Issuu

The

Tuart Times

ISSUE 8: JUNE 2014

The Laurie Humphreys Fund

Thank you Kimberley Dental Team Thank you to Jan and John Owen and their wonderful Kimberley Dental Team for their great work at Tuart Place. Another very successful visit by the KD Team took place on 7th April, allowing a large number of people to receive dental check-ups and treatment. ‘Georgie’ was one of those treated by John Owen on the day. Georgie said she had not been to a dentist for many years, partly because she couldn’t afford to, and partly because bad childhood experiences had left her feeling afraid of dentists. Georgie said: “I couldn’t believe how gentle John was, and I knew I could say stop at any time. “The best thing was knowing that John would just tell me what needed doing, and it would be my decision whether to go ahead or not”. We are very grateful for KDT’s fantastic service and are planning to host another visit in early October 2014. Flyers will be posted out when the date is confirmed.

John and Jan Owen (centre) with the Kimberley Dental Team and mascot Craig the Croc

Heal for Life: A life-changing opportunity Heal for Life is a five-day residential program for survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Independent research found that 90% of people describe Heal for Life as ‘life-changing’ or ‘very positive’.

Beautiful setting: Myalup Pines Cottages The fully self-contained wood cabins are in a forest setting, a five minute drive from Myalup Beach.

The residential retreats are run by survivors, for survivors, supervised by psychologists. You are supported to take responsibility for your healing and regain your personal power. The Western Australian program is located at beautiful Myalup WA Coordinator Pines Cottages, at Myalup WA. Penny Garvey Over the years, a number of Tuart Place participants have been on the five-day healing retreats, with fantastic results (see Ezza’s story on page 11). Tuart Place is sponsoring two places on the five-day Healing Retreat commencing on the afternoon of Sunday 22nd June, finishing Friday 27th June 2014. The only cost to participants will be a $50 contribution to food. To book one of the sponsored places, ring WA Heal for Life Coordinator Penny Garvey on 0439-973-285.

WHAT’S ON? • Monday 16th June: WAGS (WA Genealogical Society) 1 hr bookings for family history/ tracing 1-4pm • Wednesday 18th June: ASCA Workshop for survivors of childhood trauma: 10am-4pm (see notice on p.2) • Wednesday 25th June: Group Outing to Scitech. Meet there at 9.45am (Free) • Wednesday 2nd July: Healing from Childhood Pain, Christabel Chamarette 10.15am-12noon • Wednesday 2nd July: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘Cocoon’ 12-2.30pm • Wednesday 9th July: Building Resilience Pippa Bell 10.15am-12noon • Wednesday 16th July: Presentation of Research Sue Bailey 10.15am-12noon • Wednesday 16th July: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘The Help’ 12-2.30pm • Monday 21st July: WA Genealogical Society 1hr bookings for family tracing 1-4pm (See Ray’s story on p.15) • Wednesday 23rd July: I’m OK, You’re OK Gordon Paton 10.15am-12noon • Monday 28th July: Christmas in July lunch and Ho-Ho Bingo 12noon-3pm • Wednesday 30th July: Pizza & Movie at Tuart Place ‘Life of Pi’ 12-2.30pm • Thursday 31st July: Living Well program starts 10am-12.30pm (6 week course) • Every Monday: Tai chi warm-up 10-10.30am; Singing group 10.30am-12 noon & the Big Monday Lunch at noon • Every Monday from 10th March: Activities & games at Tuart Place 1-3pm • Every Wednesday: Susy’s support Group 10.30am-12 noon (Resumes 30th July) • Every Thursday: Individual Literacy and Lifeskills tuition, by appointment • Every Thursday: From 31st July-4th Sept Living Well program 10am - 12.30pm

TUART PLACE CONTACT DETAILS & OPENING HOURS 24 High Street Fremantle WA 6160 Phone (08) 6140-2380 Freecall: 1800-619-795 Email admin@tuartplace.org Web: www.tuartplace.org

9.00am to 4.30pm Monday Wednesday Thursday

Thanks Jen!

Student social worker Jennifer Coleman was on fieldwork placement with us from February to May this year. We loved having Jen at Tuart Place, and feel sure she will be an excellent social worker. Jen’s thoughtful parting gift to the people of Tuart Place is the game ‘Rummy-O’. Thank you for this very kind gift Jen, Rummy-O will be a great addition to our Monday afternoon activities.

Living Well program Do you live with chronic pain, diabetes, arthristis, high blood pressure or other long-term health conditions? If so, consider coming along to our new Living Well Program, which starts on Thursday 31st July and runs every Thursday for six weeks.

Tri-Ominoes anyone? Thanks to Kevin Collins for bringing in ‘Tri-Ominos’ to play on Monday afternoons. The game is quite similar to dominoes and not difficult to learn. It uses triangular tiles with three numbers instead of two and combines strategy, luck, and lots of fun. A group of people has

Opening Hours

been playing Tri-Ominos at Tuart place some Mondays after lunch, and would like to know if there is interest in making this a regular event. Please let Vicky, Kathy or Craig know if you would like to join a game of Tri-ominos or have other games, crafts or activities in mind.

