Make Redress Right

2 Survivors of the Redress WA scheme have a special connection to Perth’s Stadium and for some there is a sense of ‘ownership’ in this magnificent structure.

Redress WA survivors are aware that it would have cost the Government approximately $80 million to honour their promised payments, which translates to a one-twentieth stake in the $1.6 billion stadium. That’s a lot of free passes!

With the recent prize awarded to the stadium in recognition of its qualities of “innovation and creativity”, and “values of social interaction and participation”, Redress survivors have put their heads together and come up with some creative ways of recognising their contribution, and of sharing in some of the huge benefits Redress stadium brings to our State.

Some of their winning ideas are shown on the right.

As you’ll see, some are more serious than others, but it’s always fun to dream!

No thongs allowed

BEST IDEAS SO FAR: • A ‘Redress WA’ football scholarship for promising young Aboriginal players • Use the money from ticket sales to top up our redress payments • A rolling screen with the names of Redress WA victims who have died waiting for justice • Most of us are elderly and have trouble getting around – I need help with transport. • They could name one of the AFL rounds the ‘Redress WA Round’ • Premium tickets to big events • We should have a statue out the front, next to Nicky Winmar • I’d like priority seating in a special lounge. It could be called the ‘Colin Barnett Apology Lounge’

Phone Outreach Service

Over 40 people are receiving phone counselling and/or support from the Tuart Place Phone Outreach Service.

The service was set up two years ago to provide better support to people who can’t easily get to Fremantle to access face-to-face assistance.

People who use the service regularly say that having this connection makes them feel less isolated.

Peter L said “I can’t travel to Tuart Place as my health isn’t so good, but the phone call is as good as a face to face chat. It helps me to stay in touch with everyone”.

The service is coordinated by Sarah Regan (Counsellor) and Susy Vaughan (Senior Therapist) and calls are made by trained and qualified volunteer counsellors.

Katherine W said “I can speak to someone who understands what I have been through and who is nonjudgmental”.

Ian G said “I’m at home due to health issues and have no-one to talk to. It gives me the chance to talk about my health, life experiences and any concerns I have”. Catherine Carr is the latest addition to our team of Phone Outreach volunteers. Catherine’s warm, friendly manner and great listening skills quickly put people at ease and feeling comfortable to chat.

Catherine was born in Ireland and worked as a registered psychiatric nurse for 18 years before managing a family construction business.

Catherine has since achieved counselling qualifications and experience in the area of alcohol and other drugs and is currently volunteering at Palmerston House in Fremantle as well as with Tuart Place.

If you’re interested in receiving regular calls from our Phone Outreach volunteers, contact Susy or Sarah on (08) 6140 2380. Phone Outreach Volunteer Catherine Carr