating the process of applying to the National Redress Scheme will be a key focus for the Committee.

“The hearings will provide a range of opportunities for survivors to tell the Committee, in their own words, what is working and what is not with the National Redress

Scheme,” Senator Smith said “as well as any other issues that they would like to tell the Committee.”

“We invite those who would like to appear to contact the Committee at redress@aph.gov.au to register their interest.” Senator Smith said.

Public hearings will be held in Perth on 15-16 April 2020.

For more information, visit the Committee’s website at https://tinyurl.com/JSCNRS or ask a Tuart Place staff member.

Redress Forum: WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation The Yokai Stolen Generations Redress Forum held at Derbarl Yerrigan on 21 January this year was very well attended by WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation (WASGAC) members and spokespeople from a range of agencies and legal services working with hundreds of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people who qualify for National Redress payments and counselling.

The event, organised by WASGAC Managing Director Jim Morrison was also attended by people who either represented themselves or family members abused as children in institutions.

Susy Vaughan represented Tuart Place at the Forum, and said it was clear from the feedback and Jim Morrison with Shirley Voss at a national redress questions that there is a lot of confusion, anger and information session at Tuart Place in February 2019 frustration related to waiting times, inadequacies and unfair provisions of the National Redress Scheme.

Susy caught up with representatives from the many Jim Morrison said that subsequent work by WASGAC will agencies with which we collaborate, and found that all are include a response to governments regarding redress and experiencing similar problems with the scheme. healing.

Journal article: Kathleen Daly & Juliet Davis unravel the National Redress Scheme ‘Unravelling Redress for Institutional Abuse of Children in Australia’ traces the evolution of the National Redress Scheme from the trauma-informed and survivor-focused model recommended by the Royal Commission in 2015, to the compromised, inferior scheme that eventuated three years later.

Written by redress experts Kathleen Daly and Juliet Davis, this important article appeared in the University of NSW Law Journal in November 2019.

Daly and Davis’ article details the twists and turns of legislative changes, government statements, and media stories. It charts the parliamentary processes that culminated in the scheme’s commencement in mid-2018

and analyses the shifting views on 17 contentious matters.

Constitutional limits on federal power meant that federal and state governments had to negotiate, resulting in significant compromises in key areas of the scheme.

In the process, the redress scheme unravelled: 14 of the 17 matters shifted away from the Royal Commission’s recommendations and redress principles.

Daly and Davis point out that future changes to the scheme would require substantial renegotiation and a shift in position on increased costs.

The full article can be accessed at https://tinyurl. com/LawJnlArticle 13

A Safe Place to Tell:

Lessons from the Australian child abuse Royal Commission It was standing room only at Rebecca (Bec) Royal Commission, such as civil claims or redress Moran’s presentation of her PhD research on applications. survivors’ experiences of engaging with the

Three articles authored by Bec for New Royal Commission into Institutional Responses Zealand’s Royal Commission of Inquiry into to Child Sexual Abuse, hosted by Tuart Place on Abuse in Care, (2018-2023), draw on the 21 October 2019. findings of her research to date: Hope, trust and

Bec interviewed 26 survivors during her meaning; Accessibility and ‘fitting’; and Belief research, asking about the Royal Commission and recognition. process, and the ways in which participating has

The three-part series starts at this link: affected their lives. Many of Bec’s interviews https://tinyurl.com/NZRCforum were conducted with survivors at Tuart Place, where she A video recording of Bec’s presentation at Tuart sought feedback on the experience of making a ‘victim Place, filmed by Dr Linda Blagg, is available on our YouTube submission’. channel at https://youtu.be/svBBDndxmbs

Bec’s early findings show that people who found making a submission to be a healing experience generally felt they had been heard, believed, valued and respected throughout the process.

Survivors who reported being retraumatised and distressed by participating in the Royal Commission felt that the experience echoed earlier responses to disclosure, leaving them feeling unheard, disbelieved, unwelcome and unsupported.

There was huge interest from across the sector in Bec’s presentation at Tuart Place. It was attended by more than 80 people, including survivors, service providers, academics, and representatives from other agencies working with survivors of child sexual abuse.

Bec’s research has valuable implications for services working with survivors – particularly those engaging with knowmore Legal Service’s Principal Solicitor Prue Gregory and processes that are by their nature more challenging than the members of the Perth knowmore team at Bec’s presentation

Tuart Place Q&A session on National Redress with the State Coordination Unit

Photo (L-R): Graham Bennett, Francesca Bell, Kati Kraszlan and Richard Hinch 14

Victims of Crime A/Commissioner Kati Kraszlan and four members of the State Coordination Unit for the National Redress Scheme attended a Question and Answer session at Tuart Place in November 2019.