The sessions go from 10am to 12.30pm, and are presented at Tuart Place by expert staff from Fremantle Medicare Local.

What happens at Tuart Place? Tuart Place is the State Government-funded service for former child migrants and Forgotten Australians in WA. Tuart Place provides individual counselling, support groups, social activities, volunteering opportunities, computer skills classes, visiting health services, family tracing, assistance to access records, and help in dealing with other agencies.

Join us for... CHRISTMAS IN JULY and Ho-Ho Bingo Monday 28th July 12.00 noon to 3.00pm Enjoy a Traditional Christmas dinner without the Christmas heat! Why not join us at 10.30am for a few Christmas Carols with the Singing Group? Please RSVP to Vicky.

ASCA Workshop at Tuart Place on 18th June Thank you to Anglicare WA for funding an all-day workshop for survivors of childhood trauma, to be presented by Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA) at Tuart Place on Wednesday 18th June 2014. Participants in the last ASCA workshop for survivors 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 now to avoid missing out on this free, one-day workshop. Lunch and morning/afernoon tea provided.

Q&A session at the WA Maritime Museum

10am-12noon Sunday 22nd or 29th June 2014

ESS

Phone Gill Harrison at the WA Maritime Museum on 94318306 or contact Tuart Place for more information about this interactive Question & Answer session, to be held at the Museum in Fremantle. The date - either the 22nd or 29th June - will be confirmed very soon. Special guests Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse

will be performing at this free event – don’t miss out!

Who’s new at Tuart Place? There are a number of new faces at Tuart Place, and in recent months we have welcomed some great new staff members on board. Everyone was sad to say goodbye to our Admin Officer Sue in December last year, and at the same time we lost Cathcart to the wilds of Tasmania, although we are really pleased that Cathcart is now back in Perth and is still on hand to help out at Tuart Place. Vicky Fox joined us as Receptionist at the start of 2014 and brings a bright and bubbly presence to

our front desk. Program Officer Kathy Bel-Bachir joined the team in February and has already introduced some great participant-led programs and activities. Craig Collins started as Project Assistant in May, and, like Kathy, Craig has a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping people develop computer skills as well as offering support in a range of other areas. For further information, check out our staff profiles on the Tuart Place website. We are also very fortunate to have some highly skilled therapists coming in

to work with people at Tuart Place, and wish to express our gratitude to Clinical Psychologists Christabel Chamarette and Janice Paige, and welcome on board Gordon Paton, a psychotherapist with clinical qualifiactions in Transactional Analysis. Many thanks to FACT Board Chairperson Ron Love and ViceChairperson Jenny Aldrick for their work on the selection panels during our staff recruitment process.

Kathy Bel-Bachir Program Officer

Dr Philippa White Director

Susy Vaughan Snr Therapist/ Coordinator

Vicky Fox Receptionist

Craig Collins Project Assistant

Historical photo viewing There was lots of energy and excitement at a screening of Historic photos of St Joseph’s Orphanage at Tuart Place in May this year. Thanks to St Joseph’s ex-resident Ann McVeigh for organising this event. There was lots of fun as familiar faces and events were recognised, and some people saw photos of themselves they didn’t know existed.

Pat Wenman called out “That’s me!” when a photo came on the screen of a young Patti McGourty, as House Captain, holding the Winners Shield on Sports Day. Many of the women there on the day recognised photos of themselves, family members, and many old friends. It was a really special occasion and thanks to all those who helped with this event.

At the photo viewing in May 2014

Tony Ryan writes: This photo is of a 21st birthday party with a group of Clontarf Old Boys, who were living in East Perth in the early 1960s. The front three lads’ names are Joe, Des and Ian. The other names I can’t recall. Joe tells me it was a great party and good times. He is not aware where any of the lads are today - here’s hoping one of your readers may recognise these lads.

Joe was best man at my wedding, and he and I meet regularly to play bowls a Wonthella bowling club Geraldton, we also meet up with Chris, who was a Tardun lad. Colin called me after seeing his photo in the last magazine. Colin, in case you have misplaced my email address, its tonyryan@midwest. com.au Looking forward to hearing from you. Tony

Historical Photos Project Thanks to everyone who has contributed photos to the Historical Photos Project. Special thanks to Ann McVeigh, Peter Bent, Yvonne Radzevicius, and Bernadette Bowey-Hills, for providing photos for the collection of digital images Tuart Place shared with the Western Australian Maritime Museum in March this year. Nazareth House Geraldton Fancy dress reunion Photo courtesy of Maureen BriggsTrewin (Little Bo-peep)

Bernadette Keogh at the May Procession, Nazareth House Geraldton, 1952

Historical Photos Project

Arrival of child migrant group at Nazareth House Geraldton in 1953. Photo courtesy of Yvonne

Peter Bent aged six, at Castledare

New online collection of Australian migration photos Marjorie Bly is the Assistant Director of Access and Communications at the Perth National Archives of Australia, and over the years she has been very helpful to many former child migrants seeking documents and information. Marjorie recently advised us of an online collection of images that includes a series of promotional photographs taken by the Department of Immigration, which are now stored as the Immigration Photographic Archive collection (Series A12111).

