Vale notices

Elizabeth ‘Chips’ Rafferty (Coleman)

2-4-53 – 28-7-20

Ann McVeigh writes: “Elizabeth was farewelled by family and friends in a requiem mass at St Joseph’s Church in Subiaco, followed by a respectful wake at the Wembley Hotel. About 10 Joey Girls attended the Mass, and were acknowledged during the Prayers, and by Elizabeth’s son Shamus during the Eulogy, which I thought was very touching. All in all, it was a wonderful service and send off, of which she would have been proud”.

Joseph (Joe) Sarsero

10-11-40 – 12-9-20

Joe Sarsero was born in Hamrun, Malta. He arrived in Australia under the child migration scheme in 1953, aged 12, and was sent to Bindoon.

Joe’s wife Anne describes him as a very happy-go-lucky man, a real character.

A Maltese flag Joe donated to Tuart Place in 2014 still hangs in the common room area, and always reminds us of Joe and his fellow Maltese child migrants.

Joe passed away peacefully, with Anne and their children by his side.

Troy Connell

8-10-76 – 25-7-20

We were shocked and saddened to lose Troy in a tragic skateboarding accident in July. Troy was free spirit who was always keen to help others. He often introduced other care leavers to Tuart Place. Troy was well-known and well liked in Fremantle and had many friends. He was frequently seen around the streets riding on his beloved skateboard. Our condolences to LuLu and Troy’s family.

Daniel Lackenby

8-2-55 – 30-8-20

Ann McVeigh writes: “Daniel was 65 years young and a Forgotten Australian who came from Kalgoorlie and lived at Clontarf as a child. As a young boy he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which affected him all his life. Daniel was quite a character and we were fond of him at Tuart Place. Rest peacefully now Daniel, your suffering and hurt is no more”.

Alfred (Alf) Zammit

13-2-44 – 12-8-20

Alf Zammit was born in Qormi, Malta, and was sent to Australia under the child migration scheme in 1953, when he was nine years old. Alf lived at Castledare, then Clontarf, before being reunited with his parents when they migrated to Australia in 1955. Alf was a great supporter of Tuart Place and a regular volunteer at fundraising events. He is greatly missed by his many friends at Tuart Place. Our sincere condolences to Alf’s wife Lee and the family.

Noel Brenzi writes:

“I first met Alf at Castledare, and we were friends for 67 years. We were the same age, and were transferred to Clontarf at the same time. Alf had been sent to Australia to learn English and he picked it up quickly. After we left school I dated Alf’s sister for a while and we even got engaged. When we went on dates Alf had to come along as chaperone. He knew he could trust me. Alf was always a good businessman. At age 17 he built a bicycle from spare parts salvaged from the tip, and sold it to me for 10 pounds. It was an excellent bike. He went on to have his own business selling cookware, then sewing machines. Alf and I lost contact for some time, and met up again through Tuart Place about eight years ago. We stayed in contact from then on and I had many good times with Alf and Lee. Alf was very involved in the sausage sizzles at Bunnings and we used to do the onions together. I will really miss my good friend Alf.”

Lee & Alf Zammit at Tuart Place in May 2019

Ann McVeigh writes:

“I met Alf through Tuart Place about six years ago, and knew him as a kind and gentle person. Alf always spoke very fondly of his wife Lee, so it was good to meet her at one of our gatherings. Alf liked his visits to Tuart Place to catch up with fellow child migrants from all institutions. He loved our social events and came to the ten-pin bowling morning we had at Melville. Alf was a great contributor to our sausage sizzles at Bunnings, and also donated two sewing machines to Tuart Place. Lee, I am so sorry for your loss. I feel very privileged I felt to have met Alf. His kindness knew no bounds, and he was always willing to help wherever he could. Rest in peace Alf.”