ISSUE 4: FEBRUARY 2013
The
Tuart Times
First Christmas at Tuart Place by MARK P. (Jnr Roving Reporter)
It was 12 noon on the 12 day of the 12th month of 2012 when we came together as a whole to celebrate the year that had passed. First of all I want to remember the man who made all this possible - Mr Laurie Humphreys - who believed in equality of opportunity regardless of race and religion and who led by example. I want to thank our VIP guests, especially the Hon Alison Xamon MLC; all the FACT board members and the great staff that spent numerous hours in making the special day happen. Thanks also go to the Tuart Place singers, Choirmaster Digby Hill, and talented musician and Former Child Migrant Mr Wally Kerkhoff. As people arrived they were greeted with Christmas carols by the Glyde-In Singers assembled on the stairwell in the front entrance. There were happy faces and people talking and laughing as everyone arrived. I saw smiles I haven’t seen for a long time as old friends caught up from the past year. I also enjoyed meeting other people with the same back ground as myself. It was like meeting family that you haven’t seen for ages. th
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Royal Commission Update In early January 2013 Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the names of the Commissioners and the Terms of Reference for the Child Abuse Royal Commission. Six Commissioners have been appointed, including two West Australians – former Senator Andrew Murray and Aboriginal health expert Professor Helen Milroy. The Commission is expected to run for three years with the option for an extension if more time is required. The Royal Commission will solely focus on institutional responses to child sexual abuse and has a strong emphasis on what can be done in the future to better prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. Since the announcement of the Royal Commission, Tuart Place has received many enquiries from people wanting to know how it will affect them.
Frequently asked questions include: “Will I be forced to testify?” and “Will my Redress statement be made public?”. Please be assured that there will be no compulsion for victims to give evidence and their records will be kept confidential. People wishing to submit information to the Commission can do so publicly or privately. We are advised that the Commission will ensure that people who need assistance with reading and writing or have special needs can participate fully in the inquiry, and that appropriate support will be provided to deal with trauma encountered by people talking about their abuse. Updates, more information and the full terms of reference for the commission can be found at www. childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au
First Christmas at Tuart Place
It was about 12.30pm when everyone was seated and the proceedings commenced with Dr Philippa White warmly welcoming everyone. I could see that she was happy with the turn out as the room was packed and you could hear a pin drop as Pip addressed the audience. Thanks also went out
WHAT’S ON? MONDAYS 10.30am Drop in & Singing group Drop in for a coffee and a look around our centre. Borrow a book from our library or chat to the friendly staff and other visitors. - OR Join in with the new Singing Group (see details on page 3) 12.00 noon Monday Lunch Sue has been cooking up a storm with our new kitchen equipment. Come and sample our exciting new Monday Magic Menus! 1.00 -3.00pm Family Tracing Feel free to drop in & use the computer lab or pre-book a time with one of our family tracing volunteers. 2
to Susy Vaughan, Sue Stafford and to Cathcart who w sadly missed due to personal reasons. All these peo are central to this organization, Tuart Place. We also found out that we are getting new kitch equipment, so on Mondays it won’t be just sausa anymore! That will make Sue happy. Then the Tuart Pl
PROGRAM OF EVENTS FEB - MAY 2013 WEDNESDAYS
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, scan photographs, develop keyboard skills or send emails, this is your chance!
THURSDAYS NEW GROUP! 10.30am - 12.00 noon
Dealing with Depression and Anxiety
Ever felt depressed or anxious? Many people are unaware that depression and anxiety can be treated or don’t know what they can do to help stay well. These friendly, easy-going sessions will provide information about the causes, types and treatments for depression; how to recognise the symptoms; and will give practical tips for staying healthy and reducing anxiety. Starts Thursday 28th February Contact Sue or Susy (Group Facilitator) to register your interest.
