18 minute read
Volunteering News
Tuart Place participant David Moir, Program Coordinator Jo Hocking, and FACT Chairperson Ron Love were delighted to take part in Notre Dame University’s Volunteering Expo in March 2018. We met lots of enthusiastic students who are keen to volunteer, and chatted to them about what we do at Tuart Place, and how they might help.
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Following the Notre Dame Volunteering Expo, pre-medical students Ashley Benny and Rezwan Cyrus both started volunteering at Tuart Place. Aspiring doctors Rezwan and Ashley quickly became part of our community and, among other things, started running blood pressure checks for participants. Great to see the blood pressure testing unit donated by the Social Activities Group (SAG) getting a work out! We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers for the fantastic work they do. Whether it’s helping people with their mobile phones and computers, phoning people via our Phone Outreach Service, setting up and clearing up at lunchtime on Mondays, scanning photos and finding records, or simply taking the time to sit down and chat with people, Tuart Place wouldn’t be the same without our volunteers! If you’re interested in finding out more about volunteering at Tuart Place, please contact me –Jo Hocking –programs@ tuartplace.org
Bob’s story helps others
Former child migrant Bob Taylor has been recognised for his part in child safety officer training, being awarded a 2017 Child Protection Award from Lotus Place, a support service for care leavers in Queensland. The Award recognises Bob’s work with the Historic Abuse Network (HAN), where Bob assisted with training of child safety officers in Cairns. Bob used his own experiences at Bindoon Orphanage WA, where he suffered childhood abuse and neglect, to help broaden the understanding of new recruits training in child safety. In his book Who Am I?, Bob charts his life at Bindoon and his lifetime search for family. “The book needs another chapter” Bob said. Congratulations on your great achievements Bob –well done.
Art Award Success
The fabulous photography ofTuartPlace participant John Smith went on show at the inaugural Fremantle Artisan Store Art Awards in May this year. The Awards are designed to promote emergingand established Western Australian artists. The 2018 event encompassed all things Fremantle as an arts community and included paints, sculptures, textiles jewellery and photography. With a little bit of encouragement and support from Natalie, John submitted four black & white framed photographs and, in a huge achievement, all four were selected for display in the highly-competitive exhibition. One of John’s photos, The Boxing Kangaroo, nowhangs proudlyin the Board Room at Tuart Place. Congratulations John - we love your work.
Like us on Facebook
Have you liked the Tuart Place Facebook page yet? It’s a great way to stay in touch as we post lots of photos from events and also keep you up to date with relevant issues and things that are coming up. Find us at www.facebook.com/TuartPlaceFremantle
Welcome Natalie
15 Natalie has lived on four continents, travelled to 35 countries and has enjoyed the company of a variety of people and cultures, which she finds fascinating. Natalie returned to Australia in 2017 after living in the Middle East and volunteering in the Pacific Rim, to make Perth her new home with her husband. She has an appetite for meeting new people and trying new things. Natalie has a great sense of humour and is a people person, starting at Tuart Place as a volunteer helping with IT and photography guidance. Natalie says she was thrilled to join the Tuart Place family in February this year. Natalie is a keen photographer and a collection of her photographs can be seen on her website http:// www.natalieimagegallery.com/
At a meeting with Minister Simone McGurk late last year, Justice campaigner Marlene Jackamarra (centre in photo above) suggested a morning tea to recognise the courage and strength of survivors of abuse. On 17 May 2018, survivors from the three care leaver groups - members of the Stolen Generations, the ‘Forgotten Australians’, and former child migrants - gathered at Parliament House for a delightful morning tea. Many thanks to Minister McGurk and her staff for graciously hosting this event.
