The Tuart Times Issue 6, September 2013

The

Tuart Times

ISSUE 6: SEPTEMBER 2013

Historical Photo Project Photos can hold precious memories, but unfortunately many people who grew up in care do not have photos of their early years. If you have any historical photos you would like to contribute to our collection please contact Sue at Tuart Place.

Your original photos will be scanned and returned

safely to you.

Thanks to Maureen Briggs-Trewin for our featured photo on the right. Maureen recalls: “We were on our way to the Embassy Ballroom and got lost.

We were only 16 or 17.

Eventually we asked a kind stranger for directions. He told us it was just down the street!”

FEATURED PHOTO: Lovely young ladies in pretty dresses (L-R): Eileen Adamson, Maureen Briggs, Maureen Clark and Bridget Kelleher finding their way to the Embassy Ballroom in the late 1950s.

Anniversary Celebration Tuart Place celebrated its first official Anniversary with a morning tea on 12th June 2013.

The event was very well attended with over 130 people coming along to share in the celebration.

A large number of distinguished guests were present with the guest of honour, Andrea Mitchell MLA, Member for Kingsley, & Parliamentary Secretary to the Hon. Helen Morton MLC, giving a heartfelt speech to open the event.

Other VIPs included Raffle stall at Anniversary event

the Hon. Melissa Parke MP, Hon. Rachel Siewert MP, Alison Xamon, former Member for East Metro region, Mayor Logan Howlett, Mayor Sue Doherty, Lotterywest CEO Jan Stewart, Terry Murphy, Director General of the Department for Child Protection & Family Services, Mary Jo Morgan, Coordinator of Find & Connect WA, and the CEOs of the major caring agencies in WA.

We were also very pleased that a number of family members of the late Laurie Humphreys, including Laurie’s brother Terry, were able to join us on the day. A special message was read out from Laurie’s widow Frankie who was overseas and unable to join us.

A lively line-up of formalities was capped off by the Tuart Place singers, who led the crowd in singing ‘I am Australian’.

Join us for some fun on Thursday 26th September No VIPs or speeches allowed at this event - just fun and good times at our first ever fundraising frolic organised by Tuart Place participants.

Join us for Fun & Frolic from 12noon to 4pm on Thursday 26th September at Tuart Place,

The rest of the morning was spent catching up with old friends and acquaintances over a sumptuous morning tea.

The event was a fantastic success and it simply would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication

24 High Street, Fremantle.

Spot prizes, raffles, sing-alongs, great food and good company.

Don’t miss out! RSVP to Sue at Tuart Place: Freecall 1800-619-795 or email admin@tuartplace.org

of Tuart Place’s wonderful participants!

Particular thanks goes to Maureen for her home-cooked contribution and for providing the inspiration and prizes for the raffle.

WHAT’S ON?

PROGRAM OF EVENTS SEPT - NOV 2013

MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

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 our Singing Group 12.00 noon “The Big Lunch”

Come and join us for a delicious home-cooked lunch any Monday at noon.

THURSDAYS *NEW LIFESKILLS COURSE*

10am - 12.00pm Support Group with Susy

Newcomers are always welcomed. It’s a relaxed, informal group where people can meet with others who have had similar experiences.

It’s an easy-going environment where discussion and support go hand-in-hand.

10.30am - 12.00 noon

Managing Stress

1-3pm Open Computer Class

Whatever your skill level (even if you’ve never turned on a computer before) you can get 1.00 -3.00pm Family Tracing individual help.

Feel free to drop in & use

If you want to browse the the computer lab or pre-book a internet, use Ancestry.com, scan time with one of our family tracing photographs, develop keyboard skills experts from the WA Genealogical or send emails, this is your chance!

Society. Next dates: Monday 23rd September & Monday 28th October.

like help in these areas.

The type of support can be tailored to your needs – just tell us what you want to learn or what skills you’d like to improve.

Contact Sue for bookings and information.

Exergaming is here!

WHAT HAPPENS AT TUART PLACE?

**LITERACY FEATURE** See Eddie’s Story on Page 4

Join us for the first demonstration at Tuart Place 1.00-3.00pm, Monday 23rd September

Tech Savvy Seniors Exergaming is a mix of low impact exercising and games using the Xbox Kinect game console. There are games to suit everyone, they include but are not limited to Ten Pin Bowling, Golf, Darts, Table Tennis and Tennis. There are games to help your balance and coordination, as well as challenging your mind all while having fun with friends.

