The
Tuart Times
ISSUE 12: JULY 2016 ISSN: 2204-7646
The Laurie Humphreys Fund
A Visit from Hon Andrea Mitchell MLA The Honorable Andrea Mitchell MLA, State Government Minister for Mental Health and Child Protection, visited Tuart Place on 11th July and met with participants, board members and staff. The Minister’s visit resulted from a successful application by Tuart Place for a grant under the Mental Health Commission’s Suicide Prevention program, which is part of the Liberal National State Government’s rollout of its Suicide Prevention 2020 strategy. The training these grants will provide is designed to teach people to identify and support someone with suicidal thoughts or behaviour as well as to increase personal resilience. Minister Mitchell said “I have been impressed today with the excellent work already being undertaken at Tuart Place and I’m sure this additional funding will be put to good use providing important support across the community.” The new funding will enable Tuart Place to run three workshops: Mental Health First Aid, safeTALK, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health. The first workshop program – Mental Health First Aid – starts on 26th October (see page 5).
At Tuart Place: (L-R) Minister Andrea Mitchell, FACT Chairperson Ron Love, Dr Philippa White, and Board members Prof Maria Harries and Lyn McLaughlin
Tuart Place presents at the 2016 WACOSS Conference ‘It can be Done Differently: Tuart Place Shows How’ is the title of a presentation given by FACT Inc Chairperson Ron Love, Vice-Chair Cevrina Reed, Tuart Place participant Sylvia Stonehouse and UWA researcher Dr Sue Bailey, at the 2016 Conference of the WA Council of Social Services (WACOSS) on 5th May. The presenters focussed on the four essential elements of the Tuart Place service model: Safety (Cevrina), Connection (Ron), Opportunity (Sylvia), and Hope (interactive discussion with audience members). Less than a week later, Ron, Cevrina and Sylvia gave similar presentations at the University of WA, to two groups of student social workers - approximately 100 students in total. Congratulations all on your well-received presentations and your continuing community education on care leaver issues and the Tuart Place approach.
TUART PLACE
WHAT’S ON?
• To find out, see the Calendar of Events enclosed with this Issue.
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 Wednesday: Susy’s Support Group 10.15am-12 noon • Every Thursday: Computers & mobile phone help with Kathy and her team 12 noon-3pm • Every second Thursday: Craft with Vera in the Boardroom. From 1pm. • Every Month: Family tracing and family history research with WA Genealogical Society experts Marilyn Dimond and Lesley Silvester. 12.30-4.30pm, by appointment. • Every Month: Free legal advice with lawyer Gary Dean. 1-4pm, by appointment. • Every 5 weeks: Free men’s haircuts with Jacqi. On Mondays from 1pm. Please book.
Do you receive Ron’s Gazette? Ron’s Gazette is a fantastic monthly newsletter created by Tuart Place participant Ron Love. The Gazette is published in hard copy for in-house circulation and is sent by e-mail to more than 200 recipients across Australia. Ron’s Gazette is also available on the Tuart Place website. If you would like to receive Ron’s Gazette by e-mail each month, please ask Vicky to add you to the distribution list.
CONTACT DETAILS & OPENING HOURS 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160 Phone (08) 6140-2380 Freecall: 1800-619-795 Email admin@tuartplace.org Web: www.tuartplace.org
Next sessions: • Monday 25th July 1–4.00pm • Monday 22 August 1–4.00pm 2
9.00am to 4.30pm Monday Wednesday Thursday
Welcome to Tuart Place Tuart Place is a one-stop resource service for care leavers at 24 High Street Fremantle. Visitors to Tuart Place are greeted by our friendly Receptionist Vicky, and made to feel very welcome. The lollies are an optional extra :-)
What happens at Tuart Place? Tuart Place is the State Government 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 Professional Standards complaints, volunteering opportunities, computer skills classes, visiting health & legal services, family tracing, assistance to access records, and help in dealing with other agencies.
Free men’s haircuts with Jacqi
Free legal advice at Tuart Place Every month with lawyer Gary Dean, by appointment. Call Vicky to book a consultation to discuss any general legal concerns or questions. Phone consults also available.