was ople
hen ages lace
singers, led by Digby, sung Christmas Carols. They’d been practicing every Monday for the previous month and they even got lunch each time, they were that good - thanks again to Sue. After all the pomp and ceremony, there was lunch and it was a marvelous spread, laid out in the board room. It was better than a smorgasbord you get at a restaurant and the time and effort that went into the food was amazing. Sue Stafford is so good in looking after everyone. I know I was full and most of the food was
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.
eaten and although there was not much to clean up, the support group helped and it was all done quickly. The best part of the day was to look back and see how successful it was and how the planning paid off. My personal outlook on the whole day, from a person that uses this facility 3 times a week, was that the time and effort and care that went into this were well thought out and presented. The day was a great success - thank you Tuart Place and all those behind the scenes.
By Mark P.
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
SINGING - Just for fun! The Tuart Place Singers were a huge success at our 2012 Christmas Party, and good fun was had by all. If you are interested in singing, come along to the first meeting of our new singing group at 10.30am on Monday
18th February.
The group will be assisted by experienced Choirmaster Digby Hill, with
talented musician Paddy Cannon on keyboards. It’s an open group, so feel free to come down and join in any Monday while the group is on. Everyone is invited to stay on for our Monday Lunch at 12 noon, which is free, and is open to all Tuart Place service users. Sue has been cooking up a storm with our new kitchen equipment and there’s an exciting new menu – don’t miss out!
Opening Hours 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday Wednesday Thursday
New group starting on Monday 18th February
For further information contact Sue on Freecall 1800-619-795 or email admin@tuartplace.org
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An Undiscovered Talent Street Urchins, Christmas Rose, and Family Foibles are titles of some of the short stories created by Tuart Place participant, Marlene Cook. By writing about past issues, Marlene finds a way to ‘close the door’, on some painful childhood experiences. As a child she was told at the orphanage that she would, “never amount to anything”, and she says that, “even in my sixties I’m reluctant to accept that I’m an intelligent, strong woman who has overcome many adversities to get to where I am today.” Marlene handwrites her chapters at home and is at her most creative in the early mornings between 3am – 7am. She brings her handwritten notes to Tuart Place and uses the computer to type them up. Marlene says “It’s of double benefit because I’m learning how to use the computer at the same time”. Marlene distances herself from her painful memories of childhood by writing about the events that happened, in a childlike, fairy story style. For example, in a story about visiting child welfare officers she names the two women Fiddlefaddle and Dribbledumb and presents them as cartoon-like characters. “They knocked on the door every now and again, often with appointments but not always. I think they preferred to just make an impromptu visit, time permitting. These were our barrel-bellied, blue rinse child welfare officers smelling of lifebuoy soap and lavender. Upon monstrous noses lay precariously perched foggy lens glasses and clutched in their sweaty hands were the infamous bull-dog clipboards….
Marlene at Tuart Place
“…Well dear, you have indeed made an effort since last time. The floors and carpets are spotless and my goodness gracious me, there’s flowers on the lounge coffee table. C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s! ’ said Fiddlefaddle. ‘If you say so,’ repeated Dribbledumb, as she scribbled on her clipboard. “Now, let’s all go and check the bathrooms and the bedrooms, if we may. We won’t be long but I’m sure you’ll appreciate the necessity and delicacy of the situation. It wouldn’t be proper at all to have a male benefactor living here, now would it? We have the girls to consider you know.” said Fiddlefaddle. “Not proper at all,” repeated Dribbledumb, as she scribbled on her clipboard...” Marlene is currently working on the second chapter of seven and enjoys the peaceful environment of Tuart Place and the camaraderie of the participants and staff. She also attends the support group on a Wednesday and finds it comforting to be around people who understand at a deeper level how childhood abuse can have such a major impact on your adult life.
