Ron's Gazette – December 2016

Ron’s Gazette

December 2016

Supporting Tuart Place, 24 High St, Fremantle, WA Ph 08-6140-2380 Freecall 1800-619-795 or Email: [email protected] Web: www.tuartplace.org

All who were in out-of-home care during childhood are cordially invited to gather at Tuart Place each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 4-30pm.

T U A R T “Together we build Understanding, Acceptance, Respect and Trust. “When given appropriate care and nurturing, the Tuart Tree can stand strong and care for itself even through hard times”

FORGOTTEN AUSTRALIANS COMING TOGETHER INC. (FACT)

This newsletter is produced by Ron Love, a Forgotten Australian, Chairman of Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc, FACT, an Ambassador for Forgotten Australians and is active in working to further the interests of all people who experienced out-of-home care during childhood.

Ron’s Gazette For people who were formerly Wards of the State, Child Migrants, Forced Adoptees, Fostered Children, members of the Stolen Generations, and non-Aboriginal Australians placed in institutional care during childhood, also known as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers. “YOU JUST CAN’T KEEP A GOOD GROUP FROM RISING TO GREATER HEIGHTS” A Great Tuart Place End Of Year Party 11am to 2pm on Monday, Dec 5th, 2016 - International Volunteers Day On December 5th at the Tuart Place ‘End Of Year Party’, we happily celebrated the many successful events and achievements of 2016. This was a great party and opportunity for Care Leavers to pay homage to the Founders of FACT Inc, and appreciate our many Benefactors. These benefactors contribute funding or services which benefit Care Leavers. Tuart Place currently offers a high-standard of ongoing personal, clinical and professional free services. As the leading body in WA for people who have experienced out-of-home care during childhood, Tuart Place is an innovative, participant-led organisation offering services including support groups, life-skills sessions, counselling, tracing of family history, free legal advice, free haircuts, access to records, dental care, regular newsletters and assisted referrals to mainstream services, mental health, towards healing, assistance for royal commission issues, assistance with computers, phones & ipads and more. The Participant-led activities include – organising social activities, group outings, . IAN’S CARD celebrations, reunions, regular luncheon gatherings, fundraising events, monthly newsletter, participant-led classes to develop practical skills, presentations to groups and organisations for promoting awareness of issues concerning Forgotten Australians, sewing, origami, movies, photo collections and more. The governing body of Tuart Place, Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc, (FACT) has Forgotten Australians as the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and three other board members. This important ‘End Of Year gathering’ is an excellent opportunity for Forgotten Australians and benefactors to unite, chat and get to know each-other more. A time for Board members, Tuart Place staff, volunteers, participants and some funding contributors to congratulate each other and celebrate our many successes in 2016 as we prepare for the New Year in a good team-spirit. A chance to remember and to appreciate the volunteers who dedicated their valuable time to create the Tuart Place Committee and then the Board for Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc, (FACT) especially our inaugural FACT Chairperson, the late Mr Laurie Humphreys JP. He may seem to look to us from his photograph and smile with us all as we celebrate another important milestone on our journey. INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS DAY. International Volunteers Day is celebrated each year on December 5th and was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985. This day is dedicated to providing volunteer organisations and individual volunteers with the opportunity to raise the public awareness of their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. Volunteers are much appreciated, held in high esteem and well respected for the good work they do for Care Leavers and Tuart Place. Pictured with Mr Brad Pettitt, Fremantle Mayor, Mr Peter Bent proudly displays the framed Certificate he received as part of the ‘Terry Humphreys Award’ for 2016. Cevrina Reed, the Vice Chair of the Board for Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc, (FACT) presented this prestigious award to Peter at the annual End Of Year Party at Tuart Place with about 150 Participants, Staff and fellow Board Members, funding organisations with linked supporters and organisations applauding Peter for his great work. Peter is one of the founders of the FACT Board, the governing body of Tuart Place and was the second Chairperson of the FACT Inc, Board through 2013 and ‘14. He is a dedicated volunteer and was chosen for this year’s award because of his huge amount of support for Tuart Place. Peter has been a dedicated volunteer for Care Leavers and Tuart Place over decades and is still actively volunteering. Thank you Peter for your wonderful efforts for us all.