Children at St Vincent’s in 1948. Source: National Archives of Australia. NAA: A12111, 2/1948/8A/16

Photos of WA Homes include those taken at St Vincent’s and St Joseph’s Orphanages in 1948, Swan Homes in 1948, and Fairbridge Pinjarra in 1954. You can explore the collection at the National Archives website http:// www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/ index.aspx Marjorie Bly Marjorie’s tips for searching this Nationl Archives Perth collection are as follows: It is best to use RecordSearch to view images and find information because it is the most comprehensive and detailed representation of this series. The photographs are from series A12111, which is held in Canberra. Images specific to child migration schemes seem to be at 8 and 8A. You can do a search in RecordSearch in the advanced item level search screen (the search screen opens at a basic search level, the advanced can be found at the second tab from the left) using series A12111 and control symbol *8* (include the asterisks as they are wild cards) and include the word child or child* in the keyword field to get a narrowed result. You don’t need to be a registered user to search in these screens and view these images. If you would like help to navigate the collection, contact Tuart Place or contact Marjorie at the National Archives of Australia, Perth, 384 Berwick Street, East Victoria Park. Phone: 9470 7530 or email: marjorie.bly@naa.gov.au

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.

Congratulations to the National Museum of Australia on the ‘Inside: Life Inside Children’s Homes and Institutions’ travelling exhibition, which is showing at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle from 15th March to 29th June 2104. Having the exhibition just down the road from Tuart Place has made it possible for us to host a series of events combining a visit to the museum with a function at Tuart Place. Prior to the opening of the exhibition, Tuart Place provided training for the museum’s staff, and thanks to FACT Chairperson Ron Love for contributing a care leaver’s perspective to these sessions. Tuart Place also loaned a collection of books and more than 200 digital images to the museum. The photos were developed into a slideshow of WA children’s Homes and Institutions, which are screening in the lounge area next to the exhibition. Thanks to all those who helped with the photo project, and to student social worker Jen Coleman for

At the Maritime Museum: Dougie, Kevin, Dennis, Chris, Hughie, Frankie & Eddie

working with participants to identify and catalogue images. Special thanks to Bernadette Bowey-Hills, Ann McVeigh, Yvonne Radzevicius, and Peter Bent for sharing your amazing collections of historic photos. Our first major event involving the INSIDE exhibition was a group outing on 31st March, during which the Tuart Place Singers performed ‘I am Australian’ and ‘The Leaving of

Online photo collection of former State institutions – 1970s & 80s Frankie Panaia has created what may be the largest online To view the online photo collection, go to: photo collection of former State institutions in Western https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/+FrankiePanaia/ Australia, dating from the 1970s and 80s. albums/5386062937909441377 Frankie’s collection includes photos of the following Perth-based institutions: Bridgewater, McCall Centre, Mount Lawley Reception Home, Longmore, Hillston, Clontarf and Riverbank. The collection also includes images of memorabilia such as a Riverbank Boys’ Manual and an original Points Book from Longmore. Frankie would like to hear from other former Wards who may have been in the same institutions. He can be contacted at fpanaia@ gmail.com Hillston construction 1976

Historic Item: An original 1979 Points Book from Longmore Assessment Centre

Forced Adoptions History Project The National Archives of Australia has launched the Forced Adoptions History Project, as part of a program to acknowledge the first anniversary of the Federal Government’s apology to people affected by former forced adoption policies and practices in Australia. The aim is to increase public awareness of the issues; identify and share experiences of forced adoptions; 6

and provide information about how to access records. If you have been affected by forced adoptions, you may wish to contribute your experience. The website for this project is accessible at: www.forcedadoptions.naa.gov.au

At Tuart Place: Margaret Solomon and Elsa Coupland

At Tuart Place: Jen Coleman and Paul Irvine

Liverpool’ in the museum foyer. After viewing the exhibition, more than 60 participants came back to Tuart Place for a buffet lunch and a chance to talk about what they had seen. Elsa, Mary and Margaret, all ex-residents of Nazareth House Geraldton, took the opportunity to look through a collection of historic photos loaned by Bernadette, and discovered a number of pictures they hadn’t seen before. Other events involving the exhibition have included

Contact Tuart Place for a free copy of the ‘Inside’ book

visits by student social workers, which provided a unique opportunity for future social workers to learn about the history of institutional care in Australia, followed by a visit to a support service that is governed by former residents of these institutions. For a write-up of the student visits see Jen Coleman’s article below.