The responses to this year’s Tuart Place survey were overwhelmingly positive, including comments such as: “It’s completely changed my outlook”; “I would not be alive today if it was not for the support of Tuart Place”; “I do feel at ease and have less hassle in my life”; “Communication skills have improved now that Tuart Place has been involved with making me feel confident in myself”; “Helps me not to isolate”; “Having more skills on the computer now, it is easier to find more information if and when I need it”; and “Asking for help and support is not a shameful or scary thing anymore”. Eighty-five forms were returned in this anonymous survey, which was posted to 654 care leavers living in our local area. Over 88% of respondents said that as a result of support recieved from Tuart Place they feel more confident,
Tuart Place Survey 2018
more at ease, more able to communicate with others, more socially connected, more able to find/ask for information and support and more able to make changes in life. Common themes included the friendliness and support at Tuart Place; a welcoming, warm, informal environment; a safe and caring connection with friendly and supportive staff; a sense of family and belonging; catching up with old friends; and meetingpeople with similarexperiences. It’s nice to know we make a difference.
Thank you Mike Carroll
16 Mike Carroll chaired his last meeting of the Tuart Place SAG (Social Activities Group) on 6 August 2018, and finished the meeting with a ceremonial ‘handing on of the bell’ to John Ryall, our new Chairperson. Mike, you have been a tower of strength to SAG, and an excellent organiser of many a successful sausage sizzle - raising substantial funds to benefit participants at Tuart Place. You also got the ball rolling on some very thoughtful initiatives, such as the Laurie Humphreys plaque, and the new PA system, and we very much appreciateyouroutstandingcontributions to Tuart Place and its people. Our sincere thanks to you Mike.
The people of Tuart Place were delighted to win a Community Services Excellence Award in May 2018. The awards are the result of a partnership between WACOSS and the State Government, and are presented with the support of Lotterywest. Tuart Place won the $1,000 award for a ‘Medium-sized organisation that has made a positive difference for individuals, families or communities through its collaborative, innovative and creative programs or services’. It was humbling to win the award from among a field of such fantastic finalists doing some amazing work in the community.
A strong contingent from Tuart Place attended the awards night at the Convention Centre on 2nd May. We were all wearing our Make Redress Right badges, and the Awards night was a great opportunity to publicise this important cause. PHOTO: Tuart Place Patron Senator Rachel Siewert and WA Greens MLC Alison Xamon (centre) joined the Tuart Place group for a photo at the Awards night.
There was a wonderful impromptu reunion at Tuart Place when a group of friends from St Joseph’s Orphanage met up by chance in February this year. Some of the ladies hadn’t seen each other for over 50 years. There was lots of laughter and plenty of catching up to do. Pictured from left: Gwen Hyland, Elizabeth Tassell, Mary Mogridge, Gloria Nicolau, Vicki Langdon, Ann McVeigh and Antonia St Clair
Tuart Place: Sharing knowledge about peer leadership and trauma-informed support
We were pleased to welcome Charmaine Lobo, Manager of the Australian Association of Social Workers WA Branch and AASW WA Branch President Michael Berry when they visited Tuart Place in May this year. Charmaine and Michael came to discuss plans for Tuart Place to provide training next year to social workers and other professionals working with survivors ofchildhood trauma.
Tuart Place staff and participants will also be speaking at the AASW Trauma Informed Care and Practice Symposium - Contemporary Responses to Trauma for Social Work and Allied Health Professionals, in Perth on 9 November 2018.
We are excited to welcome Shafira (Fira) Jumantara and Jake Norris who will be completing internships at Tuart Place in the second half of 2018. Fira and Jake have come to us via the McCusker Centre for Citizenship at UWA, which was established with a bequest from the McCusker Charitable Foundation and aims to inspire students to be lifelong contributors to the community. Students apply for, and take part in structured internshipswith social enterprises, not-for-profitand community organisations and government agencies. Fira and Jake will be working on social media and aged care projects while they’re with us and they’re keen to find out more about Tuart Place and what we do. Please make them feel welcome when you see them!
McCusker Foundation Interns
Fun is not a four-letter word....
with Dickon Oxenburgh
The people of Tuart Place love Dickon Oxenburgh’s workshops, which are packed with information and practical tips on improving how we feel. In workshops such as ‘Fun is not a four-letter word’ and ‘Snakes and Ladders - exploring positive and negative thinking’, Dickon guides participants in learning new ways to increase self-confidence and lower anxiety. Currentlycompletinga higherdegreein Counselling at Notre Dame University, Dickon is available for individual and group sessions at Tuart Place on Wednesdays. Please contact Vicky for bookings.