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We’re fortunate to have the popular Jackie McRae back at Tuart Place to deliver another important workshop that promises to be both informative and fun! ‘safeTALK’ is a FREE, half-day workshop from 10-15am – 2.30pm on Wednesday 15th February 2017. This workshop is designed to help people to learn how to identify people at risk of suicide - then connect them with outside help and resources. safeTALK has proven, easy-to-follow steps which are used effectively world-wide. Most people thinking about suicide don’t actually want to die, and they may need your help in deciding to stay alive. You don’t need any prior training to attend safeTALK—just a willingness to make a difference. Bookings are limited so contact Tuart Place Reception early to secure your place in this important workshop on 6140 2380 or email [email protected]

Bob Taylor has a wonderful family story to share. Bob Taylor is a Former Child Migrant who arrived in Australia in 1950 and lived at Bindoon for six years. Bob’s search for his mother started when he left Bindoon at age 16. Since 1962, he has travelled to England at his own expense four times, trying to find any information on his or his mother’s identity. Bob spent most of his adult life looking for his UK family. The break-through came from a DNA genetic matching which uncovered a large and very welcoming family in England, who he finally met in 2016. In an article about a genealogist who met Bob and his wife Carol at a Forgotten Australians support group meeting in Cairns in 2015, Louise Coakley writes: “Understandably, after such a long search, Bob still can’t believe that he finally knows the real identity of his mother, his birth circumstances, and that he has finally met some blood relatives. Bob’s new family have all been very welcoming since he first contacted them… extremely receptive, caring and very thoughtful. They emailed Bob and Carol very frequently, sent him some photos of his mother and information about her life, and couldn’t wait to meet him in person”. During Bob’s visit to London, he finally achieved his lifetime wish, which was to find his mother’s grave. Bob now knows who his mother is, where she is resting, and he has spent some special time visiting, laying flowers and tending her grave. Bob’s life has now changed forever. His wonderful cousins have warmly welcomed him and his family, now they are all part and of a much Bob(front row, 4th from right)with his big new family in London. bigger family and Bob knows all their names. Cousins Chris and Rod are standing behind Bob

Thank you John for an exciting introduction to a different type of art form John has come a long way since first seeking support at Tuart Place. On 12-12-16 John felt it was time to facilitate an Art Session and share some of the knowledge and abilities that he has accumulated as he searches for new interests and skills. This art form was about achieving different effects from images. I was honoured to be part of the Art Session in which John gave good instruction and demonstrated well, the techniques required to accomplish the task at hand. Our focus was on making images appear like ‘aged works of art’. We all worked hard at getting the impressive results and each student was happy with their artistic achievement on the day. Thank you John for sharing your artistic skills with us. Original aged aged

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It is so important to keep in touch and supporting our extended family. Helen has not been well enough to visit Tuart Place for a time. To receive a very much appreciated a phone call - and a card from Tuart Place, signed by Care Leavers, staff and Fact Board Members, Helen felt uplifted and appreciatively gives a huge THANK YOU from ICU to all for the card and your good wishes. TO Dave. Best Birthday wishes and kind regards to Dave and to all who were in out-of-home care during childhood who are celebrating their birthday around this time of the year. In grand Tuart Place tradition, a “Happy Birthday is wished for Dave on his Birthday from Participants, Board Members, Staff and Volunteers in our extended family. May all who are having a birthday enjoy wonderful adventures of peace, prosperity and happiness on your Special Day and every day. Thank you all for sharing your courage and good cheer with us at TUART PLACE. Here are some recent birthday celebrations at Tuart Place

