ISSUE 3: NOVEMBER 2012
The
Tuart Times
New Ambassadors will raise public awareness Jenny Aldrick and Ron Love recently returned from a five day ‘Forgotten Australian Ambassador Project’ Training Course, held at Hindmarsh in Adelaide in October. Jenn and Ron joined ten other ‘Forgotten Australians’ from around the country for training in presenting information sessions to relevant service providers and other community sectors to raise awareness of the issues affecting people who experienced out-ofhome care during childhood. On their return to WA Jenn and Ron reported very positively on the training program, although they found it a very intense and emotional time, because the presentations draw on personal recollections and painful childhood memories. Ron writes: “What an experience to find there are people all around Australia doing what we do here at Tuart Place! But for me there was unfathomable sadness when the personal stories were shared, and the shocking experiences in institutions, orphanages, prisons and foster homes hit me like an emotional tsunami. However I was amazed, and felt great respect for the enormous efforts being voluntarily produced by these unsung heroes. They have a huge capacity for caring for others, and some of them have been dedicated to finding ways of supporting Forgotten Australians for years and
How are you travelling in the
Ambassador Training Program participants
have indeed forged significant headway in some areas. I plan to do my part to the best of my ability as part of a team effort for Forgotten Australians. Thank you all for sharing the caring and respectful part of your existence with me. It is much appreciated”. Planning is underway for Jenn and Ron to give their first presentations. Later this month they will talk to WA’s ’Young Consultants’ – younger care leavers receiving similar training from CREATE Foundation – the peak body for children in care and young people transitioning out of care.
AGE of TECHNOLOGY?
More and more often these days we are
expected to use the internet. Some services and products can only be accessed with an email address, and utility companies expect you to receive ‘paperless’ bills (and charge you extra if they are delivered the old fashioned way – on real paper, through the post!) So how are you travelling in this new ‘Digital Age’? Did you get lucky and have grandchildren to show you the way? Or are you ‘holding out’ and battling against the trend? Either way, Tuart Place can help. Our Wednesday afternoon Computer Class is open to anyone who wants to learn the basics or improve their computer skills. Sometimes people find they get all the help they need in just one visit, while others come along on a regular basis. Participants work at their own pace, and follow their own particular areas of interest.
The friendly volunteers and staff at our computer lab can also help you to: • Set up an email address • Apply for a low cost computer • Set up your existing computer • Use internet banking • Pay bills online, or • Become familiar with many other techno-tasks, such as using mobile phones or using ‘Skype’ for video phone calls to family members in distant locations. Open computer sessions are held at Tuart Place on Wednesday afternoons from 1.00pm. For individual help, or assistance with a complex issue, phone Sue at the front desk to arrange a personal appointment. For further information contact Sue on Freecall 1800-619-795 or email admin@tuartplace.org
WHAT’S ON? MONDAYS
PROGRAM OF EVENTS NOV 2012 - FEB 2013 WEDNESDAYS
10.30am Drop in Drop in for a coffee and a look around our centre. Have a chat to the friendly staff and other visitors. 12.00pm Sausage Sizzle Come and join us for lunch. We either get out the barbie and sizzle some snags or cook up other delicious treats. 1.00 -3.00pm Computer Access/ Family Tracing Feel free to drop in & use the computer lab or pre-book a time with one of our family tracing volunteers.
10am - 12.00pm Support Group New members are always welcomed. It’s a relaxed, informal group where people can meet with others who have had similar experiences. Susy, the group facilitator provides an easy-going environment where discussion and support go hand-in-hand. 1-3pm Open Computer Class Whatever your skill level (even if you’ve never turned on a computer before) you can get individual help. If you want to browse the internet, use Ancestry.com, develop keyboard skills or send emails, this is your chance!
Working through Conflict Do you want to feel more relaxed when confronting other people? Do you want to let them know in a constructive way, when you don’t like what they do or say? Do you want to learn how to find options that satisfy both sides when conflict occurs? Working through Conflict is the next short course in our Building Better Relationships series. You’ll enjoy the
THURSDAYS 10.30am - 12.00pm New Group!