INSIDE Exhibition: A learning experience for student social workers by Jennifer Coleman Tuart Place recently hosted two groups of student social workers on visits to the ‘INSIDE’ exhibition at the Western Australian Maritime Museum, followed by lunch and a talk at 24 High Street. The first visit I arranged was with a group of students from my class at the University of WA, and the second was with social work students from Curtin University. The Curtin visit actually came about because someone from UWA told a Curtin student how amazing their visit was! Ron Love, the Chairperson of Forgotten Australians Coming Together (FACT), accompanied us on the visits and responded to the many questions asked by both groups of students, providing us with great insights on the things we saw in the exhibition. After the exhibition we walked up

the road to Tuart Place for lunch and discussion with Tuart Place participants about their time in care and their thoughts on the INSIDE exhibition. Student visit: During the UWA Student social workers from Curtin students’ visit, Pip and Susy talked about Tuart Place migrants face as they navigate the aged and its participant-led service model care system. This was a real eye opener – which is of great interest to student for me and the other social work social workers. students, and as aspiring social workers I also shared some of my it is very important to be aware of experiences of being on prac at Tuart issues affecting care leavers. Place, and the strong community or Both groups of students really family atmosphere which I have really enjoyed their visit and I received lots of loved being a part of during my time positive feedback. here. I would like to say a big thanks Ron Love talked to both groups to everyone who made the visits of students about the difficulties many such a success, particularly Yvonne, Forgotten Australians and former child Liz and Maureen, who joined in the discussion. Thanks also to Sharon for The Western Australian Maritime Museum helping organise the Curtin visit and to at Fremantle Wharf all the other students from both UWA and Curtin for coming along. I especially wish to thank Ron Love for his willingness to participate in the student visits, and for speaking with the group about such important issues. Jen Coleman Master of Social Work Student, UWA

Handy Hint

When you ring the Royal Commission to register, ask for a Reference Number.

Royal Commission News

knowmore legal advisory service announces new Perth office knowmore is thrilled to announce the establishment of a new office in the Perth CBD. Staff have now been recruited and the office is set to open on 1st July 2014. knowmore provides free, independent legal help to anyone engaging or considering engaging with the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Over the past year, we have been working closely with staff at Tuart Place and their clients to assist their engagement with the Royal Commission and address any individual issues that relate to this process.

Originally providing advice over the phone or face-toface through regular visits from Sydney, the new office in Perth will allow for more frequent and continued support of Tuart Place clients. The Perth team consists of three lawyers, one social worker/counsellor and one Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural liaison officer; and an administration officer to assist the team. knowmore commends Tuart Place staff for their sensitivity, warmth, and unfaltering support of their clients’ needs. We have

always been welcomed with great hospitality and generosity. knowmore has been established by the National Association of Community Legal Centres Inc. with funding from the Australian Government represented by the Attorney-General’s Department. knowmore’s Perth office will be located at Level 9, 41 St Georges Terrace, Perth 6000 PHOTO: Susy Vaughan (on left) with knowmore’s Prue Gregory at Tuart Place last year

UPDATE ON ROYAL COMMISSION UNDERTAKINGS A STATEMENT FROM THE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS 27-5-14

The Oceania Province of the Christian Brothers has announced it is already working with individuals on the reexamination of settlements, following the Royal Commission in Perth. A number of abuse survivors have also sought to take up the offer of ongoing counselling, made at the conclusion of the public hearings in Western Australia. These actions are a direct result of specific undertakings made at the Royal Commission: 1. Providing survivors of abuse suffered at facilities operated by the Christian Brothers with ongoing professional psychological counselling, for life if needed. 2. Being open to re-examining cases that have been settled on demonstrably unjust and unreasonably low terms. “Even before the public hearings in Perth commenced, the Christian Brothers had already started re-examination of settled matters”, said Brother Julian McDonald, Deputy Province Leader, Christian Brothers Oceania. “This commitment had been made following the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry in 2013 and we reaffirmed this undertaking at the conclusion of the public hearings of the Royal Commission in Perth. As such, re-examination is not limited to West Australian cases. “Whilst the Christian Brothers are committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of those involved, we can announce that we are already working with a number of the

individuals in line with our public commitments. “The re-examination of settled cases is being undertaken on a case-by-case basis, as this ensures that we can better respond to individual needs and circumstances. “And, more broadly, we will continue to refine the issues and processes that underpin the re-examination of cases as we move forward, to ensure that our response continues in a manner that is caring, compassionate and responsible. “In respect of our undertaking in Perth to provide counselling, lifelong if needed, to the survivors of abuse, we have already responded to a number of requests and arrangements have already been put in place for that to occur. “Importantly, counselling is provided by independent and professional experts. “The Christian Brothers reiterate this offer of professional psychological counselling to anyone who has suffered abuse in Australian facilities operated by Christian Brothers. “These latest steps build on a foundation of 20 years work with the survivors of abuse at Christian Brothers’ facilities in Western Australia. “Whilst we have already achieved much, there is much more work to be done to address the failures of the past and rebuild the lives of those who have suffered enormously from the consequences of abuse”, said Brother Julian McDonald.