Opening Hours
Every five weeks at Tuart Place. On Mondays from 1pm. Please book with Vicky. • • • •
Next dates: Monday 1st August Monday 5th September Monday 10th October Monday 28th Nov (Ladies Dry Cuts also)
Trip to Moore River: Join the next adventure in November 2016 This year’s trip to Moore River erecting the tent were resolved took place over three days: 12th amicably”. Successful ‘experiment in team bonding’ to 14th April, and was organised SAG is planning by SAG – the Tuart Place Social a caravan and camping trip to Activities Group. Moore River in early November Highlights of the trip 2016 – before the start of schoolies included Maureen’s magnificent week. catering, a boat cruise on the Moore The Moore River River, and Mike’s ‘experiment in (Guilderton) caravan park has team bonding’: assembling a three riverfront views and is just metres room, 16-person dome tent. from the beach. It is a lovely site The tent had been in for caravanning and camping, with Mike’s garage for the last five years – still in its box – before a new barbecue area and fully enclosed campers’ kitchen. springing to life for the first time in the in the back yard of Please contact Vicky at Tuart Place If you are Tuppin House. interested in the November 2016 camping trip. Mike reports that the assembly crew showed exceptional team work and that “any differences of opinion expressed by individual members during the process of
Fantastic Fundraisers! Next event: Saturday 3rd September 2016 Congratulations to the team from SAG, who made a cool $1,006.65 profit at their most recent Sausage Sizzle fundraiser at Bunnings O’Connor on Sunday 19th June. Mike reports that, despite the risk of a shower, grey skies and a cool breeze, there was a steady stream of Bunnings customers coming through the door to buy their weekend hardware items. The proximity of a sausage sizzle near the entrance lured quite a few people to order a roll and sausage and for some a drink as well. The net profit after expenses for the Sausage Sizzle itself was $893.00 and the net profit for the Raffle was $113.00, making a total profit after expenses were deducted of $1,006.00. Many thanks to Bunnings for their $50.00 Gift Card and their continued support, which certainly contributed to a pleasing result. Volunteers are needed for the next Sizzle at Bunnings
Some of the team at Bunnings on 19th June
O’Connor on Saturday 3rd September 2016. Please contact Tuart Place if you can help. All funds raised by SAG are used for SAG activities and events (SAG = Social Activities Group).
Family Tracing with WAGS
Lesley (left) and Marilyn (right) with Philomena, a former child migrant
Our wonderful family tracing experts from the WA Genealogical Society (WAGS), Marilyn Dimond and Lesley Silvester, continue to do great voluntary work at Tuart Place each month. Marilyn and Lesley are highly qualified and experienced genealogists. Marilyn coordinates the Genealogy Centre at the State Library of WA; while Lesley and her husband Mike run ‘Time Trackers’, a busy genealogical firm that conducts family history research and specialises in British and Australian family history. Contact Vicky to book a one-hour session. Next sessions: Monday 18th July, 15th August, 19th September, and 17th October 2016. 3
WHAT’S ON?
July/August 2016 Wednesday Morning Lineup
Mood Board Extravaganza with Sam
Wednesday 20 July 10.15am to 12 noon Many of you know Sam, our computer lab volunteer who’s helps people with their phones, cameras, tablets and computers. He’s a man of many talents – a musician and artist too! This week Sam will be taking Susy’s group and inviting you to make a personal Mood Board focusing on things you’re interested in and things you’d love to experience in your future. All materials supplied but feel free to bring any images or photos of your own.
CPR First Aid Training at Tuart Place
10am – 12.15 Wednesday 24th August CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) is one of the most important areas of first aid. This two-hour session is delivered by Ian McKie from Quick Aid First Aid and is a nationally accredited course. It covers the current trends and techniques in relation to CPR and includes practical resuscitation and defibrillation scenarios before a short theory assessment. Places are limited so book early with Vicky.
Drug & Alcohol Addictions: Causes and Healing Wednesday 10th August 10.15am to 12 noon
with Gordon Paton Harmful use of alcohol and drugs has touched many lives and is often a symptom of underlying pain or trauma. Psychotherapist Gordon Paton has worked for over 20 years in this field and will share his experiences of the causes and recovery and the maintenance of a healthy life. Bring your questions and find out the facts!
Building Better Relationships Christabel Chamarette
Wednesday 27 July 10.15am to 12 noon Recognising our feelings helps us to understand ourselves and others. Accepting how we feel and becoming aware of what ‘triggers’ our over-reactions can help us build better relationships. Christabel shares her ideas and strategies for making positive changes in life.
Managing your Affairs into the Future with lawyer Gary Dean Wednesday 3rd August - 10.15am to 12 noon
Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and your future medical care Ever wondered whether you should make a will or how you would manage your legal and financial affairs if you aren’t up to managing them yourself anymore? Gary will talk about how you can prepare to safeguard your future and ensure that your affairs are managed with your best interests at heart. He will also touch on the topic of ‘Living Wills’, and your right to give directions about your future medical care. 4
FACT Inc 2016 Annual General Meeting NOTICE OF MEETING In accordance with Rule 16 of the Rules of Association of Forgotten Australian Coming Together Inc., notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the association will be held at Tuart Place, 24 High Street, Fremantle at 1.00pm, Wednesday 12th October 2016.
Mental Health First Aid Course 10am–2pm Wed: 26 Oct, 2, 9 and 16 Nov. Many of us have been touched in some way by suicide or mental health issues. It may be through our own struggles or from the experiences of family members or friends. It isn’t always easy to recognise the common signs of distress or know the best way to talk to someone who may be having difficulties coping with life. As part of the Suicide Prevention Small Grants program, the Mental Health Commission is funding Tuart Place to run the following workshops: • Mental Health First Aid Workshop • safeTALK workshop • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health The first workshop program - Mental Health First Aid - will be run over four Wednesdays, starting on 26th October. Learn how to provide initial support to adults who are developing a mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis. Topics covered include depression, panic attacks, anxiety, substance use, aggressive behaviours and many more. The courses are open to Tuart Place participants, family members, volunteers, supporters and colleagues. Places are limited so call now to register your interest.