Working Through Conflict
Starts Thursday 15th November. *Further details below* -Coming in February 2013-
Dealing with Depression and Anxiety
Register your interest with Group Facilitator Susy Vaughan
* A new personal development course * relaxed and informal sessions packed with practical tips and strategies for you to use in everyday life. Starts on Thu 15 Nov, 10.30am – 12.00pm, for 5 weeks, (Thu 15, 22, 29 Nov & 6, 13 Dec). Register your interest now with Susy V. Ph: 6140-2380 Email: coord@tuartplace.org
Feedback on the Short Course in Communication September/ October 2012 - Facilitator Susy Vaughan
Another short personal development course ended a few weeks back. But I wanted MORE! I found out that my thirst to understand my feelings and give them a label had only begun. How could I recognise another person’s feelings when I couldn’t understand my own? I was not alone in this dilemma and Susy encouraged our learning in a variety of ways eliciting a range of emotions. The next hurdle was to communicate those feelings and recognise how body and verbal language both play a major part in having feelings (needs and wants) met.
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By Sharon - Tuart Place Participant It was serious business, but knowing I was with other people who were sensitive to my feelings, having experienced a similar lack of positive communication (and emotional) support during childhood, validated all my confused and unknown feelings, and my struggle with communicating in a more confident manner. I still have a long way to go and am waiting eagerly for the next short course. Sharon.
Hair Today ... Gone Tomorrow This Jnr Roving Reporter has not believe my eyes! There stumbled upon a real heartfelt was a younger, handsome story that must be told. and happier Daniel, who I arrived at Tuart Place looked like Roger Moore. around 10am on a Wednesday for Watch out ladies there is the support group meeting, which a handsome man around was great, and then I stumbled on town now! a special event happening after Well this roving the group. reporter has seen the As I was walking out to kindness of many people grab some fresh air I heard that our local lad, Daniel, was within Tuart Place, and this to receive a ‘makeover’. was another example. I see I came across Jackie, the young hair dresser from the care that we have for next door, whisking Daniel away to the board room with the one another and the hard makeover crew, which consisted time that we experienced of Pip, Susy, Sue and Lyn. as children has not stopped I was not sure what the closeness we have for was happening but I managed each other. to make it back after my breath I myself hope that Daniel stays with us because of fresh air to see the makeover he is an important just as the finishing touches part of our group were being applied. and has great input Well - before the and a loving smile. makeover I would say that Daniel Daniel - you are looked like a famous character a handsome man from an English program called under all that hair! Catweazle, with scruffy hair and by MARK P a scruffy beard. Jnr Roving Reporter. After a short time of Jackie wielding her scissors and a buzz razor and about 300kgs of hair later, I could
TUART PLACE CONTACT DETAILS AND OPENING HOURS 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160 Phone (08) 6140-2380 Freecall: 1800-619-795 Email admin@tuartplace.org Web: www.tuartplace.org
Opening Hours 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday Wednesday Thursday
WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT TUART PLACE? Tuart Place provides individual counselling, support groups, social activities, computer skills classes, access to family tracing, assistance to obtain records, and help in dealing with other agencies, such as Centrelink and Homeswest.
WHO WORKS AT TUART PLACE? Sue Stafford
Admin Officer
Pip White
Dr Philippa White Director
Cathcart Weatherly Service Development Consultant
Susy Vaughan
Senior Therapist & Group Facilitator
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NOTICE BOARD
If you would like to help with the Tuart Times, contact Sue on Freecall 1800-619-795 or email admin@tuartplace.org
Get well soon
Our very best wishes to Mary Armstrong, who is recovering from surgery. Mary’s husband Patrick said that Mary bounced back well after her operation on 19th September. Thanks to friends and family for their prayers and support.
3rd Anniversary of National Apology 16th November 2012 is the third anniversary of the Australian National Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. Text and video of the national apology in 2009 is available on the Alliance of Forgotten Australians (AFA) website: www.forgottenaustralians.org.au/apologies.html
Thanks to our volunteers for their great help with mailing out the August 2012 edition of the Tuart Times
THANK YOU! Thank you to the many people who have contributed donations to Tuart Place and the work of FACT Inc. Our special thanks go to Patricia Keleher, and Frank & Betty Polglaze. Thanks also go to Mary Power for the books and DVDs; Deidre Croft and her partner Chris for the electronic keyboard; Peter Bent for the ‘On Their Own’ DVD; and Dave Moir for the Kitchen Chef Pro.
Thank you to our family tracing volunteers Thanks once again to Marilyn and Jennifer of the WA Genealogical Society (WAGS) and to Jan Newman for your great family tracing work at Tuart Place. We really value your contribution, and appreciate your sensitivity and kindness to all those you help. If you would like to make a booking with one of our family tracing volunteers, please contact Sue on Freecall 1800-619-795. WAGS volunteers will next be on site at Tuart Place on Mon 19th Nov and 17th December.