By Susy Vaughan
National Library Oral History Project ‘You Can’t Forget Things Like That’ More than 200 people told their life stories in interviews recorded by historians at the National Library of Australia for the Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants Oral History Project. Project Manager Joanna Sassoon said the Oral History Project was aimed at providing social justice, and it revealed the many and varied ways in which people were affected by the child welfare systems. A booklet entitled You Can’t Forget Things Like That was published at the conclusion of the project, which ended in
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2012. Some of the Oral History interviews are being made available online in consultation with the people who have told their stories. Preserving the voices of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants will ensure these experiences will be remembered. Listen to the interviews at http:// www.nla.gov.au/digicoll/ListentotheForgo ttenAustralians.html
Celebrating the 3rd Anniversary of the National Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants
Care leavers across Australia joined together on the 16th November 2012 to celebrate the third anniversary of the National apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. In WA, FACT Chairperson Jenny Aldrick and Tuart Place Director Pip White joined CLAN members at the site of the WA memorial to Forgotten Australians to mark the anniversary. Senator Rachel Siewert and Steve Irons MP, Patron of FACT and CLAN, also attended and spoke to the assembled gathering. Many thanks to Carolyn of CLAN
for organising this event. To mark the third anniversary of the apology, the National Library has published a commemorative booklet, You Can’t Forget Things Like That, which features the life stories of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. The booklet can be found online at http://www. nla.gov.au/news/2012/11/16/forgotten-australiansremembered-1 and hard copies are available at Tuart Place.
Visit to a Sister Service: Wattle Place in NSW While in Sydney last year for the CREATE Foundation Summit (and to see my daughter Holly) I also visited Wattle Place - the NSW service for Forgotten Australians funded by the NSW State Government. On my arrival at Wattle Place I was met by Coordinator Jesamine Wikaira, who kindly showed me around the premises and introduced me to her staff. I was very impressed by the big kitchen at Wattle Place and the really nice back yard, complete with community vegetable garden.
This is exactly the kind of premises we have planned for Tuart Place: a location that is nearer to the Perth CBD, close to the train line, and in a ‘homely’ and welcoming environment. These features were identified in a large scale postal survey of 900 WA care leavers conducted by FACT Inc in 2010. The current Tuart Place ‘pilot project’ in Fremantle has further demonstrated that these are key requirements in a new location for the service.
Wattle Place Coordinator Jesamine Wikaira with Dr Pip White
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A new perspective on an old Home The Clontarf campus continues to provide an excellent venue for the raffle stall run by the Clontarf Old Boys Heritage Committee (COBHC) each Saturday morning at the Farmers Market. How times have changed. As a 12 year old boy I used to slowly shuffle up the same main driveway feeling dejected and despondent, having walked from Canning Bridge along Manning Road, past the dense forest of pine trees, and through the main gates because I had missed the truck that picked us up from the bus stop at Canning Bridge. The first Sunday of each month was the highlight of my stay at Clontarf when we could visit our foster families. I always wanted to stay a little longer at my foster family’s home in Beach Street, Fremantle. Once a month I had to literally wrench myself away, catch the bus to Canning Bridge and hope that the truck would be still there to pick us up. Now I hold my head up high as I walk that same distance to the main building and then join Peter, Dennis, Anthony, John and Chris in finding parking bays for the hundreds of cars that come through the main gates, or selling raffle tickets to many regular customers, or collecting
items of food from the 40 stall holders for the hamper. It is all in a morning’s work. They say history repeats itself and so it has, but now I feel liberated. I now have a sense of identity, free from the constraints of the past, happy in the knowledge that I have conquered my demons. Moving forward unfettered from the chains that use to bind me can be likened to gliding on an ice rink or hot air ballooning. I feel I am returning, like the prodigal son, a son who was lost and was found, was dead and has come alive. After expressing some concerns about the future of the raffle stall at the Clontarf Markets, Sue Doherty, the Mayor of South Perth assured us that the raffle is here to stay. However the future success of the raffle will depend on other Old Boys’ willingness to actively participate as some of our Committee members have in recent months been unable to attend through illness. I would like to encourage other Old Boys to visit our Raffle Stall at the Saturday Farmers Market at Clontarf. I guarantee it will be a new experience!