Crafty Thursdays at Tuart Place Every second Thursday, from 11am
Tuart Place OPEN DAY 11am–2pm Monday 5th September Help spread the word and welcome new visitors to Tuart Place at this Community Open Day. Non-stop Sausage & Kebab Sizzle Raffles & Prizes Cakes & Craft Photo Display Family, friends and new visitors welcome
Feeling crafty? Why not come along and join in the every-second-Thursday craft afternoons at Tuart Place. Currently, Vera’s group is decorating these fun (and useful) carry bags. Bring your own craft ideas or help out with team projects. At the moment we need lots of buttons of any size and colour. Please bring in any you can spare. Next sessions 14th July, 28th July & 11 August 2016.
Computers with Kathy’s Team If you’d like to get more ‘tech savvy’ with your computer or mobile phone, why not call in and see Kathy and her team at our Computer Lab on a Thursday afternoon? Kathy will find you a friendly expert who can also help with things like scanning photos and documents, using Skype, printing photos taken with a phone, and many other IT and computer skills. Call Vicky at Reception to book a half-hour session on any Thursday between 12 noon and Tuart Place Program Officer 3.00pm.
Kathy Bel-Bachir
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One in 31,000!
A visit from Black Swan Health Maisie Stokes, Indigenous Health Project Officer and Darleen Riley, Care Coordinator, both from Black Swan Health, visited Tuart Place one busy Monday lunchtime in June, and stayed on to let participants know more about the programs and support they offer. Black Swan provides health and mental health services to individuals and their carers, and grew out of the Medicare Local network. Find out more at www.blackswanhealth.com.au We look forward to strengthening our links with Darleen and Maisie in the future.
Darleen Riley with Ricky Michael at Tuart Place Elizabeth Tassell was one of 31,000 people at Domain Stadium on Saturday 4th June, watching the Dockers have their first win of the season against Essendon, surrounded by her ‘football family’ - a friendly group of Dockers fans who have been gathering in the same spot in the stadium for years. Elizabeth was surprised and delighted to be picked out by the roving camera at half time and beamed up onto the big screen, then presented with a Dockers Guernsey signed by all members of the 2016 team. Elizabeth said she was absolutely thrilled, and is going to have the Guernsey framed. Here she is with fellow Dockers fans Errol and Mike.
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Thanks to our volunteers Tuart Place greatly values the huge contribution of participants who volunteer their time at Tuart Place, and those who undertake public awareness raising and fundraising activities in the community. We took the opportunity of National Volunteer week 2016 (915th May) to also thank our external volunteer taskforce, some of whom have been with us for several years now. Special thanks to Marilyn Dimond and Lesley Silvester from the WA Genealogical Society; psychotherapist Gordon Paton;
Jacqi from Rapunzeled Hair who visits Tuart Place every five weeks to provide men’s haircuts; lawyer Gary Dean for his monthly legal advice sessions; professional filmmaker Linda Blagg, who has made a number of films about Tuart Place, including one recently launched on our new website; Margo O’Byrne for helping people get their stories down; Juliana Zambudio for her movement workshops and ongoing assistance with IT/computers; Sam for his great work with participants; and Jean for his wonderful help in the computer lab.
Welcome to three new Board members Tuart Place is governed by the Board of Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT) Inc., and a Governance, Risk and Finance (GR&F) Subcommittee. The 12-member FACT Board is made up of Australian-born care leavers and former child migrants, (Chair, ViceChair and four Ordinary Members), plus six professional members elected for their expertise and qualifications in areas such as law, accounting, service management and governance. Tuart Place is a leader in coproduction of support services for Australian care leavers, with half its Board of Governance comprised of care leavers, and peer leadership playing a pivotal role in service design. We would like to introduce you to three people who have joined the FACT Board in the last 12 months:
Cevrina Reed is Vice-Chairperson of
the FACT Board. As a child, she was in out-of-home care both at Parkerville Children’s Home and in foster care. Attending Tuart Place weekly, Cevrina lends her calm and balanced approach to supporting other participants. She has advocated for Forgotten Australians by presenting at the 2016 WACOSS Conference; giving presentations to Social Work students at the University of WA; contributing ideas at the Tuart Place future directions focus group sessions; and volunteering whenever possible.
Ms Cevrina Reed
Ms Lyn McLaughlin
Katrina Stratton is a social worker, with
experience as practitioner, researcher, consultant and educator in the health, child protection, university, and notfor-profit sectors. Katrina has extensive practice and research history with children and families. In her research she has focused on evaluation and research of practice-based programs, examining and improving outcomes for children, families and organisations. Katrina is a perpetual student! In 2015 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Social Impact at the University of Western Australia, and in 2017 will finish a Masters of Business Administration also at UWA. Katrina has always participated in the professional, learning and personal communities she is a part of, including formal positions on UWA Alumni organisations, and her children’s schools. Katrina has come to know the great and inclusive work of Tuart Place through her work at Wanslea, and is proud to be associated with such an organisation.