Rivers of Emotion website Have a look at the Clontarf entry by Deb Rosser on the Rivers of Emotion website. It also links to the Find & Connect entry, which has oral histories and written memories from boys who lived at Clontarf. The Rivers of Emotion project explores the emotional significance of waterways, and welcomes your input on memories, feelings and stories about the rivers and lakes of WA. See wwwriversofemotion.org.au to register and write your story.
Fundraising Sausage Sizzle - Can you help? Tuart Place is having a fundraising sausage sizzle at Bunnings in O’Connor on Saturday 2nd February 2013. If you would like to help on the day, please contact Jenny or Sue at Tuart Place.
Wings for Survivors website Wings for Survivors is an online community of former State Wards and residents of institutions and orphanages in Australia. The site is managed by Forgotten Australians, and is accessed by free membership. Wings for Survivors encourages creativity, and publishes poems, artworks and stories by its members. If you would like to join, contact wingsforsurvivors@gmail.com
National Volunteer Awards Tuart Place was pleased to support the launch of the Members of Parliament Volunteer Awards with Federal member for Fremantle, Melissa Parke MP, and the Minister for Social Inclusion, the Hon Mark Butler MP. The awards were launched at a morning tea at the Meeting Place in Fremantle on 5th September 2012. They will recognise the tireless and valuable work of exceptional volunteers whose contributions inspire others to be 4 active and help create a more inclusive community.
Photo L-R: FACT Board Member Robin Stevens, Melissa Parke MP, the Hon Mark Butler MP, and Tuart Place Admin Officer Sue Stafford and Director Dr Pip White.
Tuart Place shines at the National Self Help & Support Group Awareness Day Congratulations to ConnectGroups WA for organising another very successful event for the 3rd National Self Help & Support Groups Awareness Day on 5th September 2012; and thank you to the much appreciated volunteers who donated their valuable time to proudly represent Tuart Place at the event. Susy, Jenn, Tom and I met up at 7.30am to prepare the efficient and wonderfully displayed stall at the Perth Cultural Centre in Northbridge. Ann, Sharon and Peter later gave valuable support at the stall. The most outstanding feature of the Tuart Place display was Sylvia’s fantastic artwork; and it was an amazing effort by Sylvia to create the Banner in a very short time, then deliver it late Tuesday night to be used early Wednesday morning.
by Ron Love
For me, it was great to re-unite with some wonderful people who have committed to this event for the last three years. About 25 WA Support Groups had stalls at this year’s event, which was attended by a huge number of community members. Congratulations, well done and thank you to all who volunteered their valued efforts on this momentous occasion. Our success at this popular event is due to the dedication of the Tuart Place representatives on the day, which provided an important opportunity to inform the wider community about the issues affecting Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants, and the work of Tuart Place. Thank you ConnectGroups WA for arranging the event and for continuing your great service to support groups in WA.
Paddy Cannon is an Greetings from Paddy Cannon ex-resident of Clontarf and an active member of the FACT Inc Advisory Committee. We would like to thank Paddy for his important work on behalf of his fellows. In addition to service on the Committee, Paddy does a lot of ‘behind the scenes’ work caring for those in need and linking them to necessary services. We would also like to thank Paddy for his kind donation of an electronic keyboard. Another year has gone, and what a year it has been. My network of some of the Old Boys over East has been very rewarding this year and we have managed to help a few people in need. We had a wonderful launch of ‘On Their Own’ at the Maritime Museum in August – it was a great day. As many of you know, we lost Laurie Humphreys on 8-5-12. Laurie was our founding Chair of FACT – Forgotten Australians Coming Together. We gave him a wonderful farewell. To Laurie’s family – our thoughts and prayers are with you. Special thanks to Peter Bent and the Clontarf Old Boys Heritage Committee for their work on the Heritage
Trail. We are planning to host an event for the Irish Ambassador to say thank-you for the donation - we will let everyone know in plenty of time. In the meantime, I invite all the Old Boys and Girls to come down to Tuart Place to say hello and make use of the resource centre. In closing, let’s keep an eye on those among us who are not in good health. Stay strong, Paddy Cannon.