The games are easy to learn, and no matter the age everyone has been able to play including: people who have never exercised before; those who 2

**Starts Thursday 10th October**

Contact Sue or Susy (Group Facilitator) to register your interest.

Tuart Place provides individual counselling, support groups, social activities, volunteering opportunities, computer skills classes, family tracing, assistance to access records, and help in dealing with other agencies.

HELP WITH LITERACY

Do you want to develop your reading, writing, spelling, grammar or maths?

We are in the process of organising a program of one-toone assistance and/or small group sessions for people who would

Stress is a part of life and affects every one of us - but sometimes it all ‘gets too much’ and we need to reduce the pressure!

This course will help you understand what your particular stressors are and how to manage your stress levels. It will provide information, relaxation techniques and practical tips for reducing and dealing with your stress.

struggle to use modern technology; people with mobility and balance issues; and stroke survivors.

Register your interest with Sue.

Free dental service coming to Tuart Place If you’re in need of dental work and can’t afford to pay for it, why not book an appointment with the next free dental service visiting Tuart Place in October?

Dentists from the Kimberley Dental Team will do a full day of dental check-ups and triage at Tuart Place on Monday 14th October.

Any follow up work required

Book now for an appointment on 14th October may be accessed at ‘Dental Rescue Clinics’ organised by the National Dental Foundation at locations around Perth.

Qualified dentists and private practitioners donate their time to provide thousands of hours of free dentistry each year. The volunteer service recognises that large numbers

Find & Connect Workshop at Tuart Place 18th November

Come and see what’s new on the Find & Connect website at a Workshop on Monday 18th November. Join us for lunch at 12.00 noon, and stay on for the Workshop, which starts at 1.00pm in our computer lab.

Workshop RSVP’s to Sue at Tuart Place. **See page 10 for further details**

Book now for Toodyay Agricultural Show Would you like to go to the 160th Toodyay Agricultural Show on 12 October 2013?

If so, book a seat now on the 24 seater bus organised by Tuart Place. The bus will leave from Guildford train station at 9am, starting back about 4 pm.

Entry: Adults $10, Children $5, Seniors $5. The return bus trip is free of charge. A No Smoking event.

Contact Sue at Tuart Place to book a seat on the bus. Come along to this great country show and enjoy the entertainment, displays and exhibitions.

Sing your way to health and happiness

New research has confirmed what we’ve suspected all along – singing makes you happy!

Swedish researchers have discovered that singing songs with long phrases has the same benefit as breathing exercises in yoga.

Choral singing can also have positive effects on health and emotional well-being.

The health benefits arise from imposing regular and calm breathing patterns, which in turn affects heart rate. So its official – singing is good for you!

of people in need of dental treatment can’t afford private dental fees.

Untreated dental problems can cause pain, affect self-esteem, and sometimes lead to other health problems.

For bookings contact Sue at Tuart Place.

Royal Commission News:

knowmore legal service at Tuart Place on 6th & 7th November A second visit to Tuart Place by knowmore legal service is scheduled for Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th November 2013.

Two knowmore lawyers will conduct an information session and private consults on Wednesday 6th, followed by further private consults on Thursday 7th November.

Contact Sue to RSVP and/or book a private consult. It’s a good idea to book early for a private consultation to make sure you don’t miss out.

MOVIE AFTERNOON + PIZZA AT TUART PLACE ‘Paris, Texas’ Wednesday 18th September Film starts at 4-30pm Coffee- tea- soft drinks- jaffaspopcorn Bite to eat: At 6-45pm: a variety of pizzas RSVP: ASAP (for catering purposes) Call Sue on 6140 2380 Cost: $7 each Friends and family welcome This month’s film is ‘Paris, Texas’

The Monday singing group with visitors Brian & Mary Smith

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Leaping ahead with Literacy Many people who come to Tuart Place had limited schooling during childhood, or had their education disrupted due to changing schools.

Not surprisingly, this affected their reading, writing and maths.

Young people leaving care often needed to focus on

survival – getting a job, renting a flat, and finding their way in life.

No time for ‘adult education’ then - and even less time when marriage/family/children came along, particularly when you’re still battling to get established.

The years turn into decades and it gets harder not easier to turn around and

Eddie Cogan’s schooling was over by the time he turned 14. A number of major changes in his early life disrupted Eddie’s education and he ended up with the ‘backward learners’. Eddie couldn’t read or write when he left the orphanage, but gradually taught himself to read by reading the newspaper.