Lyn McLaughlin was brought up Parkerville Children’s Home, which was an Anglican-run Home at that time. She is a long standing member of the Tuart Place community and started off in the Support Group. Seven years on, Lyn says that she is using a lot of what she learnt there, to enhance her life outside, particularly with her family and grandchildren. Being able to ‘give back’ to Tuart Place is important to Lyn who is an active member of the Social Activities Group (SAG) and a key organiser of the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle fundraisers and other events. She sees her role on the Board as an important one in offering a participant perspective and representing the views of other Tuart Place participants with whom she interacts. Lyn also loves history – Australian history – and in particular, Fremantle history. She has expertise in the field of genealogy and her extensive research has meant that she has found family she never knew she had!
Tuart Place launches new website Thanks to everyone who helped create our brand new website at www.tuartplace.org We’re very proud of the new site, and would like to recognise the major contributions made by: John Smith for the wonderful photos that appear in the scrolling banner on the top of each page; consultant Jo Hocking, who managed the development process with great expertise;
Dr Katrina Stratton
ST
OP
PR
staff member Susy Vaughan, who contributed a lot to this project; and Website Developer Lee Kiraga of Webgrow, who was extremely patient with our endless requests for things to be changed…. We would also like to thank film-maker Linda Blagg for the great videos that are now on the Tuart Place You Tube channel (click on the You Tube link on the Tuart Place home page).
ESS
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Aged Care Matters
with Tuart Pla & Tuart Pla
Living Longer, Living Stronger Living Longer Living Stronger is an evidence-based progressive strength training and exercise program designed specifically for the over 50s, and has been operating in Western Australia since 2004. Progressive strength training has been shown to have a huge impact on wellbeing and quality of life, and Living Longer Living Stronger provides safe, fun and personalised sessions in approved facilities by expert trainers! In addition to functional strength, progressive strength training has a proven impact on: arthritis, sleep disorders, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, brain function, balance and falls prevention. Come on board and feel great again!
Marlene Robins from COTA (Council on the Ageing WA) joined us for a Monday lunch at Tuart Place on May 30th and then spoke in the Common Room at a lively Q&A session on ageing issues. An important issue for seniors is staying healthy, and COTA is the organization that runs the popular ‘Living Longer Living Stronger’ programs, now held in 56 venues in WA.
Thank you Zara!
Zara Butt worked at Tuart Place as a Community Engagement Officer with Anglicare’s Royal Commission Support Service, until the end of her contract in June 2016. Zara provided valuable professional assistance to Tuart Place participants, in a very warm and friendly way. Zara is married with three children, and is also an author, with a keen interest in restorative justice, and in helping people write their own stories. Before studying Criminology and Psychology at Edith Cowan University, Zara was an Investigation Officer with the Innocence Project, a live-in residential Youth Worker, and recently co-facilitated a restorative justice program.
It was wonderful having Zara as part of the Tuart Place team, and we wish her well as she moves on to the next phase of her very interesting career. Zara has offered to assist on an ongoing basis with the typing of people’s stories and other documents (subject to her other work commitments). If you would like to find out more, take a look at Zara’s website, https://whatisjustice.wordpress.com/
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For information on the program closest to you, check out www.lllswa.org.au/providers/ or phone Phil Airey on 9472 0104. Phil can also give you information on the Mall Walking Groups sponsored by COTA, which are now held in Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Garden City Booragoon, Belmont Forum and Cockburn Gateway Shopping City.
ace Social Worker Jan Newman ace Participant David Moir Tuart Place Social Worker Jan Newman and Tuart Place Participant David Moir have been working to educate aged care providers about issues affecting older care leavers. Most recently, David and Jan gave a presentation at the Tony Quinlan Respite Centre in Hilton, and are shown in our photo with some of the Respite Care Coordinators from SouthernCrossCare, an aged care service provider. SouthernCrossCare’s respite work focuses on support for older people in the community The respite coordinators were very interested to talk with David and Jan because they knew that in 2009 the Federal Government classified older care leavers as a special ‘group with diverse needs’, but so far there has been no special roll-out of training for aged care workers. David spoke to the gathering from his own experience, and said that many care leavers like himself had not felt safe or respected in institutional care during childhood, and had been
L-R: Sue Tonkin, Samantha Nelson, David Moir, Sue Camille, Marina Tassone & Jan Newman. David and Jan spoke to SouthernCrossCare staff about providing aged care services to older care leavers
neglected and abused. This led to a profound sense of disempowerment and disrupted education, employment and relationships. Even if people overcame these difficulties, now in their older years they may be very reluctant to enter residential aged care because of its institutional nature. Jan and David also talked about practical issues - for example: certain foods, Christmas and birthdays, TV stories, and physical contact, which may trigger traumatic memories for older people who experienced childhood trauma in institutional care. People
working in the aged care sector should also be aware that older care leavers may find it difficult to complain if something isn’t right, if as children they were punished for complaining. Respite Coordinator Sue Tonkin advised that people who are living in residential aged care or receiving HACC support at home who don’t feel comfortable complaining to the service provider directly, can contact independent services such as Advocare and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner (see details below).