How are you travelling in the Age of Technology? What if I can’t get to Tuart Place? If you aren’t able to come to Tuart Place for help with your computer needs, and you are over 50, you may be able to get assistance from a ‘Seniors Broadband Kiosk’. The Broadband for Seniors program is funded by the Australian Government, and has set up Kiosks in hundreds of locations across Australia. Kiosks provide over-50s with free access to Broadband internet and help to gain confidence in using the technology. Kiosks are located in a variety of venues, including community
Online Resource for Seniors
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By Mike Carroll Secretary, COBHC
Following the success of our Technology item in the last Tuart Times, we bring you further information on internet assistance for Seniors
centres, libraries, bowling clubs, retirement villages and senior citizens clubs. The Broadband for Seniors website also has free online lessons designed to help over-50s get started using the internet and email. For further information or to find a Kiosk near you, phone the helpline: 1300 795 897 or visit the Broadband for Seniors website: www.necseniors.net.au
Seniors.gov.au is an online resource for all Australians over 50 and can be found at www.seniors.gov.au The website has an online ‘meeting place’ where you can join in discussions with others in a range of different interest areas, including Computing and the Internet, Gardening, and Family Tracing Genealogy. Seniors.gov.au also provides up-to-date news about issues affecting older Australians. For example, current topics include: Changes to aged care fees; Skin cancer checks; Seniors’ concessions; and Pensions assets tests.
Dicount internet options for Seniors
Did you know that people over 55 can access discounted internet services and discounts on mobile phone and home phone accounts? For more information contact: One Seniors: 133 001 Website: www.oneseniors.com.au
NOTICEBOARD A Special Memorial
SEEKING CONTACT
Were you a cadet in the 1940s or 50s? Edward Freeman-Smith of Northam would like to hear from any lads who were living in orphanages in the 40s - 50s who were in cadets and recall going to Northam camp. Contact Edward on 9622-1485.
Thanks to Gordon Grant for this photo of a memorial stone and plaque at Karrakatta Cemetery. The memorial was established in remembrance of 146 former residents of the Home of the Good Shepherd, Leederville. Gordon reports that a group of women visit the memorial every year to pay their respects.
PAYING IT FORWARD.....
Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT) was recently awarded $3,000 under the Pay it Forward funding program. Pay it Forward grants are available to affiliated members of ConnectGroups WA and are funded by the WA Mental Health Commission. The money will be used to purchase some much needed furniture and new equipment at Tuart Place. Many thanks to ConnectGroups and the Mental Health Commission for making this possible.
Tax deductible donations Did you know that donations to Tuart Place are now fully tax deductible? FACT Inc – the governing body of Tuart Place - was awarded the status of ‘Public Benevolent Institution and Deductible Gift Recipient’ by the Australian Tax Office in October last year. This means that individuals and organisations making financial donations to FACT can claim a 100% tax deduction, as well as knowing they have helped a very worthy cause.
MARK P STORIES TO TELL
This Jnr Roving Reporter loves to tell a story and sometimes good news is hard to find. So if you have a story that will bring a smile to Tuart Times readers, don’t hesitate in sending your ideas. There is no limit in what this roving reporter will investigate for a laugh and a giggle. Address your stories to: Mark. P. C/- 24 High Street, Fremantle WA 6160.
THANK YOU!
Thank you to the many people who have contributed donations to Tuart Place and the work of FACT Inc. Thank you to David Walters, State Manager of Ricoh Australia, and Kum Weng Lee, President of the Heirisson Rotary Club for donating an electronic white board to Tuart Place. Thank you once again to Marilyn and Jennifer of the WA Genealogical Society (WAGS) and to Jan Newman for your great family tracing work. We really value your contribution to Tuart Place, and appreciate your sensitivity and kindness to all those you help. Thank you to the support group members and Tuart Place regulars who volunteer their time so generously in helping out at Tuart Place. You know who you are!