Applying for jobs was difficult, and Eddie usually had to ask his employer to fill out the forms. Later on, when he got married, Eddie’s wife Sharon could help with this.

Eddie worked at the shoe repair shop in Piccadilly Arcade for seven years, then held several other positions, before getting a job at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Nedlands.

Then came his greatest challenge...

After noticing Eddie’s potential, one of the doctors suggested that Eddie undertook training as an anesthetic technician. Eddie was accepted into the course and fought hard to meet the requirements. By this time Eddie could read quite well, but he continued to

Eddie’s story struggle with the written word. Happily, Eddie passed his training, and for the next 30 years he worked at Charlie’s as anesthetic technician.

However, throughout his working life Eddie continued to struggle with writing, and although he could do his job, he couldn’t do things like writing a letter. After Eddie found his family in the 1980s, it was Sharon who would always write the letters that enabled Eddie to stay in touch with his family overseas. Sadly, Sharon passed away three years ago.

As a longstanding member of FACT, Eddie has been actively involved with Tuart Place, and eventually decided to ‘take the plunge’ and ask for help with his literacy. Eddie says: I’ve wanted to do something about this all my life, but I felt embarrassed and humiliated. I didn’t want to expose my situation, so I kept it

Peter Bent uncovers lost photos!

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After many hours trawling through the collection at the Battye Library, and ending up with sore eyes, Peter Bent has uncovered newspaper articles and photos of the Clontarf Choir, which were previously thought to be lost.

Clontarf Boys Town Junior and Juvenile choirs achieved outstanding success in inter-school eisteddfods held in the 1950s, and won the overall competition in

‘go back to school’.

People don’t want to let others know about their problem and don’t want to ask for help. They feel embarrassed, and think it’s ‘too late to learn’.

This is not true! You can pick up the skills you missed out on during childhood.

1956 with the song Where’er Your Walk (scoring 49 out of a possible 50 points). News coverage of their performances include rave reviews of the junior choirs and soloists from Clontarf.

Well done and thank you Peter for locating these important historical photos.

The Junior Choir of Clontarf Boys Town in 1955

Eddie Cogan

to myself. When CBERS first opened I thought about attending one of their literacy groups, but I was still working then, and never found the time. Now I’m 76 years old and retired, I finally have the time!

I have been working with Erica – one of the lovely volunteers at Tuart Place – and she is helping me improve my writing. Erica is very patient and gentle – she said to me “this is not a classroom, take things slowly, and there’s no homework”.

Working with Erica in the comfortable and warm environment at Tuart Place, I have no fears.

It’s taken me a lifetime to do this and I’m very grateful that this opportunity has come along. I would recommend this to anyone who shares my problem – don’t hide your situation – come along and get help”.

If you would like to find out more about literacy support at Tuart Place, please contact Sue at reception.

Fairbridge - 100 years in WA 100 years ago Kingsley Fairbridge made Pinjarra WA his first stop to building a home for children left in orphanages in England. It was his intention to teach the children how to become farmers and domestics.

Sunday the 21st July 2013 (Founders Day) started with a church service conducted by Rev. Don Findlay (himself an old Fairbridgian). After the service some wreaths were laid outside the chapel on headstones of Kingsley Fairbridge.

Fairbridge organised a bus tour of the village for visitors and past residents giving an update on what was happening to the property. Lunch was held at The Fairbridge Club and everyone got together to chat and catch up with the school pals from years past.

The oldest Fairbridgian on the day came to WA in 1931 and he ventured over from Sydney for the occasion.

There were people from North Queensland, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast. A group photograph

was taken to remember the day.

About seven couples stayed at the Principal’s Cottage on the Friday and Saturday nights. A great time was had with a meal out on the first night, followed by a barbecue tea the next night with everybody all joining in with

The Tuart Place 2013 Survey One of the key findings of our 2013 Survey is that you like to be kept informed and that you value our newsletters.

97% of respondents to the Survey rated ‘Newsletters, information and announcements’ as the most important feature of Tuart Place.

The Survey has attracted 115 responses so far.

The majority of responses have come from men (71%), and 24% from women.

74% of the respondents are aged between 61 and 80 years old.

35% of respondents said they experience barriers to using the services at Tuart Place, with 78% of these stating that location, travel or distance were the main factors.