Happy 80th birthday Eddie!
Happy birthday to Eddie Cogan, who turned 80 in June this year. Eddie (front left in this photo) celebrated with mates at the Karalee Tavern. We like your style Eddie!
Paddy Cannon finds his family - after 60 years!
After searching all his adult life, Paddy Cannon finally found his family late last year. Sent to Australia from Britain as a child migrant at the age of 10, a DNA breakthrough changed Paddy’s life and united him with 67 relatives he never knew he had. A delightful story about Paddy Canon finding and connecting with his family in Ireland was presented by Clare Moody on the ABC’s 7.30 program in March 2018. Much ofit was filmed at Tuart Place and features interviews with Paddy, his brother and family members. Even the Tuart Place singers got a look in on the day! Watch the video of Paddy’s story online at: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/dna-match-ends-60-yearhunt-for-child-migrants/9525320
Super succulents with Carol
Many thanks to Carol Ripper for organising and running a super-successful ‘Super Succulents’ session’ at Tuart Place on 21 May this year. Everyone had great fun creating their own succulent mini-garden in a terracotta bowl, which they took home afterwards. Thankyou Carol for supplying the all materials and for your excellent, high-energy session. Can’t wait for the next one!
Tuart Place has hosted free podiatry clinics since August last year, when students from the University of WA and their Supervisor, Prof Michael Wilding, first spent an afternoon providing free basic foot assessments and advice.
The visits have been a huge success and another clinic is scheduled for Wednesday September 19, starting at 1.00pm. Free follow-up appointments are also available at the UWA Podiatry Clinic located at the Corner of Park and Crawley Avenues, Crawley. Please ring Vickyon 6140 2380, oremail admin@ tuartplace.org to put your name on the list, or just call in at Tuart Place on 19 September 2018.
Tuart Place: A place of hope and healing
So many positive changes have occurred in my life since coming to Tuart Place. The first time I saw the faces of my childhood friends after 55 years was overwhelming. Ann, Mary, Margaret, Gwen, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Philomena, Vicki, Mary Rose, Frances. There they all were. I metthePeterPan Boys, thelostboys, thesurvivors, now stoic men. They have been given the courage to tell their stories, and gradually, I’ve told mine. I’ve cried most of the time in the telling, though this was the time I started to heal. Tuart Place has become a precious haven to me. It’s like a refuelling station, where I can come in for a service wheneverI feel myspirits flagging. The support, the genuine welcome, the ease with which you can just blend in creates a sense of relief. You feel accepted, it’s very comforting and restores hope again. Although Tuart Place is all inclusive, and everyone is valued equally, it still has the amazing ability to make you feel individually special. I love that and need it. So manyofourotherneeds are catered for. Physical, mental, legal, and there is one other I have not conquered –modern technology. I’m completely illiterate in that area. Now I’m going to give it a shot. Thanks for the confidence. A restful, welcoming, and healing place, filled with butterflies and angels. I’m so glad you’ve come myway. Tuart Place –a place where Hope Happens. Gloria Nicolau
Did you know that it takes over two years and $35,000 to train a Guide Dog? These fun facts were just two of the things we discovered when Lauren Shepherd and Eva (Ambassador dog) from Guide Dogs WA visited us earlier this year. Eva certainly had a few fans by the end of the visit.
Our photo shows (L-R): Lauren, Ruth, Gloria and Eva the Ambassador dog
Stay On Your Feet® presentation
Move your body
Monday 1 October 1pm
Come along and learn some tips about how moving your body will improve your balance and posture, and your overall fitness and general well-being. It can also help prevent trips and falls. The Stay On Your Feet® program is run by the WA Department of Health.
Free bus departs from Guildford at 10am on Saturday 6th October
The townsite of Toodyay is located 85 kilometres East of Perth in the picturesque Avon Valley, and their annual Agricultural Show is a cracker! Ron has been organising this very successful outing each year since 2012. You can BYO lunch or purchase a wide variety of food from food stalls and tea rooms at the Show. The free bus will leave from Guildford Train Station at 10.00am, and depart from the Toodyay Show Grounds at 2.30pm.