Ann’s Birthday Linda’s, Ron’s & Maria’s Birthday Waynes Birthday

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Ron’s Gazette For people who were formerly Wards of the State, Child Migrants, Forced Adoptees, Fostered Children, members of the Stolen Generations, and non-Aboriginal Australians placed in institutional care during childhood, also known as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers. “YOU JUST CAN’T KEEP A GOOD GROUP FROM RISING TO GREATER HEIGHTS” An Honouring Tribute to Laurie Humphreys Soon after 10am on 11-12-2016 Brian Humphreys, opened the ceremony in Honour of his father, Laurie Humphreys JP. His Worship, Mayor Logan K Howlett JP, of the City of Cockburn spoke highly of Laurie and took pleasure in opening ‘Humphreys Park’ in honour of Laurie’s lasting contributions to the community, including more than two decades of service to Local Government, at 23 Scholar Terrace in Coolbellup. This area is a wonderful bush-land setting in Coolbellup, a suburb south-east of Fremantle. When the site was previously cleared for housing, as much natural vegetation that was salvageable was retained then more replanted with the intention of keeping the space as natural bush land. It attracts birds (which Laurie loved) and is a haven for some small native animals. Across from Humphreys Park is Hargreaves Park with all the lawns, cultivated trees, swings for the children to play on. As a boy, Laurie arrived in Fremantle and the promise of a new life was the harsh reality of the actual circumstances in Bindoon Boys Town. He was confronted by the shock of learning that he was not actually an orphan when he came to Australia and also he had a brother, Terry, who did not know Laurie existed. It is understandable that family became one of the most important things in Laurie's life, and at his time of passing, his extended family had stretched to more than 50 grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Laurie was a resident in the city of Cockburn within the electorate of Fremantle before he passed away due to cancer on May 8th 2012. In 1953 at the age of 20, Laurie was secretary of the Northcliff Branch of the Timber Workers Union. In 1962 he was president of the Baker’s Hill Primary School Parents and Citizens Association. He was also a foundation member of two branches of the Australian Labour Party. Laurie attained many positions within the union movement, perhaps some of his major achievements were his 17 years as Vice President of the Western Australian branch of the Transport Workers Union, the four years he served on the executive of the Trades and Labour Council of WA, the eight years he served as the Transport Workers Union delegate to the state executive of the ALP, and the fact that he attended every ACTU congress of the Australian Council of Trade Unions from 1972 to 1988. Laurie Humphreys also led a dedicated team of volunteers to form a safe place with services, where Western Australian people who experienced forms of out-of- home care as a child in the last century can gather. This safe gathering place, named ‘Tuart Place’ was officially launched in June 2012 is at 24 High St in Fremantle. It is governed by the Board for Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc. The Board consists of ten people of which five, including the Chair and Vice Chair, are people with lived experience in out-of- home care as a child. Free of charge services at Tuart Place include: counselling, support groups, guidance in life skills, computer skills, family tracing, support with complaints, obtaining records, social activities. Led by Forgotten Australians for Forgotten Australians, Tuart Place is an organisation supporting people who were in out-of-home care during childhood, or Care Leavers, including Former Child Migrants from the UK and Malta, and Indigenous and non- Indigenous Australian-born care leavers. Paddy Cannon praised Laurie’s life of achievements especially concerning the vast amount of work in support of people who were in out-of-home care as a child. There was mention of Laurie’s book, “A Chip Off What Block”: A Child Migrant's Tale, in which, Laurie talked about how extremely blessed he was in his life, despite his upbringing and despite never having had the benefit of a formal education. Laurie grew from a boy who was given very little in the way of love and care to a man who gave so much to his family, his community and to this nation, and we continually pay tribute to him at Tuart Place. Linda Humphreys said Laurie just became a Great Granddad again, a little girl, number 58, Laurie now has 106 descendants. I found 24 High St in Fremantle while looking for a caring counsellor to help me get through some difficult times in 2007. At that time, Laurie and his team were establishing the FACT Board, of which Laurie was voted–in as the inaugural Chairperson in 2011. As the current Chairperson for the FACT Inc, Board and as a friend of Laurie, I was honoured to be invited by Frankie Atkinson, Laurie’s widow, to be present with Laurie’s family at this important historical event and honouring Laurie at the official opening of Humphreys Park. Laurie was a great man.