SEEKING CONTACT
Robin Rogowski (nee Richardson) seeking contact with anyone who was at St Joseph’s Victoria Square boarding school between 1945 and 1950. Please phone Robin on 9490-9605.
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Ex-residents Annual Picnic
For the past seven years, ex-residents of Bindoon, Castledare, Clontarf, Nazareth House, St Joseph’s and Tardun have gathered together each November for an annual picnic in Waterford. At last year’s gathering they were joined by some Tuart Place regulars, who formerly resided in other Homes, such as Parkerville, Home of the Good Shepherd, Swanleigh and foster care.
It was a great combinatio in common from childhood days similarities far outweigh any differe Thanks again to Normie Sc system; and to Joe Norman and h music. Thanks are also du again arranging the venue, and to a There was a big crowd and it was a
Clontarf Class of 1962
50th Anniversary Reunion By Dennis McNerney Our 50th Anniversary Class of 1962 reunion was held on 17th November 2012 at the Bluewater Bar and Grill Restaurant in Applecross. From the original class there were six of us out of 11 who attended with their friends and family. John McGlinn’s wife Helen and son Lindsay made the trip from Lake Grace to attend the event. Myself, Bernie Brosztl, Brian Fitzgerald (our former Choir Master & teacher for Woodwork), David Lister, Lindsay McGlinn (representing his Dad) are all in the front row. Charlie Grida, Liam White, Terry Morgan are in the back row. We tried to be in the same positions with this photo as in an original one in 1962. Unfortunately two class members, John McGlinn and Les Woolcock are deceased, and three others weren’t contactable. It was a great reunion, and a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends.
Can You Help?
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Tony Ryan would like to hear from the Clontarf Boys in this photo: Allen, Charlie, Robert and Mathew. Tony took the photo with his Kodak Brownie camera outside the pigeon coop at Clontarf in the 1950s. Tony is also looking for stories about happy times at the orphanage. His contact details are provided in the following notice.
Tales of Clo
I am looking for about Clontarf a who has written be it in footbal horse riding, bus
on of people who have much s and who generally find that ences. cott for bringing along his sound his neighbour Dave for the live ue to Dennis McNerney for once all those who helped on the day. a wonderful occasion.
The 2013 annual gathering is on Sunday 17th November, from 12 noon to 4.00pm. Why not come along to this year’s get-together? All ex-residents and their families and friends are welcome to attend. There’s a free sausage sizzle provided, and barbecue facilities for those who prefer to bring their own lunch. If you are not currently on the mailing list for this event, and would like to attend, please contact Sue at Tuart Place and she will make sure you receive an invitation in the mail.
An Awesome Sausage Sizzle Success! Congratulations to the team from Tuart Place on their highly successful fundraising venture on 2nd February 2013. Group members raised over $1,200 during an allday sausage sizzle fundraiser at Bunnings in O’Connor. The event was organised by FACT Chairperson Jenny Aldrick, who said “I want to thank everyone who helped on the day – Dave, Ron, Errol, Tom, Judith, Ann and Julie – and to Sue and Cathcart for all their work behind
the scenes. Everyone pitched in on the day, and it was an awesome team effort”. Everything went according to plan on the day (apart from an incident involving 10kg of onions cut up by Jenn and left at home in her fridge!). The group is looking forward to their next fundraising stall at Bunnings later this year.