Contact Jo to reserve your place on the free 20 seater bus. Entry is $10 or $5 for Seniors.
Crafty Thursdays - Every second Thursday, from 11am
Feeling crafty? Why not come along and join in the every-second-Thursday craft sessions at Tuart Place. You can bring your own craft ideas or help out with team projects.
A big thank you to Vera and the team for making prizes for the very successful Winter Warmer raffle, which raised over $250 for events and gatherings. Thanks also to Ian Donaldson, who donated two of his specially-crafted model windmills to this year’s raffle.
Computers: Get in the know with Jo and her team
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 to book in with one of Jo’s computer volunteers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am.
• 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 • 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 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 5 weeks: Free men’s haircuts with Jacqi. On Mondays from 1pm (recommencing in 2019).
Do you receive Ron’s Gazette?
Ron’s Gazette is a fantastic newsletter published by Tuart Place participant Ron Love every two months. 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.
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.
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 Monday afternoon session in 2018: Monday 15 October
Who funds Tuart Place? Tuart Place receives its core funding from the WA State Government’s Department of Community Services. Tuart Place also receives funds from non-government ‘Past Providers’, in the form of unconditional donations from organisations that include the Christian Brothers, the Sisters of Nazareth, and the Sisters of Mercy. Financial support from all Past Providers is much appreciated, and is consistent with the Healing and Reconciliation agenda approved by Tuart Place participants. Tuart Place also receives donations from the general public, and is a ‘Public Benevolent Institution’, with ‘Deductible Gift Recipient’ status, meaning that donations are tax deductible. You can donate via PayPal on the Tuart Place website; by cheque; or use the bank deposit details on the back page of the Tuart Times. Please remember to put your name as a reference so we can send you a receipt.
Free men’s haircuts with Jacqi
We’re all very excited about Jacqi having a baby at the end of August. Needless to say, Jacqi is taking a break from doing 5-weekly men’s haircuts at Tuart Place! Watch this space...
What you need to know about legal costs with lawyer Gary Dean Monday 17 September 2018 1 - 2.30pm Gary will discuss legal costs including: whether you need to pay a lawyer to help prepare your redress application; the types of legal costs; and what you should ask and do before you sign a ‘costs agreements’ for a civil claim. Gary will talk about this complex area ‘in plain English’, and answer any questions you may have. Book in with Vicky. Free Information session STOP PRESS!
At Tuart Place Monday 3 September 1.00pm
Glenn Swift has been entertaining Perth audiences for more than 20 years and we’re delighted to have him at Tuart Place. Join us as Glenn shares some of his favourite stories and anecdotes.
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. Gordon is also our Grievance Liaison Officer, and can assist with conflicts and complaints.
Contact Vicky at Tuart Place to book an appointment with Gordon.
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 2018: • Monday 10 Sept 1–4.00pm • Monday 8 Oct 1–4.00pm • Monday 12 Nov 1–4.00pm
Save these dates in 2018:
• Monday 27 August: ‘Don’t get ripped off’: Avoiding seniors scams. 1.00pm • Thursday 30 August: Bus trip to Araluen. From 10.30am • Monday 3 September: Glenn Swift Storyteller & Entertainer. 1.00pm • Monday 10 September: One Planet Strategy Presentation, with Annabelle McGuinness. 1.00pm • Monday 17 September: ‘Buyer Beware’ with Gary Dean at Tuart Place, 1.00pm • Wednesday 19 September: Free Podiatry Clinic at Tuart Place, 1.00pm onwards. • Monday 1 October: ‘Stay on your Feet’ presentation. 1.00pm • Saturday 6 October: Bus trip to Toodyay Show. $5 for seniors. Book with Vicky • Monday 15 October: Family Tracing with Lesley, from 1.00pm. Please book. • Sunday 18 November: End of Year BBQ at Waterford, from 12 noon • Monday 10 December: Tuart Place Christmas Party, at lunchtime • Friday 14 December: Michael Bowman commemoration. 11.00am at Clontarf