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Statute of Limitations for civil actions based on child sexual abuse A letter from the Honourable Liza Harvey MLA, Chair of the Cabinet Sub Committee on Civil Litigation for Child Sex Abuse was received at Tuart Place recently. An invitation was in the letter for me and /or representatives of the FACT Inc Board to meet with the Sub Committee on Civil Litigation for Child Sex Abuse which is working to develop a policy position and proposal for the drafting of legislation to amend the Statute of Limitations for civil actions based on child sexual abuse. We could not say we represent the views of all members of our organisation but we can give our individual input and reasons for our views on the eight consultation questions asked. At 3pm on Tuesday 6-12-16 three members of the Board for Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc, entered Parliament House to meet with the Sub Committee. To eight in-depth questions, I offered my responses and information as a person who has lived experience in out of home care as a child. Graham offered his responses as a long standing practicing lawyer and mediator - and Maria, a founder of the FACT Board and Tuart Place, offered her responses as an advocate who has fought for 20years-plus for the rights of people who were in out-of-home care during childhood. To the eight questions, we did well in offering some relevant reasons and suggestions to be considered by the Sub Committee. This Limitations reform is a genuine concern for all who were in out-of-home care during childhood and organisations supporting Care Leavers. It has influence on removing limitations of time periods in which victims of child sexual and possibly emotional, physical and mental abuse can make claims against perpetrators and institutions for compensation that, by law, they may be entitled to. Depending on the outcome of this process, victims of abuse as a child outside institutions may also be eligible to make claims against their abusers. Members of the Sub Committee and members of the FACT Inc, Board were friendly, respectful and welcoming on the day and I feel we all made an excellent team effort. For many valid reasons, it is my wish that the current limitation period be removed in total.

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Ron’s Gazette For people who were formerly Wards of the State, Child Migrants, Forced Adoptees, Fostered Children, members of the Stolen Generations, and non-Aboriginal Australians placed in institutional care during childhood, also known as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers. “YOU JUST CAN’T KEEP A GOOD GROUP FROM RISING TO GREATER HEIGHTS” At the Government House Ballroom Commissioner Andrew Murray of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse delivered the 2016 Geoffrey Bolton Lecture on the evening of Thursday 24 November 2016 at the Government House Ballroom in St George's Terrace, Perth. The lecture topic was Children in need: why records are central to identity and justice. I was fortunate to be part of the group representing Forgotten Australians Coming Together. Tuart Place was represented by Social Worker Jan Newman arriving with her husband Peter and we all witnessed this important event and really appreciated the in depth information made available to all through the content of Andrew Murray’s speech. For more information log on to http://www.sro.wa.gov.au/events/geoffrey-bolton-lecture. Commissioner Murray began his speech by stating that "my own impression is that the importance of identity is underestimated by many in the general community, perhaps because they have never lost it or been disconnected from it". He covered the issues related to problems with historical records, such as their absence and destruction, plus the fact that those that do exist are very often inadequate, inaccurate and full of insensitive and judgemental statements. Commissioner Murray also spoke about Royal Commission findings on the current significant problems with recordkeeping practices in institutions and the non-government sector, adding that while sound recordkeeping guidelines have been created, they are not always followed. He made the point that there are worries about the security and longevity of digital records. Turning to issues about access to records for those who experienced out-of- home care, he stated that "child abuse victims and survivors ... are still finding it very hard to access historical records about their time in care" due to procedural difficulties with FOI legislation, such as the requirement to be specific, the costs involved, redactions and third party privacy. Commissioner Murray ended his speech by outlining the Royal Commission's consultation paper on records and record keeping practices, which proposed principles for good institutional record keeping. He also spoke of the need for 'life histories' and 'life story books' so that those who are in out-of-home care, have tangible representations of their childhood - like photographs, mementos, art work, etc. The lecture was illustrated with the stories of survivors of child abuse while they were in out-of-home care, and also included Commissioner Murray's own personal reflections as a child migrant in Faribridge children's home in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), including his own search for information. It was a very moving at times a heart rending lecture that attendees will long remember. Part of what Andrew Murray relayed about record–keeping in his Lecture on 24- 11-16 is - the amendment to the Commonwealth’s Royal Commissions Act specified that for the purposes of the Commonwealth Archives Act 1983, records that relate to private sessions, or contain information obtained at a private session, are not publicly accessible for 99 years after they are created. This provision is sensitive to the historical importance of these records; ensures that these stories of trauma and suffering are archived and available to future generations, but also reflects the time- sensitive nature of these sessions. We have been undertaking our work since being established in January 2013. Our task, which ends in December 2017, is to inquire into: • what governments and institutions should do to better protect children against institutional child sexual abuse in the future; • best practice in encouraging the reporting of allegations and the response to reports of child sexual abuse in an institutional context; • reducing or eliminating impediments to appropriate responses; • alleviating the impact of institutional child sexual abuse, including in ensuring justice for victims through redress, criminal justice processes, and support services. Photos “Courtesy State Records Office of WA, photographer Bohdan Warchomij”.