A Notice from the Anglican Diocese of Perth If members of our parishes or the community have any information concerning current or historical matters of child sexual abuse and related matters, including unlawful or improper treatment of children, either generally or in any particular instance, they are encouraged to make contact with Ms Tracie Chambers-Clark, Director of Anglican Professional Standards. Phone: 9425 7203 Email: tchambers-clark@perth.anglican.org

Issues Paper 6: Redress Schemes Tuart Place has submitted a comprehensive Issues Paper to the Royal Commission on Issue 6: Redress Schemes. Many thanks to those who provided feedback on the draft document. Tuart Place’s submission focusses on the elements of an effective redress schemes, and makes recommendations in five important areas. It is our hope that any redress scheme the Royal Commission may recommend would have meaningful input by the participants, and real opportunities for growth and recovery. Tuart Place’s submission is available on both the Tuart Place and Royal Commission websites.

Are you being ‘triggered’ by media coverage of the Royal Commission? If so, you are not alone.

The work of the Royal Commission is affecting people deeply, and we are hearing from many abuse survivors who find that news stories about child abuse and the Royal Commission brings back feelings of grief, loss, anger and even outrage. This is absolutely normal, and very common. One way of dealing with the problem is to notice your reactions, name them, and observe them. For example: “This news story has just prompted a strong reaction in me, and notice that I started to feel...[angry/sad/whatever emotion arises]. Observing and accepting such reactions when they arise gives you some distance from them and can decrease the level of raw emotion. It is also useful to talk to someone you trust, as this helps to process strong emotions and helps painful feelings to subside. This is another opportunity for healing and personal growth.

Lost registrations A number of people have told us that they phoned the Royal Commission as soon as it was announced in December 2012, but did not receive a return call. When we followed this up with the Royal Commission, we were advised that the Helpline operating at that time did not have the capacity to register callers, and people who phoned the Commission prior to January 2013 and did not receive a return call should re-contact the Royal Commission.

Private sessions with Royal Commission Officers at Tuart Place After hearing from our participants that they would prefer to meet with Royal Commission Officers at Tuart Place, rather than travel to an unfamiliar location in the Perth CBD, we arranged a series of private sessions at Tuart Place, which were held over a three day period in March this year. Without exception, everyone who met with Royal Commission Officers at Tuart Place found them to be sensitive and professional, and felt they had really been ‘listened to’. The private sessions at Tuart Place enabled participants to provide information to the Royal Commission in a familiar, comfortable environment, in which they felt relaxed. We would like to thank the Royal Commission Officers and staff who came to Tuart Place in March, and we look forward to their next visit. We are hoping to schedule a further series of sessions with Royal Commission Officers at Tuart Place in August/September 2014. A limited number of sessions will be available, so please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to reserve a place.

The Clontarf Network The End of an Era

by Yvonne

The Clontarf Old Boys Heritage Committee (COBHC) Raffle at the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market on Manning Road will no longer be held. The main purpose for this weekly assignment was to raise funds in order to establish the Clontarf Heritage Trail. Refurbishment of the Clock was also an intention. The targets have been achieved and whilst all committee members are proud of accomplishments it would be great for all to visit and observe the creation set up to launch memories of Clontarf. Tours will take place as soon as all planning procedures are in place, hopefully in the near future. Appreciation and gratitude must go to all COBHC members and volunteers for their efforts through the years in realizing their aims. Well Done!!! Recognition and credit is due to David & Pina Vincent (Market Managers) and all stallholders for their continuous assistance and very generous donations which facilitated our

Johnno, Dougie and Mike say farewell

targets.

The termination of this weekly occasion for mates to catch up and new friendships to be formed will indeed be sad but, on looking around, delighted to see what has been accomplished – funds raised and new friends made. Last, but by no means least, many many thanks to members of the public for their positive reception and their willingness to buy raffle tickets (all proceeds went to funds for Clontarf Heritage Trail). The Market will always be a place that we love to visit.

Can you help? I was born in 1945, grew up in Applecross, and attended CBC Perth. My parents (Richard and Hazel Larsen) were members of the Applecross Parish. We lived in a war service home in Sixth Avenue, directly across the road from Applecross Primary School. For a period of time around the mid-1950s dad and mum ‘hosted’ two Clontarf boys for weekend outings on a number of occasions. I can’t recall the details other than I think one boy was named John.

I think he was approximately my age. Both boys were, in my memory, very reserved and on ‘best behaviour’, but I recollect that we got on quite well. I would be interested in contacting ‘John’ and his companion (who, as I recall was a little younger) if they are interested. With very best wishes, Rick Larsen (Phone 0422-985017, email rick18@iinet.net.au Thanks to Tony Ryan for forwarding this notice.