The top five features of Tuart Place, rated as being Very Important or

by Ann McVeigh

the cooking and having a great evening gathered around a warm fire inside - still catching up on past stories and remembering past friendships.

Ann McVeigh

Partner of Stan Smith (Old Fairbridgian)

Newsletter rated the ‘Most Important’ feature

Important, are: • Newsletters, information and announcements (97%) If you haven’t received our • Help to locate and access personal survey, please contact Sue at Tuart records, files, photos etc (90%) Place and she will send you a form and • A place that is homely and wel- reply-paid envelope. coming/where you can drop in (86%) • Counselling and support groups (85%) • Help to deal with services such as aged care, medical, dental, housing, legal and Centrelink (85%)

Thank you to everyone who has participated in our 2103 survey so far. Your feedback is very important to us, and will help us to continue developing the best resource service possible.

Thanks also to student social Tuart Place: located at the old Cleo’s worker Dain Kirwan, who collated the Hotel at 24 High Street Fremantle survey data.

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A Rising Star in Social Work Student social worker Dain Kirwan has been on placement with us since June, and will leave in early September, when his fieldwork placement ends.

During his 12 week placement Dain also spent one day a week at the Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka, where he experienced working in an agency that supports humanitarian entrants and Indigenous families through the provision of educational programs and community development activities.

Given Dain’s current role as a Senior Case Manager at the Department of Housing’s North Metro Disruptive

Behaviour Management Unit, he was keen to experience social work in a smaller agency where service users have a strong role in governance and self-determination.

Dain very quickly became a valued member of our team, and his friendly and relaxed manner fitted perfectly with the warm and welcoming environment of Tuart Place.

Dain is now on the home stretch of his social work degree at the University of WA, juggling part-time study and full time work, and we wish him all the best.

We hope you’ll stay in touch Dain - you are always welcome at Tuart Place!

Are you interested in speaking to the media?

Tuart Place is sometimes asked to comment on issues in the media, and journalists usually ask if we know of anyone who might be willing to talk about their own experiences.

Given the nature of childhood trauma and abuse, people are often reluctant to ‘go public’, and we respect this decision entirely.

For others, speaking openly about past experiences is empowering, and a further step in their healing journey.

A series of articles featuring people who come to Tuart Place appeared in Community Newspapers in June this year. The participants felt it was worthwhile, and the response to the articles has been amazing!

We would like to develop a list of people we can contact regarding interviews, and if there are sufficient

numbers we’ll organise some sessions on managing the media and dealing with journalists, for those who are interested.

This is a sensitive area, and when people speak to journalists via Tuart Place, they know there is solid support available. And always -– above

anything else -– your wellbeing is the first priority, so never feel obligated to go ahead unless you feel completely comfortable with the arrangements.

For further information or to express you interest, contact Sue at Tuart Place.

Annual Picnic at Waterford

VALE Alfrieda Bellia 9-2-45 – 27-6-13

To Brigid and family, so sorry to hear of your Mum’s passing. Alfrieda will always be remembered fondly by her school pals.

Another child migrant gone to rest. RIP Alfrieda.

From Rita and Ann (Lucy)

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L-R Rita Sturnolio & Ann McVeigh with Alfrieda

This year’s annual picnic is on Sunday 17th November 2013, from 12 noon to 4.00pm. There’s a free sausage sizzle, and barbecue facilities for those who prefer to bring their own.

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.

The Budd family of Canberra are off to Wales The Budd family of Canberra will soon be loving and wonderful sisters and accepted off on a great family adventure to the UK. me from the outset of our meeting –that

Bob and I decided that now is the feeling has never changed. I also felt very time for our three daughters Narelle, Jenny sad remembering all those wasted years and Samantha and 8 of our grandchildren we were apart.

– Maddie, Georgia, Jamie, Harry, Lucy, Bob and I have returned to Wales Michael, Riley and Noah (looks like an several times. One sad trip was to attend invasion!) to meet up with my sister the funeral of my sister Sheila and recently, Monica. Sadly her twin, Sheila, died a couple of years ago.

We also have two sons David and Graeme and their children Buffy, Bindi and Macalah who are too young for such as trip at this stage. Chris, our eldest grandchild has work commitments – maybe next time!!

I was one of many children shipped out to Australia after the war.