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The ConnectGroups Morning Tea was a great Festive Season Party Each year ConnectGroups invite a huge group of representatives from organisations to attend this joyous function at the ConnectGroups ‘Home base’ in Booragoon. Networking is much-enjoyed at this event where friends/Ambassadors/Advocates meet and exchange significant information about the improvements and achievements of our organisations throughout the past year. This year on 8-12-16, there was also a presentation of awards for people who completed a Certificate 1V course in Community Services. This course was run by ConnectGroups and Cevrina and Sylvia from Tuart Place were honoured among those who completed the course. Cevrina is pictured proudly accepting her Certificate then with other members of the class of 2016. Because Sylvia was unable to attend, I was honoured to receive Sylvia’s Certificate on Sylvia’s behalf. The crew of ConnectGroups always amazes me when they do so much work and help so many people and organisations with such a small amount of staff. Well done again ConnectGroups, you are legends. Child migrant’s tribute to a kind aboriginal woman Rose Finucane.

ROSE (ROSIE) FINUCANE (c1897-1962) Rose (Rosie) Finucane was the cook at Castledare Boys Home for 11 years until 1960 when she was taken ill and advised to retire by her doctor. However, Rosie continued to live at Castledare. She passed away in her room on 8th March 1962 aged 65 years. She was devoted to her work and to the boys who lived there, and they in turn adored her. Her friends amongst the boys were those who found the going the hardest – her patience and kindness was that of a saint. Although beware the boy who crossed the threshold of her kitchen unbidden – however he rarely left the kitchen without a lump of cake in return for the rousing. Rosie would work tirelessly in the kitchen from before 6.00am in the morning until long after 7.00pm in the evening. Even after she had to retire, Rosie could be found in the kitchen performing chores that her doctor and her poor state of health would forbid. Rosie was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery on 11 March 1962. Her headstone was rescued in 2000 by Tony Dalton, ex-resident of Clontarf and a Castledare employee, when Karrakatta undertook a cemetery renewal. This headstone now lies on the verandah outside the room that used to be “her kitchen” in the Niana homestead.