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A number of Former Child Migrants have recently travelled back to the UK under the British Government’s Family Restoration Scheme. These are some of their stories… Thanks to Mary Cooper (nee Patton) for sending in this photo of Mary Barker (nee McGuiness) with family in England. Young Mary McGuiness was only nine years old when she was sent to Australia under the British Child Migration Scheme in 1947. On her arrival, Mary was placed at Nazareth House in Geraldton, but due to health issues she was transferred to St Joseph’s in Subiaco two years later. The photo shows Mary and her husband Peter Barker (on the right) celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in Cheltenham England, where Mary was born. Mary’s brother John and his fiancée Eileen (on the left), joined Peter and Mary on 4th August 2011 to help celebrate their special occasion. Mary and Peter Barker live on Kangaroo Island in South
Joan, Debbie and Dalby
Sisters Rosie Kruger and Patti Wenman (nee McGourty) had a wonderful time when they travelled to England this year to meet first cousins Margaret, Rose Ann and Frank. Margaret found Rose and Patti in 2010 after seeing their brother Frank McGourty’s name in an online newsletter published by a service at 24 High Street. A series of phone calls, emails and letters between the cousins finally led to a meeting
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Child M
Australia. Mary misses all the Girls and sends her fondest regards. Mary would also like to say thanks to the CMT and Redress.
Sisters Joan Tuff and Debbie Biscotto (nee McCloskey) enjoyed four weeks together when Debbie visited England this year. It was the first time Debbie had been back to the UK since Joan and Debbie left for Australia in 1947 with their sisters Mary (who still lives in Perth) and Noreen (who sadly passed away). Joan was just 19 when she returned to live in England, after having
in England earlier this year. Unfortunately Frank McGourty was unable to join his sisters on this trip, due to family health issues, but he hopes to join them next time. Rose and Patti said their cousins made them feel very welcome during their stay and hosted a lovely Welcome Home party, where they met many more family members. Shown in the photo are (LR): Patti, Margaret, Rose, and Rose Ann.
been in Australia for nine years. Debbie had a wonderful visit with Joan and her husband Dalby in June, including joining in their street party for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Joan and Dalby hope to visit Australia next year, where they will spend time with Mary in Perth and Debbie in Sydney.
Naz
Well what a busy year it has been with many Child Migrants heading off to the UK wi support of the British Government Restoration Fund. Margaret Ingram and daughter Bernadette flew UK on the 10th September, where they met two sisters f first time. They had a river cruise with Ann and a train Scotland, then two days at Nazareth Hammersmith. Sandra Harvey will spend some weeks wit daughter and grandchildren in the UK. Enjoy your Sandra. Eileen and son Mark flew to England for their nep wedding in June. It was Mark’s first trip to meet his new family. Liz their sister flew to Canada to meet with fam their father’s side, where they had a great time, then Paris, then Baltimore to have time with Val Carmack’s da Lyn. Eileen and Mark took off for five days in New York. a great holiday. Sister Myrtle celebrated her Golden Jubilee Dominican Convent in June. About five of her school f joined in the celebrations. Myrtle had seven weeks wi big family in England. What a wonderful year it has be Myrtle! Another Child Migrant, Kath White, had a fab holiday with her family in Ireland and a trip to Venice.