I was sent to St Joseph’s Orphanage in Subiaco Back row (L-R):Georgia, Jamie, Lucy WA. I wasn’t allowed Jenny, Maddie, Dilys, Narelle any contact with my twin Bob, Samantha, Harry, Riley, Noah, Michael sisters who I was told would be on the next boat.

In fact, it was 30 years before I saw them with assistance from the Child Migrant again.

Trust for which I am very grateful, to be

In 1972 Bob and I decided it with my sister Monica to help her celebrate was time to try and find my sisters. We her 80th birthday. I was also able to visit made contact and in August 1976 we my sister Sheila’s grave on the anniversary set off on our first trip to Wales to meet of her death. On our last visit I found my them. I remember being very nervous mother’s grave after searching for many and wondered if they would accept me. I years. needn’t have worried. They were the most When we first started planning

The boys who sailed away Delvin John Flynn, one of the boys who stayed at St Mary’s Gravesend in England, had always wondered what happened to the “bunch of lads who were shipped to Australia in 1953”.

A few years ago Delvin made contact with some of ‘the boys who sailed away’, including Mick Monaghan, who now lives in Tasmania with his wife Edna. Mick said: “I suppose we were like brothers who were separated never to meet again. It is a mystery to me what criteria was used as to

who would go”.

Delvin recently contacted Tuart Place with an update and he writes: “We have a flourishing St Mary’s writing group which includes at least a dozen or so members in Australia.

Our motto is KOKO (keep on keeping on)”.

If you would like to subscribe to the St Mary’s writing group, please contact Delvin at delvinjohnflynn72@ gmail.com Thanks to Eddie Butler for linking Delvin with Tuart Place. KOKO!

the trip, the question was asked “how are you going to pay for all this without robbing a bank?” Bob and I have collected gold and silver coins and other little treasures for years (for our old age we said). Well, we are now in our old age so we decided to sell the coins etc and put the money towards the trip. We’ve almost reached our target. The fact that Bob and I worked into our mid-seventies has also helped.

The kids are very excited about the trip and those old enough are working part-time for extra spending money.

We will be spending a few days in Bangkok for the kids to have some experience of Asia and then on to the sounds and sights of London, before we set off for Wales to meet their Aunty Mona and their first and second cousins.

While in London the wonderful sisters of Nazareth House in Hammersmith have offered the whole family accommodation.

I have stayed there before and I know the kids are in for a real treat.

So it’s up up up and away!!

Dilys Budd (nee Winter)

Can you Help?

Did you know Donald Scott?

Does anyone who was at Castledare, Clontarf, Tardun or Bindoon in the late 1930s to 40s remember Don Scott?

Don was born in WA and was placed at Castledare when he was six years old, and was then moved to three other orphanages, before being evacuated to Tardun during the War.

Aged 81, Don

died on 8th March 2012 without ever talking about his childhood, which I’m sure is not unusual. He left a loving family who would now like to know more about his time at these places. I can be contacted on (07) 4957-3413 or jscott@ matilda.net.au, or leave a message for me at Tuart Place.

Jenny Scott (wife).

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Royal Commission News

Tuart Place has been kept very busy with the demands of the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse.

Large numbers of people are seeking help to register, submit information, and access documents such as Redress statements and Towards Healing documents.

On 31st July, Tuart Place hosted a presentation by Prue Gregory, a solicitor with ‘knowmore’, the free legal advisory service for the Royal Commission.

51 care leavers attended

Brian & Ray

Tuart Place 2013 Survey

86% of respondents said they would like to be kept informed about the progress of the Royal Commission, and 58% said that they might like help to submit information.

the session, which was followed by private consultations with Prue that afternoon and the following day. Apologies to those who missed out – please book early for knowmore’s next visit on Wednesday 6th & Thursday 7th November 2013.

Prue’s visit in July was followed by that of David Anker, a Community Engagement Officer with the Royal Commission, who visited Tuart Place on 8th August.

David responded to questions from a group of approximately 20 care leavers.

One of the key concerns raised was the lack of clear information provided to people who register with the Royal Commission. David took note of this and other issues raised by Tuart Place staff. We are pleased to report that David has taken prompt action to address our concerns.

At the knowmore session (L-R): Christine Ockenfels of Anglicare, knowmore solicitor Prue Gregory & Tuart Place Director Philippa White.

Handy Hint

When you ring the Royal Commission to register, don’t forget to ask for a Reference Number.