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Ron’s Gazette For people who were formerly Wards of the State, Child Migrants, Forced Adoptees, Fostered Children, members of the Stolen Generations, and non-Aboriginal Australians placed in institutional care during childhood, also known as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers. “YOU JUST CAN’T KEEP A GOOD GROUP FROM RISING TO GREATER HEIGHTS” Much appreciated Warm Hearts supporting Care Leavers in Sweden Since the 1990s, historical institutional child abuse has received political attention in a number of established Western democracies. The emergence of financial redress schemes in some countries/states/regions has provided a basis for care-leaver advocates, researchers and inquiry commissions to argue for the implementation of such reparations elsewhere. But what lessons could be learnt from implemented financial redress schemes? Do they achieve what they aimed to achieve? What political negotiations have marked the implementation of financial redress schemes, and what have the consequences been for victims? Conversely, what characterizes the political process in countries/states/regions where victims who so far, have been denied financial redress? These questions were discussed at an international exploratory workshop organised by Tema Barn at the Museum of Work in Norrköping on 10th &11th of November 2016. The workshop is set to be pioneering in assembling prominent scholars in the field to give presentations addressing 10 countries. FACT Vice-Chairperson Cevrina Reed and Tuart Place Director Dr Pip White recently displayed their firm commitment to supporting Care Leavers by leaving Australia to go to Norrköping, Sweden. Enduring temperatures around minus 3 degrees while there, Cevrina and Pip co-presented a paper at the international conference named “Compensating the Past: International approaches to redress schemes for historical child abuse”. Speakers from 10 countries around the world gathered there to share their knowledge and experiences of redress schemes for survivors of institutional child abuse. This was a great opportunity to share information about redress schemes in Australia. Tuart Place and the other organisations represented at the conference profited well by learning from world-wide experiences of others involved in this field. Well done Cevrina and Pip and thank you for your extraordinary efforts in taking time out of normal life to support Care Leavers. We join Pip and Cevrina in thanking Johanna Sköld for organizing this very important conference, and the University of Linköping for funding the travel costs. 60th annual Commemoration Michael Bowman was a Clontarf boy who tragically lost his life 61 years ago when the Clontarf Boy’s Town bus and a truck collided on a narrow culvert on the South West Highway. This was a few miles south of the Serpentine bridge on December 15th 1955. In respect for Michael who passed away and the boys who were tragically injured and traumatised in the 1955 accident, an annual memorial takes place at Michael Bowman's gravesite at Clontarf. Former ‘Clontarf Boys’ and their relatives are welcome to gather at 11am on 15th December each year to take part in the annual ‘laying of a new wreath’ ceremony and a respectful silence. Mr Dennis McNerny was on the Clontarf bus just 8years old at the time of the accident, he was honoured to say a few words and lay the new wreath. Following the laying of the wreath and a brief time of respectful silence, we enjoyed chatting over a Subway lunch then some who were fit enough, followed the Historical Trail throughout the Clontarf grounds. Thank you all for the growing support including Phil, the Commercial Manager of Clontarf for participating in this important event.Pictures by Ron This roadside monument is a tribute near the scene of the accident for Michael Bowman who died and the Clontarf children who suffered from the bus accident near Serpentine on 15-12-1955.