Seeking Contact Shaunagh Forth is the daughter of the late Bridget Rush, a child migrant from Northern Ireland who was at Nazareth House Geraldton between 1947 and 1950. Bridget passed away in 1993, and her daughter Shaunagh has always wanted to know more about her mother’s early life. If you knew Bridget Rush, or have any information that may be helpful, please contact Shaunagh by email: b.s.forth@bigpond.com or by postal mail: 127 Budgeree Drive, Aberglasslyn NSW 2320. See our story on page 14 about Shaunagh’s recent visit to Perth with relatives from Ireland.

Thankyou Joe Sarsero Joe Sarsero, a former Child Migrant from Malta, first came to Tuart Place a few months ago for a bit of help on the computer. He said he had no idea what to expect and was a little nervous about coming to a new place. On his first visit, Joe was quick to make friends and felt a lot more comfortable about ”taking the plunge” and improving his computer skills. Joe has since visited Tuart Place on a regular basis for IT tutoring, 10

and can now confidently send and receive emails, get the latest news, and research hotels and flights for an upcoming trip to Malta with his wife Ann Marie. Although Joe was separated from his place of birth early in life, he still feels a very strong connection to his heritage and history. Joe has donated a Maltese flag to Tuart Place to make other Child Migrants of Maltese decent feel instantly welcome.

We also really enjoyed the home-made friands baked by Ann Marie. Thank you Joe!

Heal for Life - Feedback from ‘Ezza’ Wow! Sometimes in life we hide behind a curtain of guilt and shame, not knowing how to handle our emotions in fear of being ridiculed or misunderstood. As a member of a great organisation for care leavers called Tuart Place in Fremantle (WA) for four years, I was approached by Dr Philippa White and asked if I would like to attend a “Heal for Life” camp at Myalup for five days. Being a bit optimistic about it, I knew deep inside my soul that I needed to embrace this new hurdle to which I decided for my own wellbeing, I must accept this challenge – Even at a tender age of a touch under 70 years old (you are never too old to learn)!!! Well, to my surprise the Old Mill houses set in the South West forest was a great setting, very relaxing. The staff were beautiful people with a caring and understanding for the baggage I was carrying on my back in all my life experiences. It wasn’t easy at first opening up to a group of

strangers, but I soon learnt that I wasn’t alone on my journey of recovery. To Ruth and Anna and staff – The words of wisdom and knowledge in our workshop sessions was brilliant. Slowly exploring the dark and shameless side of my guilt and problems and putting the missing jigsaw pieces of my life together. The Heal for Life camp was truly a moving experience for myself for which I am grateful and highly recommend, and would love to attend again. PS: And yes, I truly have found the missing little boy that I never knew about, still living within me!!! Errol Gough (aka Ezza)

Dave: Back in the day Many people know Dave Moir as someone who is always ready to help, and who contributes a huge amount to Tuart Place. Our photo shows 22-year-old Dave, five years after he left Parkerville Children’s Home. Dave was working as

THANK YOU

A tribute to Maureen Colgan from Mary Cooper Congratulations to Maureen Colgan and thanks to Mary Cooper (nee Patton) for writing in to let us know that Maureen was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in this year’s Australia Day Celebrations. Mary, a former child migrant and ex-resident of St Joseph’s, writes: “Maureen has done so much for the Girls, and also for the men who were child migrants, especially those who were at Bindoon. None of us has missed out on her care, loyalty patience and trust. Maureen assisted a number of us to meet family and she has stayed a true friend. We would like to congratulate Maureen – she is a quiet achiever and really deserves this Award”.

a Serviceman at Hamersley Iron, repairing electrical and mechanical equipment. On his holidays, Dave used to like to head bush - and he still does. One of Dave’s mates took this photo when they stopped for smoko, 130kms south of Tom Price.

Mrs Maureen Colgan

A very big thank you to everyone who has donated books, equipment, sent in newsletter items, helped with events and given their time to help make Tuart Place a fantastic resource service where people really get involved and help each other out. Special thanks to Tony Pavia for the delicious apple pies, Maureen for the wonderful soup made from tomatoes brought in by Dave, to Errol for his ‘specialist floor work’, and to volunteers Erica, Helena, Lesley, Marilyn, Gordon, Christabel, Cathcart, and many others for all you do. We couldn’t do it without you! 11

NOTICE BOARD FAIRBRIDGE WA 2014 AGM

Have your say! We recently welcomed Alison AtkinsonPhillips to a Monday lunch to meet with participants to talk about ‘living’ memorials Alison is a PhD student from the University of Technology Sydney (but living in Perth) who is researching Australian public memorials that remember lived experiences of loss or trauma. Two of the memorials she is researching are the ‘Unfolding Lives’ memorial to Forgotten Australians in Perth, and the memorial to child migrants in Fremantle. Alison wants to interview care leavers to understand what memorials like this mean to them. She is especially interested in talking to people who have been involved in these projects in any way - including disagreeing with them. If you would like to take part in this research, you can contact Alison via email alison.atkinson-phillips@ student.uts.edu.au, phone 0404-409978, or visit her interactive website www.notacelebration.blogspot.com/ and leave a comment.