NEXT VISIT by knowmore legal advisory service Book now for the next visit to Tuart Place by knowmore legal service on 6-7th November.

knowmore’s next visit is scheduled for Wednesday 6th and

Thursday 7th November 2013.

Two knowmore solicitors will conduct an information session, followed by private consultations on Wednesday 6th, with further private

consultations available on Thursday 7th November.

Contact Sue at Tuart Place to RSVP and/or book a private consult.

Greetings from Paddy Cannon

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Hello all, We came on our own but we are not on our own anymore.

Many old boys have kept in touch with each other over the years, my network is great.

Best wishes come from some over East. John Hennessey and Donald Spiers from NSW, Tony Lane from Victoria, Paddy O’Flaherty from ACT and Patrick Delany from Victoria.

Unfortunately we lost Michael Spiers this years, Donald’s brother. We sent our best to their family.

Well done Brian Tennant for the legal work you do for some of the old boys and your fellows.

Friends please keep an eye on some of our old boys who are doing it hard and are not well. I have been in touch with Fred Smith and his partner recently, I haven’t seen him for years.

To Pip, Susy, Sue and Staff, thank you from all of us for all the work you do on behalf of care leavers.

Pat Cannon

Clontarf Old Boys at the Perth RSL Club in August (L-R): Jim Pearson, Eddie Cogan, Jim Claffey, Chas Leahy & Pat Cannon.

Mike Carter had just left when the photo was taken

Nazareth News

with Maureen Briggs-Trewin

In early August I was in Geraldton for some R & R. Whilst there I caught up with Peggy & Maureen enjoyed some time with them sharing a good old fashioned cuppa and a chit chat. It was lovely to see them again happy and smiling.

I stayed with June and Joe thanks to you both for you hospitality. Mind you, June was not at all well suffering from a terrible bronchial winter

ailment. After talking with her today June is now much better - not that being out of sorts stopped her from attending her bowls.

To all who celebrated their birthdays in August hope you all had a good one with family and friends.

Bye for now stay safe and well.

Signing off, Maureen.

60th Anniversary of the ‘53ers

...and memories of a lost treasure Thanks to Mike O’Donoghue During his time at Clontarf for reminding us that this year Mike saved the money he earned is the 60th anniversary for child while he was billeted out, and migrants who arrived in Australia buried it under his pigeon cage in in 1953. Along with 1947, ’53 was a jam tin. one of the biggest years for child When Mike was told he migration from the UK and Malta. was to leave Clontarf he was only Mike was among given an hour to get those who sailed ready - not enough to Australia aboard time to go back to the the Maloja in August pigeon cage and dig 1953. up the jam tin, which On his would have contained arrival Mike was nearly five pounds by sent to Clontarf, and then! while there became

Mike never did part of the ‘pigeon get back to retrieve cage gang’ – a group the jam tin, and he of boys who set up wonders if it is still their own pigeon buried on the grounds cages separate from of Clontarf today…

Mike with one of his the main one. prize pigeons

Tony Ryan’s Network Once again, Tony Ryan has had an excellent response from readers to photos published in the newsletter. Tony writes: “Thanks to the people who called up, helping to put names to faces in the photo published in the last Tuart Times. I now have the names of all 10 boys.

Their first names are: Front row (L-R): Victor (Sambo), Fred, Allen, Richard, Paul, Michael, Chris, Malcolm Back row: William and John

Happy 80th birthday Mary Armstrong

Mary Armstrong celebrated her 80th birthday on Sunday 26th May 2013, surrounded by many family members and some very special friends.

Mary Smith & Marie Miller

Joan Tuff & Mary Circenis

Mary & Patrick with family Mary with 2 of her daughters

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What’s new on Find & Connect?

The Find & Connect website continues to grow and develop as a key resource for locating records and information about out-of-home care.

Dr Deb Rosser, who created Signposts WA’s forerunner to Find & Connect – is the State Based Historian for the project, and brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the role.

Deb’s passion for her work means she goes the extra mile in searching for untapped sources of records, information and precious photos.

Debbi recently uncovered this ‘Aunt Mary says…” article, published in The Western Mail on 22nd April 1954.

This rather quaint item

features 14-year-old Bob Taylor of Boys’ Town Bindoon. We forwarded this item to Bob, who now lives in Queensland, and he was most amused to see an article he didn’t know existed.