Do you have a complaint regarding aged care services? Advocare provides a free and independent advocacy and information service to people who receive HACC (Home and Community Care) services. Phone 9479 7566 or 1800 655 566 for country callers
The Aged Care Complaints Commissioner can assist with concerns about the quality of care or services from Australian Government funded aged care providers. Freecall 1800 550 552
City of Fremantle Positive Ageing Program Kay Raymond, Community Development Officer with the City of Fremantle, coordinates the Positive Ageing Program, Just two of the great activities coming up in September are which provides an age-friendly community with opportunities the Cyber-crime and online safety forum, and the Rooftop for health, community participation and enhanced quality of Garden – Swing into Spring event (see below). life to people over 55. Bookings are essential: Phone: 9432 9725 Check out the Positive Ageing website at www. Email: activefreo@fremantle.wa.gov.au fremantle.wa.gov.au/activefreo
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Tuart Place hits the Big Screen Linda Blagg is a professional film-maker who donated her time to make several wonderful films at Tuart Place. Linda’s films – including a powerful 18-minute production called “Why I come to Tuart Place” – are featured on the Tuart Place YouTube Channel, which links from the home page of our new website at www.tuartplace.org Linda’s films really capture the heart and essence of Tuart Place. Linda has been a practising film-maker since her early twenties, and has written and directed many award winning projects. In 2014 Linda was awarded a PhD for a four-year digital documentary telling the story of Brad Pettit, Fremantle’s first green mayor during his first term in office. Linda is also
a film-maker in residence with the Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute. Linda’s work at CUSP has included projects with Professor Peter Newman, husband of Tuart Place social worker, Jan Newman. Linda discovered Tuart Place, when she was at our favourite hairdresser, Jacqi, read a copy of the Tuart Times and saw Jan’s photo. Take a look at Linda’s work on her web site: www. sundayarvopictures.com
Derek Smith: Reunited with family in England Derek Smith is a former child migrant who was sent to Australia from the UK and grew up at Fairbridge Farm in Pinjarra WA. Derek is the current President of the Old Fairbridgians Association (OFA), and plays an active role in assisting Fairbridge Kids to locate historical records. After many years, Derek finally yielded to family pressure and decided to seek out his extended family in England. The arduous task of finding the Smith family in the UK was no mean feat – Smith is the most common name in most English-speaking communities - and Derek is grateful for the assistance of the Child Migrant Trust. Derek’s personal papers provided the most valuable clue, and enabled two of his cousins to be located. After many months the final piece was fitted into the puzzle and in May 2016, Derek and his wife Daphne travelled to England to be reunited with Derek’s cousin Beryl. Derek says the time he spent with Beryl was wonderful – they spent long hours talking, visiting and discovering interesting facts about both families. Derek says: “Perhaps one of the most startling facts: my mother had a baby, a girl (father unknown) circa 1950 – my younger sister – how do you hold back the tears?” During his month-long trip, Derek visited his former school in Kent, and the house in Catford, London, in which he was born and raised by his Grandmother. Derek also visited his Grandmother’s grave in Lewisham: “It was most emotional as Beryl informed me that Grandmother raised me from a baby until I was at least five years old”, Derek said. Derek also learned of more family members during his visit, discovering that he also had two uncles - his mother’s brothers. Derek says: “It was simply amazing, at this point, I felt that I had robbed myself of finding my other family, because of my fear of returning to England”. 10
With family members in England L-R: Christopher, Derek, Gauis, Daphne (Derek’s wife) & Beryl
All too soon it was time to say ‘goodbye’, which Derek felt was not an appropriate word to use: “so I just promised Beryl we would return, and visit my younger sister together”. Congratulations Derek on very successful - and very emotional – journey of family reunification. As Derek says: “We left Perth with anxiety and emotions fully charged at the thought of meeting my only cousin, and some 30 days later we returned to Perth with 11 cousins, one sister, two uncles, and the possibility of more – success and happiness – what a great outcome”.
