Fairbridge feature

Many thanks to Derek Smith, VicePresident of the Old Fairbridgians Association (OFA WA), for donating a framed copy of the Australian National Apology to Survivors of Institutional Abuse. The Apology is beautifully presented in a solid Jarrah frame and is now proudly displayed at Tuart Place. Fairbridge was a major provider of institutional care in WA, with 3,580 children being sent to the Kingsley Fairbridge Farm School near Pinjarra between 1913 and 1982. Many of the residents were child migrants sent to Australia under UK schemes. The OFA WA Committee, led by President Richard Hinch, maintains a support network of former ‘Fairbridge Kids’ and advocates strongly for their members. Derek Smith fulfills what must be a unique role in supporting access to records for Fairbridge exresidents and their descendants. Over the years, Derek has worked with the Battye Library to create a highly effective system for assisting people seeking historical records. We salute your work Derek and Ric, and that of your committee.

Tuart Place’s 2020 weekend camp at Fairbridge

A group from Tuart Place just scraped in ahead of the COVID-19 shutdown to take part in this year’s annual weekend camp at Fairbridge, held in midMarch 2020. OFA WA Vice-President Derek Smith kindly arranged ‘mates rates’ for members of the Tuart Place group to stay at Fairbridge House. Thank you to John Ryall of the Tuart Place Social Activities Group and all those who pitched in to make this year’s camp a very pleasant weekend away. PHOTOS: the group at Fairbridge House and visiting Michael Bowman’s grave at Serpentine.

Fairbridge: Seeking contact

Jennifer (Jenny) Edwards lived at Fairbridge Pinjarra in 1980, when she was seven years old, and is hoping to make contact with others who were also at Fairbridge, or St Joachim’s High School. Jenny now lives in the UK, and is seeking contact by phone, or, preferably, by postal mail. Jenny writes: “I moved all over Australia, so anyone can write. I have no photos. I would like to be pen pals or chat by phone. Do you remember me? Please write!”.

If you can help, please call Jenny on +44 7766 128 359, or write to: Miss Jennifer Edwards, First Floor Flat, 522A Holderness Road Hull, East Yorkshire HU9 3DT ENGLAND