The Redress Coordination Unit has been established within the Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Western Australian Department of Justice, to support the WA Government’s participation in the National Redress Scheme.

After a short presentation on their work, Kati and colleague Dr Francesca Bell took questions from the floor and received feedback from the many survivors and participants who attended this session.

The discussion was lively and at times emotional.

Free financial counselling at knowmore Legal Service knowmore Legal Service’s Perth office is now offering free financial counselling to people engaging with the National Redress Scheme.

Financial counsellor Miranda McReynolds, who started with knowmore in December 2019, can provide advice about the effect of lump sum payments on Centrelink benefits and advice on debts. Miranda can also help in situations where elder abuse is occurring or likely to occur.

We were pleased to welcome Miranda and knowmore Perth’s Managing Lawyer Greg Boland to Tuart Place in February this year, when they provided an information session on the new service. It was a chance for participants to ask questions and get an idea of what assistance is available.

Find further information on the knowmore website at https://knowmore.org.au/services/financial-counselling/

Note: There is an important difference between seeing a financial counsellor for financial problems and seeing a financial advisor for advice on how to manage or invest money.

Helpful guidelines are available from the WA Government ‘Moneysmart’ website at https://tinyurl.com/govtadvice

It was clear from the discussion that survivors are being retraumatised by deficiencies in the design and implementation of the National Scheme – including its lack of transparency, unreasonable waiting times, and overly complicated application process.

Office Bearers from the Old Fairbridgians Association (WA), Richard Hinch and Graham Bennett, were present at the session and raised the issue of the unacceptable delay in ‘funder of last resort’ arrangements being put in place for the former Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School, Pinjarra, which was one of the largest Children’s Homes in WA.

OFA and Tuart Place continue to advocate for

knowmore Legal Service Level 5, 5 Mill Street Perth WA 6000 Free advice line: 1800-605-762 web: www.knowmore.org.au

Financial Counsellor Miranda McReynolds (on left) with Greg Boland and Pip White At Tuart Place in February 2020

resolution of this problem.

We appreciate the openness and communication, and local-level support provided by Kati, Francesca and the WA Coordination Unit. It is particularly important for a national scheme to offer survivors a point of face-to-face contact locally.

Following on from the Q&A session in November last year, the WA team is making regular visits to Tuart Place and is available for in-person consultations.

Contact Vicky at Reception for dates and appointment times.

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VALE NOTICES Brian Tennant AM, JP

10-4-1935 – 14-8-2019

Brian Tennant was an Aboriginal Australian who grew up at Castledare and Clontarf.

He was a Justice of the Peace and a legendary social justice campaigner, awarded an AM in 2015 for service to the community.

Brian died suddenly, after returning from a trip to Croatia, where he had visited his father’s grave for the first time.

“I’m so pleased he got to see his father’s grave,” said Neville Hart, Brian’s friend and travelling companion. “It was a very emotional day. He had only ever seen his father once, when he was a child in the orphanage. He had been in orphanages from the age of one.”

Brian (84) dedicated his life to helping other people, often taking up, and winning, seemingly ‘hopeless causes’.

Anthony (Tony) Dalton

27-3-1938 – 30-10-2019

Tony Dalton was a child migrant from Scotland who arrived in Australia in 1947 aboard the Ormonde. He was sent to Castledare and Clontarf, and remained living in the local area all his adult life.

Tony and his beloved wife Monica were committed community members and Tony was well-known and loved in his local neighborhood. He is fondly remembered by us all. Our condolences to Erica, Joanna and Robert.

Veronica (Vicky) Camilleri

16-6-1959 – 8-12-2019

In loving memory of my baby sister Veronica.

I miss you so much and will always love you.

Rest in Peace my baby sister.

Thank you to Tuart Place for all the help and support you gave to Vicky.

Susan Camilleri

VALE Notices from the Tardun Old Boys’ Association Inc

TOBA extends condolences to the families of Tardun old boys who have passed away • • • • • 16

Jim Quigley - 8 October 2019 Barry Earle - 18 October 2019 Albert Fullbrook (Fr Bert) - 12 November 2019 Wilfred (Bill) Cox - 11 December 2019 John Harrison - 15 December 2019

Thomas Connelly

1-8-1941 – 10-2-2020

Tom Connelly was six years old when he was sent from England to Australia under the child migration scheme, and was placed at Castledare, then Clontarf.