The Lion King A group of intrepid Tuart Place explorers went into the African Jungle, deserts, grasslands, and swamps - that is the Crown Theatre Perth - for an adventurous entertainment extravaganza, and to experience firsthand what all the hype was about for The Lion King landmark musical event. The Disney theatrical Group had taken well over $6 billion worldwide and the animation $1 billion making it the highest grossing stage show of all time. Errol invited me to share in the amazing group concession discount displaying all the magic of his swashbuckling counterpart Errol Flynn, producing yet another amazing deal for participants of
Mary Ann (with Peron) and Sylvia at the show
Tuart Place. There was only one catch! Errol invited me to write this article for the Tuart Times. Oh! No! So much to remember so I asked other Tuart participants if they would help by writing a note expressing their valued opinion of the show. A list of the comments went like this:
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by Julie Ann Duffin Firstly, Alice Kays said “Fabulous, very enjoyable loved it all”. Secondly, Errol Gough described how he loved the fantasy of the performance, which he never got to experience as a child, helping to fill a gap that never going to the theatre as a child growing up on a country farm created. Thirdly, John Ryall felt: “It was a great show, good sets, it was well acted, danced and sung. It’s not hard to see why ‘The Lion King’ has been performed to 8 million people all over the world”. Harry and June Collins both agreed that: “the show from start to finish, was absolutely wonderful, and enjoyed completely by all”. Marie Miller’s comments were: “Excellent show, costumes beautiful, loved every part especially the hyenas and their laughter, also the warthog, the young boy was brilliant. So much talent great music and I loved the song ‘Circle of life’, brilliant orchestra love it, love it”. Mary Ann said she was “glad she brought her binoculars to see the brilliant spectacular”. Sylvia on the other hand, not only thought the show was brilliant, she also described the same for costume design, lighting and singing, and said it was a totally top notch production and enjoyed the show immensely. After this feedback it was easy to understand how The Lion King has been so successful. The director Julie Taymor’s use of a range of puppetry styles, props, backdrops, props, dazzling costumes and lighting techniques were stunning and delightful. Trying to write notes in the dark was a bit of a challenge. Using my mobile
phone light presented a problem as the usherette placed her hand gently on my shoulder to turn it off during the first half of the show. I then found being in the aisle seat I was able to use the small down light beside me with a stretch as a substitute light to complete my critique. The Lion King really was a theatrical spectacular: the performers on stilts, the puppet characters, the amazing costumes and sets, and of course the music, including ‘Hakuna Matata’ and the Academy awardwinning ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ written by Elton John and Tim Rice. Tuart Participants and partners all enjoyed The Lion King immensely and found the production lived up to their highest expectations. Some show goers got together and had lunch prior and others got together after the show for coffee. Diane and friends - last of the big spenders - had fun gambling the late afternoon away using 5 cent pieces. Hakuna Matata! (loosely translated in Swahili means ‘No worries’. Translation: Hakuna = There is not here. Matata = No problem).
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Royal Commission News Deadline for new registrations: 30th September 2016 The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse is closing registrations for private sessions on 30 September 2016. Private sessions enable survivors of institutional child sexual abuse to share their story directly with a Commissioner in a private setting. The Hon. Justice Peter McClellan AM, Chair of the Royal Commission, said the strong demand from survivors to share their story has resulted in a queue of people waiting to meet with a Commissioner. “If the present demand for
private sessions continues throughout the life of the Commission, unless we close off applications well before we complete our final report, many people who may seek a private session will be disappointed. “In our view it would be intolerable for a survivor to be accepted for a private session only to find we could not meet with them,” Justice McClellan said. The Royal Commission completed its 5,000th private session in April 2016, and there are approximately 1,500 people currently waiting to meet
with a Commissioner. “The Commissioners recognise that for individuals who have been traumatised by sexual abuse giving an account of their experiences and telling their story to a Commissioner is, for many survivors, an important part of their personal journey,” Justice McClellan said. The Commission will finish its work in December 2017. To register for a private session before 30th September, contact the Royal Commission on 1800-099-340, or call Tuart Place.
Thank you Commissioners The six Royal Commissioners have conducted more than 5000 private sessions and 40 Public Hearings, and overseen numerous consultations, practice guidelines and reports since the Commission started in 2012. As well as uncovering past abuse, a key goal of the Commission has always been a safer future for children. Thank you Commissioners for your hard work. PHOTO (L-R): Former Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson AO APM; Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Commissioner Helen Milroy; The Hon Justice Peter McClellan AM, Chair of the Royal Commission and Judge of Appeal in New South Wales; Justice Jennifer Coate, Judge of the Family Court of
Australia; Productivity Commissioner, Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald AM; and former Senator for Western Australia, Commissioner Andrew Murray.
Salvation Army Media Release: Claims Review The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse held a public hearing in Adelaide in October 2015 in relation to institutions operated by The Salvation Army (Southern Territory) (TSAS) between 1940 and 1990. During that hearing Commissioner Tidd, the head of TSAS, announced an independent review of all claims settled between TSAS and survivors since 1996. Commissioner Tidd said: “The purpose of the review is to identify whether compensation payments made in respect of settled claims were assessed fairly and consistently. If, as a result of the review, any claims are identified that were not assessed fairly and consistently relative to the bulk of other settled claims, The Salvation Army Southern Territory will reopen those claims, including making top-up payments, in the interim period between now and when a national redress scheme commences operation”. 12
The review of claims has now been completed, with a total of 422 of claims reviewed. Seventy-three claims were identified as warranting a top-up payment because they may not have been treated fairly and consistently, relative to the bulk of other settled claims. The review concluded that all other claims were assessed fairly and consistently. Commissioner Tidd said: “I hope that, pending the introduction of a national redress scheme, the interim, top-up payments announced today will provide much needed relief, and a measure of closure, to survivors who were let down by us in the past”. If you settled a claim with TSAS any time after 1996, and wish to know whether you are entitled to a top-up payment, contact the Salvation Army claims review directly - Ph 0438-214-988; email claimsreview@aus.salvationarmy. org - or contact Tuart Place.