The WA Find & Connect website links to a wide range of information, and proved to be a valuable resource during the preparation of a Report by Tuart Place to the Northern Ireland Historical Instiutional Abuse Inquiry (Report available at www. tuartplace.org).

Check out some of the new and interesting entries on the Find & Connect WA web resource shown on the right.

Adoption

Have you seen this?

http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/wa/biogs/WE00438b.htm Home of the Good Shepherd…it started in St George’s Terrace http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/wa/biogs/WE00901b.htm

Chidley Education Centre

CONGRATULATIONS RON LOVE!

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http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/wa/biogs/WE00506b htm

Hearty congratulations to Ron Place’s Senior Therapist/Coordinator Love on achieving a Certificate IV Susy Vaughan. in Community Development in July Jenn Aldrick’s current 2013. enrolment at TAFE where she is Ron is an Australian-born ex- studying nursing has delayed her resident of Castledare and Clontarf. completion of the Certificate IV, but He has been a member of the FACT Jenn hopes to resume work on it as Board of Governance soon as possible. Go for the last two years.

Jenn!

Ron’s journey Meanwhile, towards a tertiary Ron has been going qualification began from strength to in October 2012, strength in his work when he and Jenny as an Ambassador for Aldrick joined ten Forgotten Australians other ‘Forgotten and Former Child Australians’ from Migrants, and his around the country monthly newsletter, to attend a five-day Ron’s Gazette, now Ambassador training has more than 180 Ron and Susy course in Adelaide. email subscribers On their return to WA, across the country. If you would Ron and Jenn completed a series like to receive Ron’s Gazette, please of assessments and other course contact Sue at Tuart Place. requirements, assisted by Tuart

Find & Connect

Workshop at Tuart Place on Monday 18th November Get help to use the new Find & Connect website Big changes have been made to the appearance and ‘user friendliness’ of the Find & Connect website in response to your feedback, and thank you to all those who participated in our usability testing sessions last year.

Find & Connect staff from Melbourne Uni will join local Historian Deb Rosser at Tuart Place on Monday 18th November for a workshop on using the new web resource. Workshop starts at 1.00pm in the computer lab. RSVP to Sue on 6140-2380.

VALE

Thanks to Dennis McNerney for advising us on a farm, and thanks to Laurie of the death of Laurie Tormey in June. some photos that mysteriously Dennis writes: Laurie’s funeral was disappeared were returned to well attended by his family and friends, me.

25-7-44 – 16-6-13 including eight Clonnie Old Boys who came He loved driving his slick to pay their respects. convertible car - his pride and

I didn’t know Laurie that well as he was few years joy - in the early 60s, not long after he left older than me, but our paths obviously crossed when we school. were both in the bus accident.

Laurie’s son Peter contacted me

Thanks also to Tony Ryan for sending when he saw the picture of the four lads us information on Laurie. Tony at the Clontarf chicken coop, after it was writes: published in the Can You Help section of The Laurie was a very bright lad West Australian. who got on well at school and made I was able to send him some photos a lot of friends. A great mate. of his dad as a lad, photos he never knew Laurie used to come out and existed. He was so pleased - he said they visit me at Mundijong where I worked meant the world to him.

Laurie Tormey

Finding Family You may recall an item in the last Tuart Times about Alison Boocock (nee Welsh), who located her first cousin Maureen Currie (nee Welsh) via Tuart Place in April this year.

Alison had been researching her family history and discovered in February that she had two full cousins Maureen and the late Lionel (Geordie) Welsh.

In August we received an email from Alison to say that Maureen had just arrived in Scotland and they were having a marvellous time getting to know each other!

VALE Dalby Tuff

Maureen’s visit coincided with the Edinburgh Tattoo and our photo shows the two cousins on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

We were very sad to hear of the passing of Dalby, beloved husband of Joan Tuff (nee McCloskey).

It was lovely to see Joan and Dalby when they visited Mary and Sid in May this year, and nice that they could spend some time with Joan’s sister Debbie in Sydney prior to their arrival.

Sincerest condolences to all the family.

Sydney 2013. Dalby (standing) with Joan, Debbie & Deb’s friend Jean

Maureen & Alison

Tuart Place: A Poem by Marlene Cook Tuart Place

Our Tuart Place is so strong and true.

A place of refuge for me and you.

Wise are her boughs of learning.

Yielding are her leaves of healing.

No canings, whippings or cruelty will be tolerated beneath her gentle canopy here.

For she is compassion and understanding.