Tom was a much-loved member of Tuart Place’s Wednesday Support Group. He helped set up the group in 2009 and attended every week he could.

This is what people said about ‘Our Tom’:

“I always appreciated Tom’s gentle concern about everyone’s well-being and his sense of humour - he was a consistent contributor to group and a cheery presence around Tuart Place” (Dickon).

“I never heard him say anything derogatory to any other participant. He was always polite, respectful and courteous. He was the epitome of a gentleman” (David).

“He welcomed new people to the group and was an anchor for many” (Susy).

Wilfred (Bill) Cox

26-4-1928 – 11-12-2019

Bill Cox was born in Bath, England, and following the death of his mother, was placed at Nazareth House in Bristol. Bill was sent to Australia on the Strathnaver, arriving at Clontarf in March 1939. He later went to Tardun where he completed his Junior and learnt about farming. In 1950 he applied for a virgin block of land which he cleared, and farmed successfully until 1975.

In 1953 Bill married Gloria Butler and their close-knit family grew from four children who were raised on the farm, to nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. In his last years, he was devoted to caring for Gloria who sadly passed away on 11 November 2019, exactly one month before him.

Bill remained independent at home and was still driving his car until the day before he died peacefully after 24 hours in hospital with his family around him.

Written by Bill and Gloria’s daughter Anne Armanasco

Raymond McGowan

16-2-1938 – 11-9-2019

Ray McGowan arrived in Australia in 1947 as a child migrant and was sent to Castledare, Clontarf and Bindoon. In her eulogy at Ray’s funeral, Ann McVeigh said: “I knew Ray for about six years as a Tuart Place participant and knew him to be a perfect gentleman and kind human being. I loved his dapper way of dressing in Country and Western style, always immaculate and always with his lovely big hat. He was a big fan of Marilyn Monroe too.

Ray loved his Mondays at Tuart Place and the singing in particular. Ray would delight in singing Danny Boy, and I loved how everyone let Ray take the lead and sing his heart out. He was one unique person and I am so pleased to have met him.

When I last saw Ray in Fiona Stanley Hospital he told me how delighted he was to have met Jacqi, a hairdresser who volunteered every month at Tuart Place. He told me how Jacqi had accepted him as a member of her extended family. It was so wonderful to see, and I was so pleased for him. Somehow I think he looked on her as the daughter he didn’t have. I’m sure he knew he was loved by her family, and his family at Tuart Place”.

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About our Board

Tuart Place is governed by the Board of Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT) Inc.

The FACT Board comprises Australian-born care leavers and former child migrants, as well as professional members elected for their expertise and qualifications in areas such as law, accounting and management.

Tuart Place is a leader in co-production of support services with Australian care leavers, and peer leadership plays a pivotal role in service design.

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.

FACT Inc Board of Governance 2020 Office Bearers

Vice-Chairperson Dale Lynch

Treasurer Ross Stagno Accountant

Chairperson Cevrina Reed

General Board Members

Kevin Collins

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Lyn McLaughlin

Lyn Sherwood Executive career coach

Ann McVeigh

Chris Williams Lawyer

John Ryall

Dr Katrina Stratton Social work researcher

Meet a Board member: Ann McVeigh Ann McVeigh started coming to Tuart Place seven years ago, and joined the FACT Board in early 2016. She is a longstanding campaigner for care leavers’ rights. The people of Tuart Place got to know Ann a little better during her powerful presentation in September 2019, as part of our 2019 ‘Meet a Board Member’ series.

“My name is Ann McVeigh. I am a child migrant who was accident. Someone told me they had singing every Monday, sent to Australia with a false name and identity in 1950, so out of curiosity I went along. That was seven years ago aged five years young. and I think I have been coming here every Monday since.

For 17 years I answered to the name of ‘Lucy’ and It wasn’t only the singing that kept me coming, but I had a false birth date as well – my school pals all call me the meeting up with school friends and making new friends Lucy which I don’t mind. I have on occasions been called that worked for me.

Lucy Ann.

I consider myself very fortunate to have done well in life. My partner of 42 years was also a child migrant, having been at Fairbridge Farm in Pinjarra, and we have a son called Danny”.

During her talk, Ann described how a chance meeting in the late 1980s with Margaret Peterson (nee Watts), a fellow exresident of St Joseph’s Orphanage, ultimately led to the formation of ICAS - the Institutional Child Abuse Society:

“Margaret had just come out of hospital after having a breakdown when she received her personal files from the Child Welfare Department”.

Margaret told Ann that she was trying to break the silence around institutional abuse of children, and asked Ann to join her: AN HISTORIC MOMENT IN TIME

“With the help of the Welfare November 2009: The National Apology to care leavers in Canberra Department we set up an office in Claremont in L-R (seated): Mary Smith (dec), Ann McVeigh, Kathy Savage, Sheilagh Pearce the Wish Foundation offices. After Margaret’s Standing: Barbara Jeanne Costello (dec), Jenny Macklin, Eddie Cogan (dec). story was published in The West Australian, we were invited to three radio stations for interviews. While on the Howard Sattler show, we were One of my newfound friends asked me if I was asked if we would take a few phone calls. What an eye interested in being on the Board. I was hesitant at first, but opener! Most of the calls were from angry young men, who thought I’d give it a go. had been molested in Perth Orphanages.”

I am pleased to be part of the behind the scenes

Margaret and I formed ICAS, and her story was read work of Tuart Place and part of a dedicated committee that out in Parliament by Senator Jean Jenkins; and recorded by has care leavers as its top priority. the World Court of Human Rights in New York.

I thank you all for the privilege of serving you all as a

Many years later, I came to Tuart Place quite by Tuart Place Board Member”. Ann McVeigh

70 years of friendship keeps on going

by Paddy Cannon

We attended Tony Dalton’s funeral in November last year and many, many Old Boys from Tardun, Clontarf, Bindoon and Castledare Homes turned up to pay tribute.

I wish to express my thanks to Dr Philippa White, Director of Tuart Place, who kindly attended the funeral too. Tuart Place has created an opportunity for all the members to look out for and care for each other.

Unfortunately, over the past two years, seven of our Tuart Place family members have passed away. Each time, it felt

like I was burying one of my brothers.

The only family I had before I married in my late 20’s was my fellow orphan boys and girls from the Homes, we were one close family.

Thanks to all our members and special thanks to Peter Bent who has done so much caring for his fellow members over the years.

Thank you, Peter! From Paddy

Paddy Cannon 19

Funding and donations Since its inception in 2012, Tuart Place has received a large proportion of its core operational funding from the State Government, and continues to receive essential financial support from the WA Department of Communities.

Equally important to the continuing operation of Tuart Place are the unconditional donations received from non-government organisations that formerly provided institutional care to children. In addition to State Government grants, Tuart Place receives unconditional financial contributions from Catholic past providers the Christian Brothers, the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Nazareth, and from non-Catholic former providers of institutional care in Western Australia.

Financial support from all past providers is greatly appreciated by the people of Tuart Place, and is consistent with the Healing and Reconciliation agenda initiated by Tuart Place participants.

The importance of past providers funding support services is well recognised, and in its Report on Redress and Civil Litigation, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse observed

that it is especially important for some survivors that support is ‘funded by the institutions responsible for the abuse’.

In addition to organisational donations, Tuart Place also receives donations from care leavers and from members of the general public. Some care leavers make donations to Tuart Place as a way of ‘giving back’ to the organisation, and supporting the common goal of Growing Strong Together.

To donate to Tuart Place As a Public Benevolent Institution with Gift Deductible Recipient status, donations to Tuart Place are tax deductible. Donations can be made via PayPal on the Tuart Place website; by cheque, or Electronic Funds Transfer.

Account name: Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc Bank: Commonwealth Bank Branch: Fremantle WA BSB number: 066-107 Account number: 1048-4327

Facebook donation drive After seeing and donating to some Facebook Birthday Fundraisers, I decided to give it a go myself last year.

Basically, it involves posting a message on Facebook asking your Facebook friends if they would like to donate to your favourite charity for your birthday.

So I set one up for my favourite charity - Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc (the governing body of Tuart Place).

I set my initial target at $200, and soon passed that amount. I ended up raising my target four times, eventually to $1000.

I am proud to say the final target was achieved, with a total of $1010 being raised. I was also pleased that every dollar was passed on to FACT Inc with no fees or charges being taken by Facebook.

Thanks to all those who donated to this very worthy charity.

Dale Lynch 20

Dale Lynch is a longstanding supporter of Tuart Place and a dedicated Board member of FACT Inc. Dale has been Vice Chairperson of FACT for the last 12 months.

Our photo shows Dale (on the right) at the 2019 Tuart Place Christmas Party, alongside Josh Cunniffe, Policy Advisor with the office of Minister Simone McGurk MLA; and FACT Chairperson Cevrina Reed.

Thank you Dale, for all you do. You make a tremendous contribution to Tuart Place and the FACT Board.

Weekend camp at Fairbridge Pinjarra Friday 13 March to Sunday 15 March This is a great chance to get away for the weekend and enjoy the company of others.

The historic Fairbridge Village is just one hour from Perth, located in a beautiful bushland setting, with plenty of wildlife and great facilities, including a swimming pool.

Cost for the weekend is $60 per person to cover food and incidentals. A free bus will leave from and return to Maylands.

Accommodation fees for Fairbridge House are

covered by the Social Activities Group (SAG) from their very successful fundraising activities.

To find out more about the venue, visit http:// www.fairbridge.asn.au/

Get in quick to book your spot with Jo at Tuart Place.

Fundraiser Dance

Wanted: Volunteer bus driver

for St Bart’s Women’s Shelter

Do you have a C Class License and might you enjoy driving people to outings in a small bus? If so, please contact Jo at Tuart Place. We are looking for a back-up driver for the Social Activities Group.

Saturday 21 March 2020 7-11pm at the North Perth Bowling Club Live music by Los Hombres de Blues $20 at the door Buy drinks at the bar. BYO nibbles Door and raffle prizes

A word from Dr Adele Chynoweth OAM After the ‘Inside’ Exhibition

how, because I think that the way we respond to history, is I was the co-curator of the National Museum of also part of history, too.

Australia’s touring exhibition Inside: Life in Children’s The Inside exhibition Homes and Institutions. came about because of a

Since then, I have been contacted by Care recommendation in the Leavers who are concerned that their history is still Forgotten Australians Senate unrecognised. As a result of these conversations, I am Report. researching public history policy in Australia in relation

I know that Inside to the Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. would have never happened

‘Public history’ is about ‘ordinary’ people being without all the hard work of survivors – not only in involved in history. It’s not just about the work of working with museums to share their objects and ‘professors’ or people with university degrees. narratives – but years before that, in the fight for justice

I thought it would be interesting to look back that brought about government inquiries. at which museums hosted the Inside exhibition and

This is a grassroots, survivor-led movement. I those that didn’t and also to understand why some am also hoping to document what Care Leavers did to museums took time in saying ‘yes’. I hope to discover support the Inside exhibition. the challenges that museums face and for me to collect

And to then ask, ‘What is the next step? Is one evidence about this and not just jump to conclusions. temporary exhibition enough?’

If I can put all this together, then perhaps this

I am hoping to visit Perth later this year and research could support a public discussion – a discussion meet with care leavers at Tuart Place. I would love to about history and whose stories are told and where and know what you think.

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WHAT’S ON?

REGULAR EVENTS

• Every Monday: Singing group 10.30am-12 noon & the Big Monday Lunch at noon • Every Monday: Counselling sessions available with psychotherapist Gordon Paton, by appointment • Every Monday: Computers & mobile phone help with Jo’s team 10.30am-1pm

Free dental clinic John and Jan Owen and their fantastic Kimberley Dental Team will be back at Tuart Place on Monday 20 July 2020 from 9.00am.

Family members are also welcome to access free check-ups and basic dental treatments at this clinic.

Book an appointment with Vicky or just come in on the day.

• Every Wednesday: Susy’s Support Group 10.15am-12 noon • Every Wednesday: Computers & mobile phone help with Jo’s team. From 10.30am.

• Every Thursday: Computers & mobile phone help with Jo’s team 10.30am - 12 noon • Every second Thursday: ‘Krafty Ladies’ craft session with Vera, from 11am • Every Month: Family history and tracing with WA Genealogical Society expert Dr Lesley Silvester. 12.30-4.30pm, by appointment.

• Every 4 weeks: Free legal advice with lawyer Gary Dean. 1-4pm, by appointment.

• Every 4 weeks: Free beauty treatments with Natalia 11am - 3.30pm, by appointment.

Free podiatry clinic

Family tracing with Lesley Dr Lesley Silvester, our family tracing expert from the WA Genealogical Society (WAGS), visits Tuart Place each month to help people find out more about their family histories.

Lesley and her husband Mike also run ‘Time Trackers’, a busy genealogical firm that conducts family history research and specialises in British and Australian family history. Contact Vicky at Reception to book a one-hour session with Lesley on a Monday afternoon. This service is free of charge.

Next sessions in 2020: • Monday 20 April 12.30–4.30pm • Monday 11 May 12.30–4.30pm • Monday 15 June 12.30–4.30pm • Monday 20 July 12.30–4.30pm

Staff and supervised students from the faculty of Podiatric Medicine at the University of WA will be back at Tuart Place on Wednesday 25 March from 10am.

Once again they will provide free assessments and basic foot treatments.

Free follow-up appointments are also available at the UWA Podiatry Clinic located at the Corner of Park and Crawley.

Computers: Get in the know with Jo and her team

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Program Coordinator Jo Hocking

Whatever your skill level (even if you’ve never turned on a computer before) you can get individual help.

Use the computer room, or bring in your iPad, mobile phone or digital camera and learn to browse the internet, send emails, scan photos and shop online.

Please call in to see one of Jo’s computer volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am.

What’s on at Tuart Place Krafty Thursdays Every second Thursday, from 11am Feeling crafty? Why not come along and join in

the every-second-Thursday craft sessions at Tuart Place. Bring your own craft ideas or help out with team projects.

Free legal advice at Tuart Place With lawyer Gary Dean, by appointment. Call Vicky to book a consultation to discuss any general legal concerns or questions. Phone consults also available.

Next sessions in 2020: • Monday 23 March 1–4.00pm • Monday 20 April 1–4.00pm • Monday 18 May 1–4.00pm

Like us on Facebook Have you liked the Tuart Place Facebook page yet? It’s a great way to stay in touch.

We post lots of photos from events and also keep you up to date with relevant issues and forthcoming events. Find us at www. facebook.com/TuartPlaceFremantle

Counselling with Gordon Paton

Gordon Paton is a highly experienced psychotherapist, group facilitator and transactional analysis counsellor, and recently retired from the Harry Hunter Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, where he worked for 14 years.

Gordon provides counselling, free of charge, to Tuart Place participants on Mondays.

Contact Vicky for an appointment with Gordon.

Natalia Pronina is a qualified beauty therapist who volunteers at Tuart Place providing monthly beauty treatments to participants.

Treatments include: back, neck and shoulder massage, reflexology, foot massage, basic facials, eyebrow wax and tint, pedicures, and lip, chin & face waxing. Please book with Vicky.

“High Street Happenings” ‘High Street Happenings’ is a new participant-produced newsletter that is published every two months.

It’s full of interesting articles and photos of things that have happened at 24 High Street.

You can pick up a printed version at Tuart Place or contact us with your email address to receive the electronic version.

Free beauty treatments with Natalia Next sessions in 2020: • Monday 30 March 11am–3.30pm • Monday 6 April 11am–3.30pm • Monday 11 May 11am–3.30pm 23

To donate to Tuart Place:

Account Name: Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc Bank: Commonwealth Bank Branch: Fremantle, WA BSB number: 066-107 Account number: 1048-4327 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160 Phone (08) 6140-2380 Freecall: 1800-619-795 Email: admin@tuartplace.org Web: www.tuartplace.org

Opening Hours 9.00am to 4.30pm Monday Wednesday Thursday Newsletter Editor: Philippa White Newsletter enquiries/contributions: via email to admin@tuartplace.org

Where is Tuart Place?

What happens at Tuart Place?

Tuart Place is the State funded service for former child migrants, ‘Forgotten Australians’ and members of the Stolen Generations.

Tuart Place provides individual counselling, telephone counselling, support groups, social activities, assistance with historic abuse complaints, volunteering opportunities, computer skills classes, visiting health & legal services, family tracing, assistance to access records, and help in dealing with other agencies.

Our Eco Policy

The Tuart Times is published by PK Print, a West Australian company certified by the Sustainable Green Print and Green Stamp Programs.

These programs assist the printing industry to reduce waste and increase recycling.

PK Print is certified for Level 2 in both Programs.

Tuart Place is located in the old Cleo’s Hotel at 24 High Street, in the West End of Fremantle, near the historic Roundhouse.

There is no on-site parking, so some of our visitors park at South Beach and catch the Blue Central Area Transit (CAT) Bus, which stops close by in Phillimore Street, just after Cliff Street.

If you are travelling on foot from Fremantle Train Station, Tuart Place is a five minute walk.