Royal Commission News Uncovering historical institutional child abuse in WA I wonder if many people know how Institutional abuse came to the fore in Western Australia? My name is Ann McVeigh and together with the help of a school friend, we set up an organisation called I.C.A.S (Institutional Child Abuse Society) in 1989. My friend and I both went to St Joseph’s Orphanage in Subiaco. I came there as a child migrant in 1950. My friend was Australian-born was already at the orphanage when I arrived. I was there for 10 years and my friend for 18 years. As with most institutions we had some good and some bad times. It seems to be mostly the bad times that linger the longest. If you weren’t in trouble (getting belted), you saw your mates having a rough time, which left a lot of very bad memories. Years after leaving the orphanage, my friend and I met up by chance at a time when she had just come out of hospital after having a very bad reaction when she read her papers from the ‘Community Services’ Department. We met weekly after that, and talked about the sort of lives many of the girls had had since leaving the orphanage. Most had poor or broken marriages and weren’t too well, so we came up with the idea of trying to support them. The Community Services Department liked our idea and helped set us up in some rooms at the Wish Foundation in Claremont, where we met every Friday. We decided to go under the name of I.C.A.S - Institutional Child Abuse Society. Our story was published in the newspaper and we
by Ann McVeigh did three radio interviews, which resulted in a lot of phone calls from the boys telling us that they had been abused by the Brothers. It was an emotional time and very hard to listen to. We had a female politician come to see us and she took my friend’s story over to Canberra and read it out in Parliament, to let them know what we were doing. My friend wrote to the Prime Minister of the day, and much to her surprise, she received a reply and an apology. Strangely enough, we got very few responses from the girls. We ended up closing after 12 months, but from us coming out and having our say, the boys went on set up their own organisation called VOICES (Victims of Institutionalised Cruelty, Exploitation and Supporters). In 1986, a group of child migrants had set up the Child Migrants Friendship Society. I wasn’t aware of them until 30 or so girls went on a ‘Sentimental Journey’ back to their homelands to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of coming to Australia. I was among them and it was a very happy but at times very emotional experience – a journey that had been long overdue.
New Salvation Army Professional Standards Officer for Care Leavers Wayne Pittaway is a Major with the Salvation Army Southern Territory and has taken on the new role of ‘Pastoral Care Officer - Care Leavers’. As the Salvation Army’s Professional Standards representative for this region, Wayne is keen to hear from any former residents who would like information on the SAST claims review, or who have complaints
regarding past abuse in Salvation Army care. Wayne visited Tuart Place recently to talk with participants and to make himself available to Salvation Army ex-residents who would like a meeting. If you were in a Salvation Army Home or Youth Hostel and would like to talk to Wayne, you can phone or email him using the contact details opposite, or via Tuart Place. Wayne will be back at Tuart Place in the afternoon of Monday 29th August 2016. PHOTO: Wayne chats with Mary, a St Joseph’s exresident, during his visit to Tuart Place in July
International meeting on redress schemes Tuart Place Director Dr Philippa White and FACT Vice-Chair Cevrina Reed are planning to co-present a conference paper at the workshop ‘Compensating the Past: International approaches to redress schemes for historical child abuse’, which will be held in Norrköping, Sweden in November 2016. Philippa and Cevrina will be among 13 presenters talking about issues of financial redress in ten countries around the world. The workshop will focus on what can be learned from previous financial redress schemes, and whether these redress schemes achieve what they aim to achieve. Stay tuned for a report on the workshop in the next Tuart Times. 13
The case for Britain to contribute to an Australian redress scheme John Hawkins is a former child migrant from the UK who arrived in Australia at the age of seven, and was sent to Castledare Boys Home, then to Tardun. John’s book ‘The Bush Orphanage’ was published in 2009, and was honoured as a Finalist in the 2010 International Book Awards. The book tells John’s personal story, but also provides a political and historical context for the child migration schemes, in which thousands of children were sent from their homelands to orphanages in Australia, where terrible abuse and neglect occurred. John’s book uncovers historical evidence that the British Government contravened the 1948 Children’s Act by From the deck, I watched England grow smaller and smaller until the last vestige of land became a mist-shrouded speck then disappeared. Only seagulls followed, swooping and diving along the ship’s wake. A long white river was carrying me away from my world. My mind shut down, collapsing inwards. Little registered with me except the pain in the pit of my stomach, which wouldn’t go away. The Bush Orphanage is an inspiring story of courage and survival, set in two parts.
Recollections
Part I is the story of John Hawkins who, at the tender age of seven, was sent away as part of the British Child Migration Scheme to populate a new faraway land called Australia. He was among thousands of young boys and girls plucked from orphanages and adoption homes in Britain and forced to make the same sacrifice. From the English seaside to the Australian outback, the rest of John’s childhood was spent at Tardun Boys Orphanage, the largest and most isolated school on earth. Later in life, the memories of his loving mother and adoptive family in England inspired him to find out exactly why he’d been stolen from them and from his homeland.