Thanks to Ann McVeigh for this photo, which was taken on 16th February at the 2014 Fairbridge Annual General Meeting. The photo shows Fairbridge Old Boy Graham Bennett about to take a ride on his trike with wife Helen. Ann, whose partner is an Old Fairbridgian, said the 2014 AGM was well attended, and Derek Smith was voted in as President.

Stroke Awareness Presentation Know your risk and lower your risk factors

Many thanks to Helena Johnstone for the very informative and well-attended Stroke Awareness presentation she delivered at Tuart Place on 14th April. Helena is a Volunteer StrokeSafe Ambassador with the Stroke Foundation (and many of you will know her as one of our wonderful Tuart Place Volunteers). Helping raise awareness about stroke prevention has a personal significance for Helena, as her father suffered a series of mini strokes, which caused him to develop vascular dementia - the second most common form of dementia. Everyone who attended Helena’s presentation said they felt better informed about the risk factors and more confident about recognising the signs of a stroke. We Helena with FACT are also definitely eating far less salt now! Chairperson Ron Love

VALE

Fred and Marie at the Child Migrants’ 50th Anniversary reunion in 1998

Funding support from the City of Fremantle

Congratulations Yvonne Congratulations to Yvonne on the arrival of her twin great-granddaughters, Emelia and Evelyn, who were born in the early hours of 16th April 2014. Our photo shows the girls wearing outfits given to them by Yvonne. Aren’t they cute?

Tuart Place was recently awarded Community Development funding by the City of Fremantle. This year’s grant will help cover the cost of our Monday Community Lunches, annual Christmas party, and Singing Group. Many thanks to the City of Fremantle for their generous funding support. We really feel a part of Freo now!

Local Networking Tuart Place was well represented by a team of volunteers and staff at the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Day held in Kings Square, Fremantle on 21st March this year. A variety of local health and community service providers were present, and it was great to spend the day talking about the good things happening at Tuart Place. Many of the people we spoke to had no idea such a service existed on their doorstep and were very keen to help us spread the word.

Go Dockers!!

Team Spirit: Wally Kerkhoff sporting Dockers colours at last year’s ‘Fun & Frolic’ at Tuart Place. Wally (left) is standing next to Eddie Cogan, Peter Bent and Paddy Cannon.

Remembering Fred Crocker - 1936-2013 Fred Crocker was a former child migrant born in Cardiff, Wales who arrived in Fremantle at the age of 11 aboard the Asturias, and was among a group of boys sent to Bindoon. Fred left Bindoon at the age of 15 to work on a farm in Tammin, WA. Eventually, he left the farm and moved to Perth and worked for many years as a plasterer. Fred met his life partner Marie at a dance. Together, they had many happy experiences, one of which was an overseas trip to Wales, Scotland and Europe. Upon retiring, Fred took great pleasure in improving

his swing at Hillview Golf Course where he was a member for about 15 years. Fred will be remembered for his sense of humour and frankness. He will be sadly missed by his spouse Marie, children Michelle and Ross, grandchildren Kasey, Sarah, Ben and James and great grandchildren Jaylieah, Cooper and Ella.

A visit from Cathy Plowman Thank you to Paddy Cannon for organising a lunch at Tuart Place for Mrs Catherine Plowman, widow of the late David Plowman, who passed away in December last year. Cathy Plowman was accompanied on her visit by Mrs Frankie Atkinson, widow of the late Laurie Humphreys JP, founder of Tuart Place. During the visit Cathy talked about David’s love of life, which he lived to the full. After migrating to Australia from Malta at the age of 10, David joined his brother Jim at Tardun Farm School near Mullewa. David’s Tardun classmates became family to him, and many remained so throughout his life. Professor David Plowman

combined a distinguished academic career with a love of family, farming, fishing, gardening, and singing, among other things. A special interest, close to David’s heart, was seeing former child migrants reunite with their families.

Ancestry Workshop Mike Murray and Lesley Silvester run the busy genealogy business TimeTrackers, specialising in British and Australian family history. In March this year, Mike and Lesley held a workshop at Tuart Place to demonstrate the Ancestry.com website to participants. Using the big screen, Mike identified some of the most useful databases on Ancestry.com, and provided practical tips on searching. There was great excitement when Mike came across a shipping list that included the names of some of those participating in the Workshop. Many thanks to Mike and

Catherine Plowman and Frankie Atkinson at Tuart Place in March 2013

Tardun Old Boys 2014 Plowman Shield Thanks to Jim Gilroy for this photo of Des Lally and Joe McKay, winners of the Plowman Shield in the Annual Bocce Championship, which was contested at the gathering of the Tardun Old Boys, held at Moore River in February 2014.