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‘Long-term Outcomes of Forgotten Australians’ (LOFA) To Tuart Place / Find and Connect Services. A Research Study on Life Outcomes for Children Growing up in 'Care' in the Twentieth Century in Australia was launched in Sydney at UNSW on Monday, December 12-12-2016. A report was presented regarding ‘No Child Should Grow Up Like This’. The report identifies Long Term Outcomes of Forgotten Australians, Child Migrants and the Stolen Generations. Keynote speakers were Edward Santow, Human Rights Commissioner and Professor Mark Courtney, University of Chicago. All the people at Tuart Place who participated in this study have received invitations, however we recognise that there is little to no funding available from services and UNSW cannot provide travel subsidy to the 600 persons who participated. Therefore, to make this as accessible as possible, we are intending to film the event and will place edited highlights on the website at a later date. Professor Elizabeth Fernandez says ‘We are pleased to note that with your valued participation in this research, we have been able to compile a comprehensive report on the findings. Over 670 people: Forgotten Australians, Child Migrants and members of the Stolen Generations have participated in surveys, interviews and focus groups contributing important insights into their care experience and current life outcomes and service needs’. We hope also to send the Find and Connect services and Tuart Place some hard copies of the report as well. The report will be freely available for download from the website at some point after the launch. Everyone in the study will be notified when the report is available for download. However a lot of people don't have access to a computer so we can supply a hard copy on request in the post, free of charge. Just pass on their address details to [email protected] Tuart Place has been acknowledged in the report and we thank you for your invaluable assistance in facilitating the fieldwork aspect of the research process. If anyone has any queries, please give me a call - Hazel 02 9385 1516. The website is http://www.forgottenaustralians.unsw.edu.au/ or [email protected] W: unsw.edu.au CRICOS Provider Code. 00098G. See my latest Housing Studies article: Discourses around negative gearing of investment properties in Australia http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02673037.2015.1080820 Read the article for free by clicking on this link: http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/QhJxvCwqTIvnkfXNrgMw/full - Dr Hazel Blunden, Research Associate, School of Social Sciences G47, Morvern Brown Building C20 UNSW SYDNEY NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA: +61 (2) 9385 151

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Ron’s Gazette For people who were formerly Wards of the State, Child Migrants, Forced Adoptees, Fostered Children, members of the Stolen Generations, and non-Aboriginal Australians placed in institutional care during childhood, also known as Forgotten Australians and Care Leavers. “YOU JUST CAN’T KEEP A GOOD GROUP FROM RISING TO GREATER HEIGHTS” Paddy’s Story My search is over. After 65 years of trying, I have found my family. Great thanks to the Child Migrant Trust, with special thanks to Margaret Humphreys and staff both here in Perth, and Nottingham in the UK. This year in March, Lindsey from Nottingham office put my DNA onto the international database and we found a match - someone from the USA who turned out to be a 2nd cousin, my mother’s sister’s grandchild. I was born in Ruthin in North Wales in 1937. My mother was working in Ruthin and stayed there until 1939. She went home to Castlebar in County Mayo Ireland and got married to Phillip Derrig and had 3 boys and 4 girls over the next 18 years. Unfortunately she did not tell the family about me and so it was a great shock to them to hear that I was their oldest brother. On September 21st 2016, I went to Ireland and my family there greeted me with open arms. I took 2 sons and one granddaughter. We had a blast over 3 weeks, meeting up with 67 members of my family! I am 79 years old and to find my family at this late stage has given me a new lease on life. I plan to go back in May 2017 for another reunion. What happens at Tuart Place? Tuart Place is the State Government funded service for former Child Migrants, ‘Forgotten Australians’ and members of the Stolen Generations and more. Tuart Place provides individual counselling, telephone counselling, support groups, social activities, assistance with Professional Standards complaints, volunteering opportunities, computer skills sessions, visiting health & legal services, family tracing, assistance to access records, dental work, skin checks, singing group, craft group, help in dealing with other agencies and more. Where is Tuart Place Tuart Place is located at 24 High Street (the old Cleo’s Hotel site) 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. Tuart Place is a five minute walk, if you are travelling from Fremantle Train Station on foot. A great success for the Mental Health First Aid Course Seventeen people started this highly successful nationally accredited course at Tuart Place. The course ran from 26-10-16 to 16-11-16. Fifteen people attended all sessions which enables them to receive a certificate of completion. Tuart Place participants, volunteers and two staff members attended the course along with local health professionals and representatives from our networks. 100% of those attending found the training useful and 80% say their knowledge on topics had increased as well as their confidence to use the newly developed skills. Computer & Mobile Phone Help THURSDAYS 12noon to 3pm (please book). Sam will be at Tuart Place to share his friendly nature and helpful wisdom with Care Leavers. Whatever your skill level (even if you have not turned on a computer before) you can learn to browse the internet, send emails, scan photos and shop online. Please call 6140-2380 to book in with one of our friendly volunteers on or 1800-619-795 or Email: [email protected]

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The next Sausage Sizzle is set for Saturday 4th of February 2017 for another fun-filled Sausage Sizzle held at Bunnings at the corner of South and Yarrick streets in O’Connor. The raffle proceeds go to Care Leavers through the Social Activities Group. Thank you to Tony Galati of the Spud Shed for another kind donation of 30Kgs of onions for our Fund raising Sausage Sizzle. Let Mike know if you are available to volunteer for this important event. Thank you Ann Mc for donating $50 Gift card for the raffle and to Bunnings for supporting us in our fundraising ventures. The Social Activities Group meetings are becoming more jollier as the festive season arrives. At the meeting on Monday 12-12-16, Jo Hocking was welcomed as a member of the group and also earlier, Jo was welcomed by the FACT Inc, Board members and Pip. Jo is the new Program Coordinator for Tuart Place and is proving to be a great asset to Care Leavers and Tuart Place. Tuppin House Group get-a-way at Guilderton WA Friday 31st March to Sunday 2nd April 2017 (2 Nights) Guilderton/Moore River is about 100 kilometres north of Perth. It was originally known as Gabbadah, an Aboriginal term meaning "mouthful of water" until it was gazetted as a town in 1951. Now Guilderton is a growing coastal town north of Perth, Western Australia at the mouth of the Moore River in the Shire of Gingin. The river mouth regularly opens and closes depending on the seasons, and alternates between a closed lagoon and a tidal estuary. The town is a popular holiday destination for Perth residents who commonly refer to it as Moore River. Tuppin House Group Holiday Accommodation: Shared or single rooms available. Kitchen facilities available and a deli close by. Cost: $40.00 per person Transport: Participants may use their own transport or share with someone else. Who can come? Participants with partners and/or friends –no pets. 30 places are available, bookings are essential - please book with Jo at Tuart Place by February 23rd, 2017 on 6140-2380, 1800-619-795 or Email: [email protected]. What can we do there? Go to the beach, BBQ, fishing, kayaking, paddle boats, hiking, relaxing, golf, lawn bowls, table tennis, darts, play cards/Bocce etc. Can you suggest more? BYO Bring Your Own: bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows), snacks & drinks.

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THANK YOU FOR MAKING A GOOD DIFFERENCE Congratulations and Thank You to all the folks who contribute their skills, expertise and some of their valuable time and dollars each month for the benefit of Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants in WA. If you are already sponsoring a project or contributing to Tuart Place, you are MAKING A GOOD DIFFERENCE for the welfare of many of us who could use some support at times when things are not going well. Your worthwhile and very much appreciated contributions are used to offer a better quality of life for adults who have experienced out-of-home care during childhood and are seeking assistance now. When you proudly share the news of your contributions with friends, please remember to invite them to also MAKE A GOOD DIFFERENCE toward supporting Forgotten Australians & Former Child Migrants? Tuart Place is open from 9-30am to 4-30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for all to get to know us better. While joining our Famous Free Monday lunches at 12noon, you may ask how you can contribute to a wide range of services and projects happening now or planned for the future.

Opinions expressed in Ron’s Gazette are those of individuals and not necessarily those of the editor, the Board for Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc, or Tuart Place and membership. Any advice, either explicit or implied is not intended to replace qualified medical advice. At Tuart Place you are welcome to voice your suggestions, so your valued ideas for Group entertainment and other interests may be shared, negotiated and may be put into a plan of action? You may choose to anonymously use our Suggestion Box, located, for your convenience, in the main hall. Please share your ideas for ways in assisting the progress and preservation of the good name of Tuart Place? The friendly staff are also available to help arrange Reunions and events for Special Interest Groups at Tuart Place and other venues. Contact Tuart Place on 61402380, Freecall: 1800- 619-795 or email [email protected] .

“Together we build Understanding, Acceptance, Respect and Trust” “When given appropriate care and nurturing, the Tuart Tree can stand strong and care for itself eve n through hard times”

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