This is the true story of how child migration became the greatest childcare disaster in Australian history.
www.jojopublishing.com
the truth about Australia’s human trafficking past
John Hawkins
Part II is an overview of the British Child Migration Scheme and includes controversial new research revealing how criminal neglect and endemic corruption flowed from the top to the bottom in the frenzy to get children to fill Australian orphanages. It uncovers how government policy prevented British mothers from regaining custody of their children and examines the facts regarding the complicity of British and Australian government authorities who shirked their legal and moral responsibility for the lives of the children. It also tells the story of the churches and secular organisations that took part in the tragedy.
of a British child migrant and
John Hawkins
continuing to send children to Australia who were not genuine orphans, or whose parents had not given signed consent. John’s findings take on a new meaning with the national redress scheme recommended by the current Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. John says his findings demonstrate that the British Government should be invited to make a substantial financial contribution to any future scheme that may be introduced in Australia. If you would like to find out more, the Bush Orphanage is available for purchase at www.amazon.com
Restricted Archives Preservation Database Project The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has recently funded a project aimed at uncovering information from historical administrative files held by the State Records Office relating to children in out-of-home care settings. The Restricted Archives Preservation (RAP) Database Project follows on from the Signposts: A guide for Children and Young People in Care in WA from 1920 project. It was found that many of the Department’s files in the State Archives Collection contain important information such as children’s names, details and events during care. Dr Deb Rosser was appointed to extract data from the files, which is being stored in a confidential database. The database is held by the Department and adds to the information available to care leavers accessing records. The RAP project targets files from the 1950s onward, but some earlier files have also been included. The project does not include case files. In addition to information about children, the project is also extracting information about adults who had contact with children and institutions. This adds to the staffing information in the Annual Reports and Public Service Lists, which don’t generally identify individual officers at the institutional level. The RAP database gives the Department an additional tool to assist people seeking to recover elements of their
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Dr Deb Rosser at the State Records Office
childhood. The files relate not only to those children who were in the formal care of the Department but also ‘privately placed’ children who were in government-subsidised facilities. We congratulate the Department for undertaking a project such as this, but need to remind people that (as always) it is impossible to guarantee that there will be any information relating to you. Further information is on page 27 of the State Records Office Operational Report: http://www.sro.wa.gov.au/sites/ default/files/sro_operational_report_2014-15_1.pdf
National Action: In WA Forgotten Australians, former child migrants and members of the Stolen Generations in WA joined in a National Day of Action at Perth Cultural Centre on 26th June, and a rally at Parliament House on 8th June to campaign on the key issues of a national redress scheme and a Care Leavers Health Card. The organisers, especially FACT Chairperson Ron Love, Marlene Jackamarra, and Cheryle Warner did an amazing job of spreading the word by social media, email and other networks to let people know of these events. They achieved a huge amount in a very short time. Congratulations to all.
National Day of Action - 26th June 2016
Curtin University presentation
An important part of Tuart Place’s 2016-20 Strategic Plan is raising public awareness and informing service providers about issues affecting care leavers. A number of our participants are very active in this area, regularly giving talks to groups such as student social workers, aged care agencies, community groups, and other support agencies. Following a request from Curtin University, five members of the Tuart Place team - FACT Chairperson
Ron Love, participants David Moir and Sylvia Stonehouse, and staff members Pip White and Susy Vaughan provided training to the University’s Counseling and Disability Services staff members in June this year. It was a lively professional development session with a group mainly comprised of counsellors, who were particularly interested to learn from the lived experience of Forgotten Australians. Well done team!
Parliament House Rally - 8th June
Cheryle & Hilly on 26th June
Tuart Place receives its core funding from the WA Government’s Department for Child Protection and Family Support. In March this year, DCPFS contract manager Tracey Glass and former contract Manager Liz Brown attended Tuart Place for their annual service visit. Tracey and Liz’s visit coincided with a great presentation by UWA Masters of Social Work student Julius Ngiteria Japhet, during his four-month fieldwork placement at Tuart Place. Tracey and Liz then spent time talking with participants and staff, and indicated their on-going support for the work of Tuart Place.
L-R: Tracey Glass, Susy Vaughan & Liz Brown
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A Special Gift
Can you help?
Julius Ngitoria Japhet is a Masters of Social Work student at the University of WA who spent four months on fieldwork placement at Tuart Place, leaving at the end of May 2016. Julius is a Masai from Tanzania. He learned to survive and support himself and family in the bushlands of his nomadic people, as well as how to navigate life in the schools and universities of Tanzania’s cities. Julius has worked in weapon control on the borders of Tanzania, and in the detention centres of Australia. His future chosen profession is Social Work and he loved the chance to meet and learn from the participants of Tuart Place. Julius is pictured here with Ian Donaldson, who is skilled in crafting models of the Australian windmill - Julius was delighted to receive one of them as We wish you all the best for a gift, especially painted his family’s tribal the future Julius, we know you will be a colours. fantastic social worker!
Can you help with information about this photograph, which was uncovered in our collection, and has the following caption: “Mary Patton: Mary was the only girl in the home who could beat me at swimming, she was like a fish in the water especially doing breast stroke”. Patton is the maiden name of our own dear Mary
Where is Tuart Place?
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.
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.
Cooper, and the little girl in the pixie (or elf?) costume looks very much like it could be Mary. Mary was also a very good at swimming, particularly breaststroke. However, the origin of this photo is a mystery and we would love to hear from anyone who recognises the photo or the wording. Please contact Tuart Place if you can help.
Do you have an email address? Tuart Place sends out the ‘What’s On’ flier and Ron’s Gazette by email. Send us your email address if you would like to be on the electronic distribution list. We will still post you the Tuart Times if you prefer to receive it the old fashioned way!
To donate to Tuart Place: