The
Tuart Times
ISSUE 7: FEBRUARY 2014
The Laurie Humphreys Fund
Tuart Place wins Mental Health Service Award Tuart Place won the GESB Award for Improved Outcomes in Seniors Mental Health at the WA Mental Health Commission’s 2013 Good Outcomes Awards. The award was presented at a breakfast held at the UWA Club to mark Mental Health Week in October 2013. This is the first year Tuart Place has entered the awards and we are very pleased to have received this strong endorsement for the unique, professionally underpinned peer support model developed by Tuart Place. The Mental Health Good Outcomes Awards celebrate individuals, groups, programs, services and partnerships across the government, private and community sectors that have made an outstanding contribution to mental
PHOTO: (L-R) Mental Health Commissioner Eddie Bartnik, FACT Inc Vice-Chairperson Jenny Aldrick, Tuart Place Director Philippa White, FACT Chairperson Ron Love, Tuart Place Senior Therapist Susy Vaughan, with Minister for Mental Health Helen Morton
health in Western Australia. Award for Consumer Involvement and We were especially pleased Engagement. that Ron Love was named as a finalist Congratulations to all. in the West Australian Newspapers
Sizzling Snaggers at Waterford A bumper crowd attended the eighth annual end-of-year picnic at Waterford, and there was plenty of fun and laughter as old friends caught up on a lovely sunny November day. Normie Scott swung into action with his new hitech sound system, and also set up an electronic slide
Blokes at the barbie: Mike Hogan, Dennis McNerney & Kevin Collins cook up a storm Group shot: A cheer from the crowd at the 2013 BBQ
show of historic photos inside the clubhouse. Maureen BriggsTrewin introduced an exciting new element to this year’s event with a great set of hampers and a raffle that raised $374 for Tuart Place. Many thanks for this Maureen, the money Continued on page 4
WHAT’S ON?
Fortnightly pizza & film
• Monday 24th February: WAGS (WA Genealogical Society) family history session 1-3pm • Wednesday 26th Feb: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘Bucket List’ 12-2.30pm • Mon 5th, Thurs 6th & Mon 10th March: Royal Commission Officers at Tuart Place • Monday 10th March: Exergaming *New weekly competition* 1-3pm • Wednesday 12th March: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘Songwriter’ 12-2.30pm • Monday 17th March: WAGS (WA Genealogical Society) family history session 1-3pm • Monday 24th March: Timetrackers family history workshop at Tuart Place • Wednesday 26th March: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘The Sapphires’ 12-2.30pm • Monday 7th April: Free visiting dental service at Tuart Place • Monday 14th April: Stroke Awareness presentation with Helena Johnstone 1-2pm • Wednesday 9th April: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘Red Dog’ 12-2.30pm • Wednesday 23rd April: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘The Guard’ 12-2.30pm • Wednesday 7th May: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place (Film title TBA) 12-2.30pm • Monday 16th June: ASCA workshop for Survivors of childhood trauma • Every Monday: Singing group 10.30am-12 noon & the Big Monday Lunch at noon • Every Monday: Royal Commission Support Worker available at Tuart Place • Every Monday from 10th March: Exergaming at Tuart Place 1-3pm • Every Wednesday: Susy’s support Group 10.30am-12 noon • Every Thursday: Individual Literacy and Life-skills tuition, by appointment
Wednesday afternoons at Tuart Place
Come and enjoy our new big screen theatre! Delicious pizza served at 12 noon Film starts at 12.30 pm Finish by 2.30pm Cost: Free for participants $5 for family & friends See ‘What’s On’ for schedule of films
EXERGAMING starts 10th March Seniors Exergaming is a mix of low impact exercising and games using the Xbox game console. Armed with our new big screen TV, Tuart Place will take part in the 2014 Exergaming competition, and compete against other services. Sign up now to be part of the Tuart Place team, and help us think up a name - the ‘Tuart Place Tigers’ perhaps? There are games to suit everyone, including Ten Pin Bowling, Footy, Soccer, Golf, Darts, and Table Tennis. There are games to help your balance and co-ordination, as well as challenging your mind all while having fun with friends. The 2014 competition kicks off at 1pm on Monday 10th March. Come and have a go - it really is fun!
Stroke Awareness Presentation Know your risk and lower your risk factors
How do you know if someone is having a stroke? Stroke is always a medical emergency, and the longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the chance of brain damage. Tuart Place will host a Stroke Awareness presentation by Helena Johnstone at 1-2pm on Monday 14th April 2014. Helena is a Consultant with the Stroke Foundation (and many of you will know her as one of our wonderful Tuart Place Volunteers).
Homemade pumpkin pie
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With our regular chef Sandy on leave, Maureen Briggs-Trewin volunteered to step into the fray and catered for a recent Monday lunch, attended by more than 20 guests. It was a real ‘home-grown’ affair, and included delicious pumpkin fritters and pumpkin pie, made by Maureen from a pumpkin grown by Mark Bennetts in his
veggie garden. Our photo shows Maureen with Mark, as he is just about to taste pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert (it was fabulous). Thanks for the pumpkin Mark, and thanks Maureen for all you do for Tuart Place.
What happens at Tuart Place?
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.
Free dental service at Tuart Place
Book now for an appointment on Monday 7th April
Jan and John Owen and their Kimberley Dental Team are coming back to Tuart Place on Monday 7th April 2014. Free dental consultations will be available from 9am, and will be provided from a mobile
vehicle unit, meaning that additional treatments may be available. 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 of people in need of dental treatment can’t afford private dental fees. Book now for an appointment with KDT at Tuart Place on 7th April.
Ancestry Workshop at Tuart Place Monday 24th March - Book now!
Mike Murray and Lesley Silvester run the busy genealogy business TimeTrackers, specialising in British and Australian family history. As well as carrying out research for clients, they give talks, run workshops and courses, publish books and make family history videos. They have helped thousands of clients across Australia and in the UK, New Zealand, USA and a smattering of other countries since Lesley started TimeTrackers in 2000. Both Mike and Lesley are
heavily involved in voluntary work with WAGS (the Western Australian Genealogical Society). Mike has regular speaking engagements on a variety of genealogical topics and has offered to do a one-hour workshop at Tuart Place to demonstrate the Ancestry.com website to participants. At the workshop Mike will use the big screen to show some of the most useful databases on Ancestry, and also demonstrate some practical tips to help improve your search skills.
The Tuart Place singers The Tuart Place Singers are soaring to new heights and having good fun is the order of the day. The TP Singers performed wonderfully at our Christmas Party and also sang a couple of tunes before the Find & Connect Workshop in November. Our singing group is really
informal and there’s no obligation to turn up – except when you want to. The Monday morning singing group is followed by our Big Monday Lunch, which is also soaring to new heights. Singing is good for you, so why not come along and join in!
TIMETRACKERS: Lesley & Mike
After the demonstration Mike and Lesley will stay on for an hour or so to help participants on a one-to-one basis.
ASCA Workshop coming to Tuart Place
We’re pleased to confirm that an all all-day workshop for survivors of childhood trauma will be presented by Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA) at Tuart Place on Monday 16th June 2014. Participants who attended the last ASCA workshop held in Perth were very impressed by the quality of the presentation, and by what they learned on the day. Places are limited so book early to avoid missing out. Further details in the next Tuart Times.
COME & TRY
Free Activities for over 55s Contact Tuart Place for details of City of Freo’s new activities, including Ceramics, Lawn bowls, Learning iPad, Writing circle, Discovery walk, Ukelele, Oil painting..... and much, much more!
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Annual picnic at Waterford
Continued from page 1
Continued from page 1
raised has been added to our dental support fund. As Ron Love mentioned in his Gazette, some of those present used the time to reflect on the anniversary of the National Apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. Free 4th Anniversary badges were made available at the picnic (and are still available at Tuart Place). We missed the Joey Girls at this year’s event. Your members have suffered some very sad losses
in recent times, and our hearts go out to all those who lost loved ones and suffered ill health. May 2014 be a better year for all. Many thanks to all those who helped out, particularly Dennis McNerney who once again arranged the venue, and to Mike, Kevin, Errol, Dave, and Ron for your help on the day – and we must mention the wonderful ladies who helped out in the kitchen. Those bread rolls didn’t butter themselves!
Ambassadors in Action
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FACT Inc Vice Chairperson Jenny Aldrick is the Proxy Delegate for WA on AFA - the National Alliance of Forgotten Australians, and is currently standing in for WA Delegate Jean Costello. At the AFA meeting in November 2013, Jenny uncovered a great resource for care leavers – a booklet produced by the National Museum of Australia, called Inside: Life in Children’s Homes and Institutions, and ordered 500 copies.
On her return to WA, Jenny showed the booklet to Carol, a lecturer at Challenger TAFE, where Jenn is completing her nursing degree. Carol immediately recognised the potential for these booklets as a training resource for nursing students, as a way to increase students’ understanding of patients who grew up in institutional care, and how this might affect the way they feel about entering an aged care institution. Jenny and fellow
Ambassador Ron Love are now booked to co-present lectures to Murdoch TAFE nursing students to raise awareness of issues affecting Forgotten Australians, Former Child Migrants and members of the Stolen GenContact Tuart Place for a free copy of the ‘Inside’ booklet. erations, and will use the Inside booklet as a resource. These lectures are now set to become a perWell done Jenny and manent part of the Murdoch Ron – you really are outnursing curriculum, to be atstanding Ambassadors for tended by all Stage One nursForgotten Australians in WA. ing students.
Tony Dalton honoured by local Council Clontarf Old Boy Tony Dalton has been honoured by the City of Canning with a bench and a plaque donated by local residents to mark his long residence in the City of Canning. Community Newspapers covered the unveiling ceremony in November 2013, and reported that “Mr Dalton has been a local resident from childhood, first moving to the area in 1947 (when he arrived in Australia as a Child Migrant and was sent to Clontarf), and since the 1960’s has lived in Surrey Road, Wilson with his wife Monica, where they raised three children”. The City of Canning installed
Commissioner Linton the bench at the request of the Reynolds (standing) with Wilson Ratepayer’s Association who Monica & Tony Dalton offered to pay for the installation of the bench and plaque. The bench and plaque are in Fern Park, near the Riverton Bridge. City of Canning Commissioner Linton Reynolds the City does not usually approve requests of this nature: “Normally we only install plaques recognising individuals after they have passed away,” he Congratulations Tony and said. “In this case the City of Canning Monica, and thanks to MyCommunity. supported the application to install the com for this photo. bench because of the long connection Mr and Mrs Dalton have to the area.”
Historical Photos Project
Moore River scouts in the 1940s. Young Len Ogilvie is in the in the front row, 3rd from left
Thanks to everyone who responded to the Historical Photos request in our last newsletter. Len Oglivie loaned us some great photos of the Moore River Native Settlement, which was renamed Mogumber in 1951. Len’s photos are of the Moore River Scouts in the 1940s, and a 1990 reunion held at Moore River. Thanks also to Fred Kay for the photo below, which shows a group of boys at Castledare in 1938. Young Fred is standing on the far right.
A Moore River reunion in the early 1990s L-R: Bob Chitty, George May, Marge Bandy (former teacher), Len Ogilvie & Sr Eileen Heath
Do you have any old photos that might not be in our collection?
Photos can hold precious memories, but many people who grew up in care do not have photos of their childhood. If you can contribute to the Historical Photo collection, your original photos will be scanned and returned safely to you. Please contact Tuart Place for further information.
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Former Bindoon boy Bob Taylor writes:
Who Am I?
The title of Bob Taylor’s book Who Am I? captures the heart of a key source of pain for many people who as children were denied basic information about their own identities, and who as adults have been unable to locate any family of origin. The summary of Bob’s book reads: “Bob Taylor never know a mother’s love, abandoned in a home in England for women with nowhere else to go. Proof of his identity was cruelly destroyed under the bungled child migration scheme. He was shipped off to Australia as a young boy of 10 and lived in fear in a Catholic orphanage
for six years. He should have ended up in the gutter but instead a damaged soul was restored by his life’s work in the remote national parks of Western Australia. Bob Taylor was the first ranger in the famous Bungles and the longest serving ranger ever when he retired in 2001 after 29 years. His last wish is to find his mother’s grave.” To purchase a copy of Who Am I?, contact Bob by email at taylormade39@ bigpond.com, phone (07) 4095-4676, or by snail mail at Post Office Box 480, TOLGA QLD 4882. The book is $30 plus $10 postage.
Open Hearts and Helping Hands: The Humphreys legacy lives on Many of our readers knew the late Laurie Humphreys, a former resident of Bindoon, and the founding Chairperson of Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT). Laurie fought long and hard to establish a resource service for care leavers in WA – now Tuart Place – and was active in many other areas of service to the wider community. Service to the community must run in the family, as in 2013 three generations of the Humphreys clan started up Open Hearts and Helping Hands, which provides support to people who are homeless. Laurie’s daughter-in-law Linda, granddaughters Lisa and Emma, and great-granddaughter Tiannah organise
monthly distributions of much-needed essentials for people sleeping rough in the Perth area. Open Hearts and Helping Hands would welcome more volunteer helpers, and this month they need donations of the following items: sleeping bags,
Visit from Fremantle Medicare Local
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Medicare Local is an independent, non-government agency working in collaboration with health care providers to promote health and wellbeing in the local community. Maisie Stokes and Madison King of Fremantle Medicare Local recently visited Tuart Place and spent some time talking with Susy and participants Wendy, Ron L-R: Maisie Stokes, Susy Vaughan & and Dave about the services they Madison King at Tuart Place run. These include GP services, Indigenous health, mental health, To find out more phone (08) coping with chronic illnesses, and 9319 0555 or check out the website maintaining a healthy lifestyle. www.fremantlemedicarelocal.com.au
camping mats, hats, back packs, water bottles, juice boxes, chocolate milk boxes, instant noodle cups, snack pack items (muesli bars, chips, biscuits and la snacks etc) and fruit. Any good quality second hand clothes, shoes, towels and hand towels and toiletries (soap, tooth paste, tooth brushes), hair brushes and combs are also appreciated. The arrangements for each monthly event are made via the group’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ Openheartsandhelpinghands Open Hearts and Helping Hands is coming to Fremantle and will set up outside Tuart Place between 7pm - 9pm Saturday 8th February. Donations can be dropped off at Tuart Place.
Can you Help? Derek Smith arrived in Australia as a child migrant from England on the SS Strathnaver in April 1953, under the Fairbridge Society Scheme. Derek made some friends aboard and would love to hear from them again: Michael Allen, Ian Cunningham. Hazel Jones, Robert Jones, John E.D. Jones, Michael Lewens, Terry Savoury and Rosemary Wall. Contact Derek Smith, 41 Ochiltree Way, Kardinya, WA 6163 Ph: (09) 9337-5685
The Budd family’s wonderful trip to Wales Readers may recall a story called ‘The the book, then bused to Wales on the day in and around Cardiff. and we were Budd family of Canberra are off to Wales’ Sunday (Bob and I had left earlier to finalise introduced to a favourite pastime in the in the last Tuart Times. Many thanks to accommodation). From London to Cardiff UK - car boot sales – which the kids thought Dilys Budd for this update on the family’s by bus was £5 per head, by train £40 – no was fun and they picked up lots of bargains. wonderful trip and reunion. But the main The trip was a highly highlight was meeting successful adventure. We started up with their relatives, A photo of us all (including my sister, Mona, green jumper) being welcomed off from Sydney Airport on 14th and they all got on like at Nazareth House in Cardiff. This photo appeared in two newspapers. September and stayed 4 days a ‘house on fire’. All of in Bangkok, followed by 4 days them wanted to spend in London staying at Nazareth more time with their House in Hammersmith. new found relatives I can’t say enough and it was a teary about the tremendous welcome farewell when it came we got when we all turned up. time to say goodbye. Although, when the 13 of us Using Cardiff arrived armed with suitcases and as a base we also backpacks, I bet they wondered travelled to Blackpool have we bitten off more than we to see the magnificent can chew? illuminations, the However it all worked out very historic city of Oxford well and the children were really and the sporting fields fascinated and pleased to be in of Liverpool. such a welcoming environment. The family returned The children set the home on 12 October table for meals and cleaned up afterwards contest. and Bob and I stayed on to spend more – that’s right, we were well fed too!! The The fortnight in Cardiff was also a time with my sister. All in all it was a children insisted on giving a very generous great success. Bob and I and our daughter wonderful adventure evidenced by the donation but I still think we got the best Samantha and her two children stayed with tears on departure and the continuing talk end of the bargain. my sister and we arranged for the rest of about the trip since our return. Their four days in London were the family to say at a conveniently located If we could, would we do it again? ‘full on’ I really don’t know when they apartment, which they loved. Definitely YES!! slept!! They visited every historic site in Sightseeing was the order of the Dilys Budd (nee Winter)
VALE Mary Armstrong 1933 - 2013
Those of us who knew Mary Armstrong were greatly saddened by our loss when Mary died, aged 80, in November 2013. In a moving Eulogy delivered by Mary and Patrick’s son Bradley at a Requiem Mass for Mary at Kalamunda Church, Bradley paid tribute to his mother’s warmth and her acceptance of all people, no matter what their circumstances. “I have often wondered, without parents of her own to guide her, how mum managed to be such a caring and loving mother. Her most significant influence over her early years in Australia was her fellow orphans. These young women, sharing the common bond of
having been sent as child migrants to Australia from Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland, had to learn about life together without the love of parents to guide them. They were an incredible band of sisters who took care of one another. Mum forged life-long bonds with the ‘girls’. Some have passed away but there are many here today. I wish to acknowledge their presence and the considerably positive influence they had on my mother’s outlook on life. Mum’s most significant source of inspiration was our Dad. Patrick and Mary married on the 15th of February 1958 in Albany. They were soul mates who spent the next 55 years together. They raised six children and have 16 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. What a wonderful team they turned out to be!” Bradley said. Our hearts go out to the family
Mary & Patrick with family, celebrating Mary’s 80th birthday in May 2013
and especially to Patrick on the loss of his wonderful Mary. In a recent email, Patrick wrote: “The great feedback I most frequently get is how impressed people were of a cohesive family brought up with love. Mary was proud of her children and they, and all of our friends and family knew it. Our children and their families are magnificent in their support of me in our loss”. Our sincere condolences to 7 Patrick and the family. RIP Mary.
WA care leavers disappointed by Royal Commission
Royal Commission News
See article by Ron Love on back page
Maureen Briggs-Trewin is a Former Child Migrant
A Response to Catholic Church Apology I was one of many who was abused by the Catholic Church. Like many others I was placed in their care from a very early age (due to circumstances which were out of my control). They failed in their duty of care to hundreds of innocent children. To be here today and listen to the Commitment Statement from the Leaders of the Catholic Church of Australia brings to me (and many others I am sure) a great release of relief – for all the years of abuse and suffering. It really saddens me that it has taken so long for the Catholic Church to at least be accountable for the damage, the suffering they caused. It also saddens me that so many who were physically and sexually abused are not here to hear this Commitment Statement due to the taking of their own
and member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Mundaring. Maureen has been active in raising awareness of child abuse within her church community and was pleased when a ‘Commitment Statement from the Leaders of the Catholic Church of Australia’ was read out at a Sunday Mass in December. After the Statement was read, Maureen herself addressed the Congregation with this response, which she followed with a prayer. lives!
We have been waiting the Catholic Church to take responsibility for their wrong doings. They have now committed to endeavour to repair the wrongs of the past to listen to and hear victims, to put their needs first and do everything they can to ensure a safer future for children.
Maureen.
Find & Connect and Royal Commission Workshop at Tuart Place November was a really busy month at Tuart Place, and saw us hosting several major events, including a workshop on 19th November attended by more than 60 care leaver representatives, key archivists, and major record holders in WA. The workshop started with a presentation by the Find & Connect web resource team from Melbourne University, along with local expert and State-Based Historian Dr Debbi Rosser – who is well known to a large number of WA care leavers, and created the excellent recordfinding aid, Signposts. Debbi and her web resource colleagues spent the first part of the event explaining recent changes to the Find & Connect website. These changes resulted from user feedback, including information gathered during usability-testing sessions
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at Tuart Place in 2012. The second part of the workshop was an open discussion of commonly-raised issues and frequently asked questions about the current Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The afternoon concluded with a hands-on, small-group workshop using the new website in the Tuart Place Computer Lab. In typical Tuart Place style, guests enjoyed a great lunch and a chance to mingle in a relaxed and informal manner ahead of the business of the day. Many thanks to Prof Cathy Humphreys, Sally Orpin, Cate O’Neill and Sarah Green of the Find and Connect Web Resource team, who travelled from Melbourne for this event.
Return visit to Tuart Place by knowmore legal advisory service Solicitors from knowmore legal service returned to Tuart Place on 6th and 7th November to provide further support to people dealing with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Prue Gregory and her colleague Ben Crompton spent two days meeting with participants, providing advice and assistance to prepare written statements for the Royal Commission. knowmore’s services are free of charge and are conducted in a confidential and supportive environment. Once again, the feedback from participants was very positive, with people feeling more informed about the Royal Commission and how it is working. Prior to the individual sessions, a lunch was held for Tuart Place participants to meet and chat with Prue and Ben. Also joining in the lunch were Gail Green and Chaz McVeigh from Anglicare’s Royal Commission Support Service. Solicitors from knowmore will be back in WA in the first half of 2014.
Tony Ryan’s Network
L-R: Ben Crompton (knowmore), Susy Vaughan (Tuart Place), Prue Gregory (knowmore), Chaz McVeigh (Anglicare) and Gail Green (Anglicare)
Royal Commission Officers coming to Tuart Place A number of people have told us they would prefer to meet with Royal Commission Officers at Tuart Place, rather than travel to an unfamiliar location in the Perth CBD. Officers of the Royal Commission will travel to Perth to meet with our participants at Tuart Place on Wed 5th, Thurs 6th and Mon 10th March. Numbers are limited so book early to secure a place.
Handy Hint
When you ring the Royal Commission to register, don’t forget to ask for a Reference Number.
First Public Hearing in Perth
The first Public Hearing of the Royal Commission is scheduled for Monday 28th April to Friday 9th May 2014.
Anglicare WA Royal Commission support worker at Tuart Place each Monday Counsellor Chaz McVeigh is now located at Tuart Place every Monday and is available for counselling and assistance with Royal Commission-related matters. You do not have to
make a submission to the Royal Commission in order to receive support from Chaz. Call Tuart Place for bookings and further information.
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The Clontarf Network Heritage Committee Update After nearly four years of weekly fund raising at the Saturday Farmer’s Market on Manning, the Clontarf Old Boys Heritage Committee
(COBHC) has three projects nearing completion: 1. The Heritage Trail, formally opened in September 2012. The last of eight plaques will be fixed to the pergola overlooking the new Cygnia Cove housing development. 2. The Clock Tower, originally erected in 1936. A new clock has been installed and some finishing touches are in progress. 3. Lettering on Memorial Hall. Originally named Keaney Memorial Hall in 1954, new lettering with the words Edmund Rice Christian Brother Founder 1802, will be fixed to the façade of Memorial Hall. Plaque No 3 on the Heritage Trail was constructed in partnership with the City of South ‘Twin Santas’ were a big hit with the kids
Perth. The development complements the existing cycleway which runs from Waterford Avenue through Bodkin Park, past the Clontarf football oval and through Cygnia Cove, a world-class environmental precinct. The COBHC was able to meet the project costs through a weekly raffle at the Clontarf farmer’s Market on Manning Road. The Committee is grateful for the support of David and Pina, the Managers, the many regular stallholders for their contributions to the weekly hamper, and the general public, without whom the above projects would not be possible. More volunteers are required. Why not call by the Markets on a Saturday morning and see how you can help?
at the Markets on 21st December 2013.
Right: The Visiting Patricks. Clontarf Old Boys Patrick Delaney, Patrick Cannon and Patrick Rush joined the regular team at the Farmer’s Market in November 2013.
Remembering Michael Bowman
Hello from Gerry Whelton
Every year, a group of Clontarf Old Boys gathers to remember young Michael Bowman, who was killed in the Clontarf bus crash of 1955. A memorial to Michael was established in Serpentine, in an area that was renamed Michael Bowman Park. Our photo shows the group at the 2013 gathering 10
We received a really nice Christmas card and some great letters from Clontarf Old Boy Gerry (also known as Alan) Whelton, who lives in Albury NSW. Gerry writes: “I myself was schooled at Clontarf WA many years ago. I do like to read the stories and see the photos you put in your Times. I can pick out some of the old boys from Clontarf and it’s nice to see other migrants meeting their families. I came to WA a while back and visited Clontarf. I was very thankful to be met by one of the Old Boys, Peter Bent. Peter is a great person, he drove me here and there around Perth – nothing was too much bother for him. I’d like to say hello to the Old Boys, I hope you are keeping well. I often think of you all.” (continued on p.11)
Honorary Doctorate for Clontarf Old Boy Bob Isaacs Congratulations to Dr Robert Isaacs PhD OAM JP, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Warnborough College. Bob travelled to Canterbury in Britain to be presented with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to social work and Aboriginal affairs. Dr Isaacs is a member of the Western Australian Aboriginal Advisory Council and is widely known in the community for his work as an inspirational role model in the community. Thanks to Dennis McNerney and Tony Ryan for their help with this story.
AT CLONTARF. Front Row: Richard Bowman, Joe Flynn, Robert Isaacs Back row: Maurice Whitfield, Chris Purcell
Patrick O’Flaherty: A lifetime of achievement We were very pleased to see Clontarf Old Boy Patrick O’Flaherty when he visited Perth in November last year, and callled into Tuart Place with a couple of old mates from Clontarf days. Patrick has worked tirelessly in many different areas of community service over the years. He was recently recognised for 25 years of service to the Knights of the Southern Cross NSW, and was an active campaigner for a national apology to Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants, which was achieved in 2009. At Tuart Place in November 2013: Eddie Cogan, Susy Vaughan, Pip White, Patrick O’Flaherty & Paddy Cannon
Hello from Gerry Whelton, continued from p.10
Peter Bent says he will always be grateful to Gerry, who found a very rare photo of Peter when he was at Clontarf. Peter’s message to Gerry is: “I’ll send the Danny Boy CD to you very soon!”
Gerry Whelton is the boy on the right wearing boxing gloves. This photo appeared in the newspaper to promote the boxing nights held at Clontarf
Australia Day Award for Patrick Delaney Congratulations to Clontarf Old Boy Patrick Delaney (also known as Walsh), who collected an Australia Day Award, for valuable contributions and support to the residents of Harmony Village Independent Living Units. Patrick and his wife Margaret, who live in Victoria, visited Perth in November last year, and stayed with Paddy Cannon. They fitted in a visit to Tuart Place and were also here for the endof-year gathering in Waterford.
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Update from Northern Ireland Many thanks to Andrew Browne, Secretary to the Northern Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry (HIAI), for his recent update on the Inquiry’s progress. Andrew writes: “The oral hearings have now begun in earnest and will continue for approximately 18 months. Sir Anthony’s opening statement was delivered on 13th January 2014 and can be found on our website at http://www.hiainquiry.org/ hia130114day.txt As you can see, he refers specifically to applicants from Australia and our intention to send another team out to see the remaining applicants.
It is perhaps worth reiterating that the date has now passed for new applicants to apply to speak to the Statutory Inquiry, although the opportunity is still available to speak to the Acknowledgement Forum. This is also likely to close in some months’ time as the entire work of the Inquiry is time-bound and the final report is due in January 2016”. To contact the Inquiry from Australia, phone 0011+44+2890+720608. Email: general@hiainquiry.org Web: www.hiainquiry.org
Ann’s Story
On 2nd August 2013 I was fortunate to go to Ireland for my niece’s wedding. Before the wedding I had an interview with the Northern Ireland HIAI Committee, which was arranged before I left Australia. The meeting was quite informal and a lot of questions were asked. Two weeks later, I went to visit a lawyer as part of the inquiry. I had a brother come with me for support, which I found to be good and most helpful. I then travelled to Dublin and took a flight to New York, where I spent four days staying with my nephew. After this I flew to Los Angeles to meet up with my friend from Mandurah, who flew over from Perth on the same day. We had a lovely couple of days seeing the sights, including Hollywood. From Los Angeles we flew to Las Vegas and stayed in a time share apartment my friend had booked. What a place! There were so many highlights. We flew in a light plane to Arizona to visit the Grand Canyon, where we took a
helicopter ride down into the Canyon, and a short boat trip on the Colorado River. We also went to the Skywalk which is a glass bottom platform hanging over the canyon. Amazing is how I’d describe it. Then it was back to the Northern Ireland for my niece Ciara’s wedding. Ciara is my sister’s eldest girl from a family of nine children. My sister Mary Ann with family members in Ireland had six boys and three girls. All the siblings and grandchildren had a small part in the band, Irish Dancers entertained as well. wedding, which I thought was a lovely It was a great day and one which I will touch. The wedding was held in St long remember. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh. The Sadly my trip to Ireland went all too reception was held in the countryside quickly before I had to go to England to at the Grouse Restaurant in Loghgall, catch up with more family members. I which was owned by the groom’s family. visited a niece in Crewe, another niece For entertainment they had arranged in Queens Park, and a cousin in Essex. to have a fiddler play during the meal, All in all, it was a wonderful trip. Ann McVeigh. she was fantastic. Later as well as the
‘A Report of Substance’
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Tuart Place continues to play a key role in supporting the work of the HIA Inquiry, to ensure that the voices of former child migrants from Northern Ireland are heard. Our submission on the impacts of child migration was described as ‘a Report of substance’, and has been widely applauded for its comprehensive analysis of the issues. The Report contains important background information to support HIAI applications by former child migrants living in Australia, and will help inform Module 3 of the Inquiry, which examines the Child Migration Scheme. While the Terms of the Inquiry do not include harm experienced within Australia, our Report points out that specific harms arose from the child migration process. Child migrants were not provided with adequate
personal documentation or medical histories; in some instances consent was not obtained; there was a failure by Northern Ireland authorities to implement proper duty of care; and an absence of follow-up monitoring. Child migrants suffered loss of connection with family of birth and country of origin; loss of national identity and cultural heritage; and problems arising from missing documentation and/or misleading or false information, which sometimes had particularly devastating consequences for child migrants seeking to locate family members. An electronic copy of the Tuart Place Report can be viewed at www.tuartplace.org (the link is in the HIAI article on our home page), or contact us to recieve a hard copy of the Report in the post.
Nazareth News
with Bernadette Bowey-Hills
Bernadette and Les spent a very enjoyable Festive Season in Singapore at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It was great to see some of the staff still working at the restaurant, they remembered us and made such a fuss of us it was only two years since we were last there. It was like a fairy wonderland at night and so much going on at that time of the year, they certainly cater for tourists. Peggy was seen at the Carousel in Perth having a great time with her family. June is heading off to Bali for about 10 days - have a great time up there. Diane has a new puppy, it is quite a
challenge for her as the pup has grown so fast it is leaving Di behind. The Nazareth Fete in November was a great success, and was very well attended That is all our news from Geraldton, Cheers Bernie
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Anne Milne (nee Sharp) and Maureen Reddish (nee Duignum) passed away 2013. Both Anne and Maureen arrived in Western Australia in 1947 at the tender ages of 10 and 6 respectively. Our condolences to their families. R I P. There are a number of Nazareth Women who are not in the best of health I wish you all a speedy recovery. Happy Birthday to all who celebrated birthdays. Until next time, Cheers, Maureen Briggs Trewin.
Thank you!
A very big thank you to everyone who has donated books, equipment, sent in newsletter items, helped with events and given their time to helping make Tuart Place a fantastic service where people really get involved and help each other. We couldn’t do it without you!
Can you help?
I’m in search of information about my grandfather. He arrived as a child migrant from the UK in 1938 when he was seven years old and was dispatched to Tardun in WA. His name at the time was Adrian John Williams, but when he died he was known as Charles Robert Williams. I also have a document titled ‘Story of Adrian John Williams’ by a
Thanks from Ling We received a lovely thank you card (and very nice chocs!) from former Tuart Place volunteer Ling Zhang Ong, who recently found full time work in a new position. Ling writes: “I cannot thank you enough for the welcoming and warmth I found at Tuart Place and I feel you have helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I will miss you all dearly.” We miss you too Ling!
Bernie with Charlie Chaplin at Universal Studios Sentosa
lady named Margaret Logue. I’m not sure who she is as all it says is her name and the date she wrote this story, would you have any idea as to who she is and if so how I may get in contact with her? Thank you, Chas Andersen. If you can help please contact Chas on 0423 151 414 or at chazamn@ hotmail.com
Seeking contact A request from Clontarf Old Boy
Tony Ryan:
Some time ago I discovered on the internet that Colin Reidy was seeking old pals from school to get in contact. The picture is of Colin and William Holden (both seated) I can’t recall the name of the lad who is standing… If anyone knows were Colin is, please get him to contact me via email tonyryan@midwest.com.au phone (08) 9934 1801, or via Tuart Place. Tony Ryan. Ling Zhang Ong
Happy 70th birthday for 17th January Tony!
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Tardun Old Boys’ Association Inc.
Tardun News
LAST SUNSET OVER TARDUN Tardun Old Boy Peter Thrupp felt a great sadness and disappointment after the final closure of St. Mary’s Farm School, Tardun in 2009. He felt so strongly that he wrote a short poem about the place that had been home to so many former child migrants. Many of them share his sadness. THE LAST SUNSET OVER TARDUN Now Our home is totally empty And the sun is setting once again; All is quiet and still now But will our sun rise again? Now Is it us, the last small remnant, Who must loudly and boldly cry? Is it our memories that must wither? I wonder, Or is it only old Tardun that dies. Now We do have much to be proud of And reason to be happy and glad; Many good things were so helpful Even though some things were sad. Now Gone are the years so vibrant and strong, Gone our bell calls piercing and long, Gone is our laughter and gone is our song, Gone are the children who used to belong. Now Gone is old Tardun, so what did go wrong?
OBITUARY
DAVID JOHNSON David Johnson was a Former Child Migrant who was sent from England to Fairbridge Farm in 1935, when he was aged 11. David transferred to Tardun in 1942, and stayed there for three years. David remained in the Geraldton area until his death in 2013. He was one of the primary discoverers of the wreck of the Batavia. Thanks to The Geraldton Guardian for this Obituary. 14
Eddie’s Tiger Shark Eddie Hewet is a Tardun Old Boy and active member of TOBA. Eddie and his wife Lorraine were on a recent caravan trip through the north of WA when he decided to try the fishing at Willie Creek, Broome, where he landed this 1.5 metre tiger shark. Apparently it provided lots and lots of fish meals during the remainder of the trip.
Christmas at Tuart Place
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David Plowman 1942 - 2013
Tardun Old Boys’ and families extend sincere sympathy to Catherine and families on their sad loss. David was an active member of TOBA who contributed his services and support over many years and will be sadly missed. RIP
Christmas 2013 was a joyous time at Tuart Place, and more than 80 people joined in the festivities at our Christmas Party. It was great to see old friends catching up and celebrating alongside our Board members and special guests. We were in a mood to celebrate, having just secured funding to guarantee the future of Tuart Place, and State Government funding via the Department for Child Protection and Family Support and Lotterywest will cover some of our vital core services over the next five years. So it was time to celebrate, and a time to acknowledge those who contributed to the journey of Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT) and Tuart Place. Certificates of Recognition were awarded to people who played a significant role in the early development
Sylvia’s Angels On 4th December 2013 Tuart Place participants took part in a challenge to find their Inner Child at a workshop to make ‘Christmas Angels’. It was wonderful to see the men ‘having a go’ too. It’s not easy to let go of childhood messages like Don’t make a mess, and Get it right. Thumbs up to everyone who participated. You are champions!
Gathering together to create Christmas decorations is a family tradition for many people as they prepare for the Festive Season. It is my hope that we will continue to build our own ‘family’ traditions each year as we celebrate personal achievements, along with birthdays, Christmas and other life events. I hope to run further ‘Inner Child Challenges’ and help you discover and develop the creative talent and joy
and founding of FACT, including Mr Ian Carter AM, Dr Marilyn Rock, Mr Peter Bent, Mrs Yvonne Radzevicius, Mr Eddie Cogan, Mr Patrick Cannon, Prof Maria Harries AM, and of course the late Laurie Humphreys JP. Laurie’s certificate was accepted by his widow, Mrs Frankie Atkinson. Certificates re were also prepared for Mrs Jean Costello, Mr Anthony Brennan and Mr Gordon Grant. More recent contributors to our journey were recognised with special acknowledgment of Mr Ron Love, Mr Errol Gough and Mr Dave Moir for their dedication and hard work at Tuart Place throughout the year. The formalities over, our guests enjoyed a magnificent lunch and some seriously good singing with the Tuart Place Singers. Thanks to all who helped make the day such a wonderful success.
that is hidden within each of you, my friends at Tuart Place.
Sylvia Stonehouse.
Royal Commission disappoints in WA Ron Love is an ex-resident of Castledare and Clontarf. Ron is also an Ambassador for Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants and produces the monthly ‘Ron’s Gazette’, which has an ever-growing readership of care leavers, supporters and helping agencies. In the January 2014 edition of his Gazette, Ron wrote: The Royal Commission is off to a disappointing start for us in WA. We are seeking your help to ask the Royal Commission to fulfil promises they made in 2012. We were promised that survivors of abuse could get help from agencies they know and trust. Tuart Place is an agency that has been swamped with demand created by the Royal Commission. It was promised that such agencies would be supported by the Federal Government. This hasn’t happened in Western Australia.
Tuart Place is the major service for care leavers in WA, and it is our service. The staff are known and trusted, and Care Leavers use the comfort of Tuart Place for Royal Commission support. More than 800 of us had our Redress applications prepared by the staff there. We go there for assistance with documents we need for the Royal Commission. The previous Minister refused to meet our delegation of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants. Our more recent letters
Great work Errol! Congratulations to Errol Gough for organising such a successful group outing to the hit show ‘Cavalia’ on 19th January. Errol says he had plenty of help from Dave and Maureen, but it was Errol’s idea to arrange the outing, paid for with funds raised by Tuart Place participants at Bunnings sausage sizzles. A group of 22 participants went along to enjoy the show, with a great time was had by all. We think the smiles on the faces in this photo say it all.
have also gone unanswered and our wishes are still being ignored. As children we were powerless and our voices were silenced. Sadly, it looks like not much has changed. We need Former Child Migrants and Forgotten Australians in WA to ask why! This Royal Commission is an institutional response to child sexual abuse. We are very disappointed that it is taking the same path as many previous institutions.
TUART PLACE
CONTACT DETAILS & OPENING HOURS Opening Hours 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160 9.00am to 4.30pm Phone (08) 6140-2380 Monday Freecall: 1800-619-795 Wednesday Email admin@tuartplace.org Thursday Web: www.tuartplace.org
Tuart Place: located at the old Cleo’s Hotel at 24 High Street Fremantle