Migrant News Happy 70th Birthday Yvonne! Yvonne Radzevicius celebrated her (can you believe it?) 70th birthday at the home of Jerry and Christine Moore in October 2012. Four special visitors from England – Yvonne’s daughter Jenny, son-in-law Chris, sister Joan and niece Josie – helped celebrate the occasion, along with good friends Peter, Johnno, Hughie, Belle, Carol, Arthur, Br Pat, Dennis and Nicki. With Kevin Lynch on vocals and Wally Kerkhoff on accordion piano - and a fabulous birthday cake by Christine - it was a night to remember. Yvonne would particularly like to thank Jerry and Christine for the wonderful hospitality. In the photo above (L-R) are: Josie, Wally and Joan. After some persuading, Joan took a turn with the microphone and sang ‘Pal of My Cradle Days’, a song specially requested by Yvonne. While they were in Australia, Joan and Josie travelled with Yvonne to visit family in Melbourne. Thanks Yvonne for this photo of the family celebration in Melbourne, and happy birthday for the 12th. Yvonne’s family group in Melbourne
Back row: Greg, Theo, Stephen, Darcy (grt niece), Karen, Kim, Yvonne, Josie (niece) Front row: Kellie (grt niece), Joan (sister), Beryl, Richard, Dallas (niece)
zareth News
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with Bernadette Bowey-Hills
family threw a birthday party for her. The cake had map of Australia covered with the flag, and underneath it the Irish and Aussie flags entwined, with the words Happy Birthday Kathleen. The band played ‘I will take you home again Kathleen’. Wow! On a different note, Shirley Moore is now residing at Nazareth House Geraldton. We wish you a very happy retirement, from all your friends. Les and I went back to the UK and Ireland under the British Government Scheme. We spent most of the time in Ireland where I met a lot of cousins who I had never seen before. My sister Lizz also came across with us, and she is also coming out to spend Christmas and the New Year with us. I was really pleased to catch up with my Aunt Tess who is in her 90’s. Just a shame the weather could not have been a little nicer. It is with deep regret we acknowledge the passing of two of our Child Migrants in August and September 2012. R I P Maureen Blain (nee Keays) and Dympna Phillips (nee Murray). We hope Mary Armstrong is feeling better. To all Child Migrants, a very happy Christmas and New Year 2013. Regards Bernadette xxx
Chris Binks and his grand-daughter Jessie had a great visit to England in October this year. Chris and Jess stayed with Chris’ brother David and his wife Margaret and family at their home in Manchester. Shown in the photo are: Chris’ brother David (kneeling) and sister-in-law Margaret (in front, with grandson Adam on her knee), and Chris (centre) standing with his nieces, nephews and cousins. Jessie - Chris’ grand-daughter and travelling companion - took the photo! Chris said it was fantastic to reunite with his family in the UK, and very special having his granddaughter with him to share the experience.
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Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT) Inc
A Word from the Chair Hi everyone, I’m Jenny Aldrick and I was elected Chairperson of FACT at the Annual General Meeting in October. While I am Chairperson of FACT I will do all I can for my fellow care leavers. As a child I was at Parkerville Children’s Home and in foster care, and as an adult, two of my main goals are to work towards a better deal for all care leavers in WA, and to raise awareness of issues affecting many Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. It seems my first job is to help support the goal of establishing Find & Connect services in WA.
Still no Find & Connect services in WA WA is the last State in Australia left without a Find & Connect support service, and we are working hard to change this situation. Tuart Place is the logical provider of Find & Connect in WA, and already offers all its services, such as counselling, family tracing and help to obtain records. But more than that, it is a place where we feel comfortable and where we have established social connections and trust. Many people who come to Tuart Place have told me how important this place is to them, and that coming here has changed their lives. Lots of us have personal information and files at 24 High Street and this is where
we want to stay. As one of my support group friends said recently: “Never before in my life have I experienced a social setting where I feel safe, accepted and can truly be myself”. I thought that really summed up well what Tuart Place means to people. More than 1,000 of us are connected to this place, as well as 450 supporters, family members and others. Most people I have spoken to say they don’t want to go anywhere else, myself included. It would be a shame to have further delays while another service for Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants starts from scratch. Although this is a challenging time, we know that the very high quality work of Tuart Place is well recognised and has many supporters. We are confident that Governments will also recognise this important work, and offer their support to this service. As ‘Forgotten Australians’ we have only just found a united voice - we know we have a right to be heard and we deserve to have the services of our choice. I feel honoured to carry on the work of Laurie Humphreys, and his lifelong dream of a dedicated resource centre for Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants in WA. If you want to find out more, or have any suggestions, you can contact myself or Sue at Tuart Place. Jenny Aldrick Chairperson FACT Inc
Forgotten Australians ‘Life Stories’ DVD A new DVD produced by the Alliance for Forgotten Australians (AFA) is designed to educate providers of welfare, health and other services to work more effectively with ‘Forgotten Australians’ by helping them understand the issues that affect people who experienced abuse and neglect in outof-home care during childhood. The DVD tells the personal stories of six care leavers who talk about the impact of their childhood experiences. They are strong and hopeful people, but they live with the trauma of childhood abuse and neglect, and they find many aspects of everyday
living challenging. The DVD was produced by AFA with support from Families Australia and funding from FaHCSIA. It can be viewed at: http://www.forgottenaustralians.org. au/dvd.htm Please note: Some people— particularly survivors of childhood abuse – may find the DVD disturbing and distressing. These personal stories, and the vision of Children’s Homes, are emotional and confronting. They are also moving and powerful, showing the strength of survivors and the things that inspire them to work for a better world.