Heal for Life 5-day Healing Retreats Heal for Life healing retreats can be life changing for survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. The five-day residential program is run by survivors who have received extensive training and are supervised by clinical psychologists. Heal for Life (formerly Mayumarri) began in NSW in 1999, and now has centres across Australia. Heal for Life WA is coordinated by Linda Nabben, who attended a Healing Week in NSW in 2011. Linda’s experience of the Healing Week was life changing and inspired her to
apply for the position of Coordinator in WA, which enables her to support others on their healing journey. The schedule of WA Healing Retreats for this year is: 23rd - 28th June, 1st - 6th September, 27th October - 1st November 2013. For further information, phone Linda on 0427-642947, email wa@healforlife.com.au, or visit www.healforlife. com.au
ontarf in the 1940s and 50s – A request from Tony Ryan
r short tales, poetry, and stories and want to hear from anyone n about the good times they had, ll, cricket, handball, swimming, sh walks, sports days or tennis.
Tell your story as you know it. Somewhere, sometime, there was fun in what we did. Contact me on 9934-1801, or email tonyryan@midwest.com.au
VALE
Rest in Peace Brian Deere, who passed away late last year. Gone but not forgotten. Frank Dolan and the Boys from Tardun
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Child Migrant News A Family Wedding in Ireland Thanks to Dennis McNerney for this photo of the ‘McNerney Clan’ at his niece Marina’s wedding in Longford on 24th August 2012, which took place during Dennis and Nicky’s trip to Ireland last year. Shown in the photo from left to right are: Dennis, Nicky, Daniel (youngest son), Marina (niece), Janka (Daniel’s wife), Oliver (Dennis’ brother) and Stella (Oliver’s wife).
Sisters reunited in England Thanks to Anna Biscotto, niece of Debbie Biscotto (nee McCloskey) for sending in this photo of Debbie’s first trip back to the UK for 47 years, where she stayed with her sister Joan and husband Dalby. Joan came out to Australia with her sisters in 1947, and returned
A Child Migrant’s Poem By Ann McVeigh
They did not know what lay in store holidays abroad to far distant shores. Yet in their memories as often recalled, brothers, sisters, and friends what’s more. Where are the families that they once had? Back in their homelands, how very, very sad. Thousands of children crossing the line Holidays and memories lasting a lifetime.
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to England when she was 24 years old. Anna, who accompanied Debbie on the trip to visit Joan, said it was a truly wonderful trip, and lovely for the sisters to be reunited again.
Support Group Christmas Party On the 19th December (six days before Santa arrived) the Tuart Place support group and staff had a Christmas party at the Kailis Seafood Café on Fremantle wharf. It was a long walk because it was so hot but we made it. Because there was so many of us, we had to alter all the seating arrangements and it looked like we were Knights of the Round Table. Everyone ordered what they wanted - some got fish and chips, some got salad, but the main thing I saw was that there was a bonding such
by MARK
as I have not seen for a ve long time. We were like a b family at the Christmas tab and my heart felt so warm seeing everyone so happy. know how much Tuart Place means to our support group. The secret Santa presents were lots of fun and Errol’s sombrero looked great! This junior reporter wishes to thank all my new family at Tuart Place that made my Christmas mean so much to me. I have not felt this for a long time. Thank
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Did you ever go to university? Many care leavers, particularly those now in their senior years, did not have an opportunity to finish school, let alone go to university. Two South Australian care leavers, David Jackson and Dee Michell want to improve educational pathways for children currently in care and young people leaving the care system. David and Dee are collecting feedback
from care leavers who may have started or completed a university course, and will use this information to identify barriers and provide advice for success. Further information and contact details are provided below.