Extending a caring and helping hand.

I enjoy my “feel good” Wednesday morning connect group session with Senior Therapist Susy Vaughan and all others attending, for they are jolly, good company. We discuss many things past and present and in doing so (with the guidance of a professional and caring Susy) bond, connect and problem solve.

Tuart Place is a really safe environment to learn and grow with those who know and understand our nightmares of the past. We are

all survivors and although carrying mighty wounds, still stand strong and true as all good brothers and sisters do. We have fought the good fight and won.

May Tuart Place reign supreme.

Marlene Cook 4th July 2013 PS: Our cakes, biscuits, rolls and refreshments aren’t too bad either, in fact to die for. So just follow the crumb trail and join in with our laughter and our sumptuous morning teas! 11

Northern Ireland Inquiry coming to Perth More than 50 applications from background information relevant former child migrants living in WA to applications that will be have been recieved by the Northern submitted by ex-residents living in Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Australia.

Inquiry, and Inquiry representatives

While everyone will have an will make their first visit to WA in late individual account of how they September 2013. In a recent letter were affected by their time in to Tuart Place, Inquiry Chairman Sir Northern Irish institutions and Anthony Hart wrote: their migration to Australia, some

“I am grateful to you for your impacts of child migration are help in publicising the work of the common to all. The Tuart Place Inquiry into Historical Institutional Report focuses on those impacts Abuse in Northern Ireland (the HIA A group of children leaving Belfast for Australia and outcomes that were universal, in August 1947. If you are in this photo and Inquiry). At the time of writing or were experienced by the great would like a copy (including names), please the HIA Inquiry has received 343 majority of child migrants. contact Tuart Place applications altogether, over 50 of

The Report is designed to whom are from Australia who have assist the Inquiry by providing

Tuart Place will continue applied to the Inquiry so far. Because supporting the work of the Inquiry information about the particular of the large number of applicants to ensure that the voices of former circumstances of children sent to from Australia it make sense for the child migrants from Northern Ireland Australia from Northern Ireland under HIA Inquiry to send representatives to are heard, and has submitted a the UK child migration schemes.

Australia to speak to the applicants comprehensive Report to the inquiry.

A copy of the Report can be first to avoid a large number of The Report: “Impacts viewed at www.tuartplace.org applicants and their companions and outcomes of child migration To contact the Inquiry from Australia, having to make the journey to experienced by former child migrants phone 0011+44+2890+720608.

Northern Ireland to speak to the HIA from Northern Ireland” provides Email: general@hiainquiry.org Web: Inquiry”. www.hiainquiry.org

What’s On? • 7th September: Tuart Place Fundraising Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings O’Connor • 11-13th September: Self Help & Support Groups Expo (Garden City Booragoon) • 18th September: Movie & pizza at Tuart Place. ‘Paris, Texas’ starts 4.30pm • 23rd September: Exergaming starts at Tuart Place 1-3pm • 23rd September: Family tracing by appointment 1-4pm • 26th September: Fun & Frolic at Tuart Place. 12-4pm • 10th October: New Life-skills Course ‘Managing Stress’ starts 10.30am • 12th October: Day trip to Toodyay Agricultural show • 14th October: Free Dental service at Tuart Place all day • 28th October: Family tracing by appointment 1-4pm • 6-7th November: knowmore visit: Free legal advice for Royal Commission. Private consults at Tuart Place.

• 17th November: Annual picnic at Waterford 12noon4pm • 18th November: Find & Connect workshop at Tuart Place • Every Monday: Singing group 10.30am-12 noon & the Big Monday Lunch at noon • Every Wednesday: Susy’s support Group 10.30am-12 noon.

News Flash Tuart Place Finalist in Good Practice Awards Tuart Place has been selected as Finalist in the Connectgroups 2013 Good Practice Awards in the category of Innovation. FACT Board member Mr Ron Love has been selected as a Finalist in the Champion Award category.

Winners will be announced at a Gala Night on 11th September, which will also celebrate Connectgroups 30th Anniversary.

This event also coincides with the National Self Help and Support Groups Awareness Expo, organised by Connectgroups each year.

TUART PLACE

CONTACT DETAILS & OPENING HOURS Opening Hours 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160 9.00am to 5.00pm Phone (08) 6140-2380 Monday Freecall: 1800-619-795 Wednesday Email admin@tuartplace.org Thursday Web: www.tuartplace.org