A warm welcome for visitors from Ireland

Paddy Cannon is a great supporter of his fellow Old Boys, and recently put us in touch with relatives of Patrick Rush, who are visiting from Ireland, and arranged a visit to Tuart Place. Unfortunately, Patrick Rush is very unwell, and his Irish relatives and niece Shaunagh from NSW have come to Perth to see Patrick and his wife Glenys. Our photo shows some Tuart Place regulars standing with Shaunagh Forth (far right), who is Patrick Rush’s niece, and the daughter of his sister Bridget Rush. Shaunagh is seeking information about her late mother (see ‘Seeking Contact’ item on page 10). Standing next to Shaunagh is Caron Lynn, Patrick’s great-great niece visiting from Ireland, with Paddy Cannon on her right. Kneeling in the front row are Patrick’s daughter Joanne Foote, Patrick’s great niece from Ireland Jacqui Small, and her daughter-in-law Emma McKay. Our thoughts are with Patrick Rush and his family, and thank you Paddy Cannon for all you do.

VALE

At the Tuart Place Workshop: TimeTrackers’ Mike Murray with Tardun Old Boys Association President Keith Spencer

Lesley for kindly donating their time to assist with family tracing at Tuart Place.

Ray’s search for family Ray McGowan has been taking part in family tracing at Tuart Place with Lesley Silvester of the WA Genealogical Society (WAGS). When Ray came in for his last WAGS appointment he brought in photographs of his mother and his grandmother, both of whom he never met. In his session with Lesley, Ray was able to find out quite a bit about his family. Ray discovered that his great grandparents in England had three daughters, two of whom married, their names being Bridget and Rosetta. Rosetta was Ray’s grandmother. She married a man named Phillip McGowan, and had eight children, six girls and two boys. One of the girls was Kathleen, Ray’s mother. Kathleen went to England to give birth to Ray, who was placed in an orphanage. Ray was nine years old when he was sent to Australia as a child migrant. Ray said he found it exciting discovering so much information about his family. It was also quite an emotional experience, as Ray did not have the opportunity to meet most of his family. Ray is hoping that in his next session with Lesley he will be able to find out more about his mother, where he was born, and the name of the church in which he was baptised. Thank you Jen Coleman for this story.

Camping trip to Heron Point Clonnie Old Boys Peter, Mike, Johnno, Kevin and Dennis took to the road in March this year, and enjoyed three days of good fun, fishing, camp cooking, kayaking, and glorious sunsets at the Heron Point Campground on the banks of the Harvey Estuary. Teamwork and good fun were the order of the day, and everyone had plenty of laughs about the old times, the new times, and anything else they could think of! The guys were joined on the Sunday by Mike Hogan and Brendan McCloat, who came down for visit and a cup of tea. Everyone agreed they would like to go on another trip, and are investigating options for a larger group from Tuart Place to have a weekend away early next year. Please let Vicky at Tuart Place know if you are interested in this idea and would like to find out more.

ABOVE: Johnno scores a mullet LEFT: A relaxing breakfast at Heron Point

Where is Tuart Place? Tuart Place is at 24 High Street, in the West End of Fremantle, near the historic Roundhouse. There is no on-site parking, so some of our visitors park at South Beach and catch the Blue Central Area Transit (CAT) Bus, which stops close by in Phillimore Street, just after Cliff Street. The Blue CAT Bus is free and runs every 10 minutes, starting from Fremantle Train Station. If you’re arriving in Fremantle by train, the Blue CAT bus will bring you two blocks closer than the Station, with a scenic 16-minute bus ride on the way. If you are travelling on foot from Fremantle Station, Tuart Place is a five minute walk. Use the map opposite to get your bearings.

24 High Street

Train Station

Closest CAT bus stop

Happy birthday Evelyn

South Beach parking

Thanks to Ann McVeigh for this photo and news of Evelyn Guidice’s 80th birthday. The photo shows some of the Joey Girls who met at Sizzler’s in Morley in April to wish Evelyn happy birthday. Ann says it was a lovely afternoon and was great to see everyone. PHOTO: L-R Back row: Rita Sturnolio, Ann McVeigh, Gwen Tabbach, Vicky Langdon, Lizzy Tassell. Front row: Mary Smith, Evelyn Guidice, Marie Miller Also at the gathering were Nellie Caldwell, Nessie Carlson, Patrick Armstrong and Brian Smith.

Our Eco Policy The Tuart Times is published by PK Print, a West Australian company certified by the Sustainable Green Print and Green Stamp Programs. These programs assist the printing industry to reduce waste and increase recycling. PK Print is certified for Level 2 in both Programs.

Tuart Place: located at the old Cleo’s Hotel at 24 High Street Fremantle

St Patrick’s Day bling Vera Fare and Lizzy Tassell could have won first prize for ‘best bling’ on St Patrick’s Day 2014. Lots of people came in wearing green, but Vera and Lizzy’s flashing green pendants really stood out from the crowd!