Expressions of interest are invited from care leavers who have some experience of university and who may be interested in contributing to a collection of narratives about that experience. The intention of the collection is: • to act as motivation/inspiration for current and future care leavers considering university; • to provide ‘tips’ and suggestions for care Leavers to succeed in their studies; • to highlight on campus problems and concerns
care leavers have in common; • to broaden ideas about who care leavers are; and • to assist in improving pathways for future care leavers. If you might be interested in writing and having your story published – whether you graduated from university or not – please contact one of the following editors, both of whom are care leavers with university experience: Dee Michell dee.michell@adelaide.edu.au or David Jackson david_sav@yahoo.com.au
CREATE Foundation National Youth Advisory Council Forum While in NSW last year, Tuart Place Director Pip White attended the CREATE Foundation National Youth Advisory Committee Forum, held in Sydney on 12th November. We bring you an excerpt from her report: “The forum was attended by about 40 young care leavers and professionals working in the youth services area. I met up with the Coordinator of CREATE WA, Katherine Browne, who introduced me to the three Young L-R: Dr Pip White with Young Delegates Lance & Kindra, Delegates from WA, (Jnr Roving Reporter) and CREATE WA Coordinator Katherine Browne Lance, Kindra and Lany. At the Summit, you Pip, Susy, Cathcart and Young Delegates from across Australia developed four key messages about a special thank you to Sue in out-of-home care: The importance of having the opportunity for contact with admin for all the good things birth family; a place to call ‘home’; the value of contact with siblings, and the you have done for the support benefits of stable connections with community. group. It was alarming to hear that today’s care leavers face many of the same problems faced by those who were in care decades ago. Young people from across Australia talked about being separated from brothers and sisters; and not being given information about why they were placed in care and why decisions affecting them had been made. Young Delegates reported that there are no structures in place to enable contact between siblings and foster siblings once a person turns 18. There is no ‘Find & Connect’ available to young care leavers in Australia. One young person from NSW said she had been scared to turn 18 because she would no longer be anyone else’s responsibility. Others described turning 18 as a difficult time, and said they had little support, and sometimes nowhere to turn for help”. The three Young Delegates from WA said they were keen to meet with our AFA Ambassadors Jenny Aldrick and Ron Love, and hope to arrange a meeting soon.
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Feedback from NSW – and thanks to Ron Love Ron Love is an Australian-born care leaver who spent time at Castledare and Clontarf as a child. Ron is also a Board member of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc (FACT) and, along with FACT Chairperson Jenny Aldrick, undertook training as an Ambassador for the Alliance for Forgotten Australians (AFA) in Adelaide last year. Ron’s contribution to Tuart Place is outstanding. Among other things, he produces a monthly newsletter which keeps people informed about things such as the movie group and Lotto syndicate, as well as broader issues affecting Australian care leavers. If you would like to go on the mailing list for Ron’s monthly newsletter, please contact Sue at Tuart Place. Ron recently shared with us some feedback he received from Pamella Vernon, a fellow AFA Ambassador and the NSW Representative on the Alliance for Forgotten Australians. With Pamella’s permission we now share this feedback with you: “Bravo to you, Ron and Jenny and the Tuart Place Team. Many sincere thanks Ron for forwarding the Newsletter to me. What a splendid talent you have for putting this all together – professional and all inclusive; great editorial content and supportive information. Brilliant facts and data that Forgotten Australians need to access and use. It was a truly lovely contact we recently shared
A message for Cheryle W from Forgotten Australians Coming Together: WE THINK YOU ARE A LEGEND!!
with you and Jenny, and yes, for first timers being thrown into an in-depth situation such as the Ambassador role … heart wrenching. Ron and Jenny, I treasure and honour our coming together. As newcomers to this arena, you are actually a beacon of light to others, including the members of AFA. What a trail you are blazing out in West Australia for those who are in need of a special place - and Tuart Place, with such caring folk to greet and support them. I Love the acronym for TUART.… Together, we build Understanding Acceptance Respect and Trust. It gives such hope for those of us wandering out there in a spiritual wilderness with nowhere to call home … that is until NOW. Bravo to you both and the Tuart Place Team. Where there was none, you created a safe haven. Much love and hope that you get the Find & Connect Service. You deserve it. Blessings galore, Pamella. Thank you for your kind words Pamella – your feedback means a lot to us and to all those working hard to make Tuart Place the best service it can possibly be.
Contact Details Tuart Place 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160 Phone (08) 6140-2380 Freecall: 1800-619-795 Email admin@tuartplace.org Web: www.tuartplace.org