Ron`s Gazette

Ron’s Gazette
June 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.
TUART
“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”
The Spirit of the Streets Choir launched ‘Sing for Health Week’.
It was launched, at 1.30 pm on Monday,
May 16th, 2016 in conjunction with
Schizophrenia Week, at the Leederville
Town Hall – 84 Cambridge Street West
Leederville. SING FOR HEALTH WEEK
was from May16th to 22nd in 2016 and the
highlight of the week was on Friday 20th
May at the Perth Concert Hall. Over 200
voices from eight diverse choirs and
groups united in joyful harmony for the
Act Commit Belong - Sing for Health Concert. Something magical happens when people sing together
and everyone is on the same pulsing heart beat. Singer/songwriter Bernard Carney has written a song
to create magic. “PASS THE SONG ALONG” is set on a journey to unite communities in song. It is the
‘signature song’ for Sing for Health week. The song was launched by the Spirit of the Streets Choir at a
Fringe Festival Flashmob, in February. The choirs appearing were Spirit of the Streets Choir, St John of
God Community Choir, Starlight Hotel, Parkinsong, Harry's Anonymous, The Real Sing, GALS WA and
the Madjitil Moorna choir. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend this fantastic Concert as part of a
small group from Tuart Place. The choirs were inspirational. I felt a great sense of inspiration when I saw
Lee, a member of our Forgotten Australians Coming Together Inc, Board,
singing heartily on stage in the Madjitil Moorna choir. This venue was also
excellent for catching up with friends during the break - including Gordon P with
friends and another wonderful surprize was - Mike Pauly. He was on a brief R
and R before venturing on to Esperance to walk around the west coast back up
to Fremantle and finalize his solo walk around Australia. The second half of this
awesome concert was as emotional and exciting as the first. Seeing and
hearing those powerful people from all walks of life and abilities, singing their utmost during this Act
belong Commit, Sing for Health Concert was a unique event to behold. As one of the thousand or so
in the audience, I shared the powerful energy and emotion as we all
sang together. I connected with the words “salt water wells in my eyes”,
from an inspiringly wonderful Julian Lennon song. Our group is pictured
enjoying a coffee and a chat at the Knutsford Hotel after the concert.
Since ‘Pass the song along’ was launched in Febrary, individuals and
groups have been practicing there own renditions and uploading to the
Sing for Health Facebook page and following it's journey. Ginny has and
Linda have been hard at work preparing to record and make a video of the Tuart Place Singers. This
happened on Monday, May 30th as we heartily sang "Pass the Song Along" at Tuart Place.
So keep an eye out for a recording and video by the Tuart Place Singers (possibly on Facebook).
Page 1
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
Drop-In on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
at Tuart Place
Each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Forgotten Australians, Former Child Migrants, Stolen Generation, Former
Wards of the State and Forced Adoptees are invited to drop-in and experience Tuart
Place. Adults who were in out-of-home care during childhood are
welcome to gather at TUART PLACE, 24 High St, in Fremantle, West
Australia. Tuart Place courteously offers friendly service to all who
choose to drop in and visit. That’s a great reason to drop in with a
friend or two, enjoy a relaxing cuppa and a chat in the friendly, family
atmosphere. Come and meet with the great crowd of people. Many enjoy being part of
the singing group that gathers each Monday at about 10am and starts singing from about 10-30 to 12noon and
some enjoy sitting back and listening. We do thank you for considering the
singing group and maintaining quiet in and around the area where the Singing
Group gathers between10-30am and 12noon.
Some drop in to swap a Library book, compare
old school photos with some in the huge Tuart
Place collection or learn a new board game.
Some folks who come to visit, do so with
friends, new and old friends or come to have
a friendly chat with the staff and Tuart Place participants.
Some of the Free Services and Sessions
being
offered
include
individual
counselling, support groups, social activities,
workshops, volunteering opportunities, computer,
iphone and ipad skills, craft, sewing, origami, movies,
tutoring of grammar, reading, maths or writing skills,
visiting health services, family history/tracing, with
free assistance to find and access records by the West
Australian Genealogical Society Inc, help with contacting Centrelink, other
agencies and more. Forgotten Australians are helping Forgotten Australians - offering a unique service for all
who have lived-in experience in out-of-home care during childhood. Monday lunch times are Great opportunities
at Tuart Place for sharing good food and good times while creating new friends. The famous Tuart Place Monday
Lunches may have been best described as ‘Tasty culinary delights’. When Maureen cooks a meal, it helps this
time of day feel like one big happy family sharing a delicious home-cooked meal. Please ask about our group
adventures currently being looked at, and find out how you can participate in some.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY To
Helen,
Cheryl B, Mark P & Jenn A. To the respected
and valued members of the TUART PLACE
extended Family who celebrate their Birthday
around this time of the year. In grand Tuart Place tradition, a “Happy
Birthday to them All” is heartily wished from other 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. Best wishes
and kind regards to all who are celebrating their birthday
and thank you for sharing your courage and good cheer
with us at TUART PLACE. From 'the family’.
.
Paddy celebrating again on 13-6-16
Page 2
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
New Website Tour
After lunch on Monday, June 20th and again on Wednesday, June 22nd, we are all
invited to view the New Website Tour on the large screen at Tuart Place. Come
along and find out what it is all about. You then have the opportunity to give
some feed-back to the Tuart Place staff. Share what you think of it? Another great
opportunity to catch-up with friends with a cuppa as we checkout the New
Website Tour at Tuart Place.
General Legal Advice Free with Lawyer Gary Dean
At Tuart Place Book a half-hour appointment with Gary to discuss
any general legal concerns or questions. Telephone appointments
can be arranged upon request. Please register soon with Vicky on
61402380, Free call 1800-619-795 or email:
[email protected] . Monday 27th June: Free legal advice
sessions by appointment from 1.00-4.00pm
Spreading the word again about a great
community asset and a WORLD FIRST Orange Sky Laundry is Australia’s first mobile laundry service for the
homeless. A world first, started in Brisbane by two 20 year olds, the
custom fitted van has been servicing parks and drop in centres across Australia and the wider
community with its two industrial washers and dryers in each van. Orange Sky now has 9 services across
Australia in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney the Sunshine Coast Canberra, Perth,
Adelaide and SE Melbourne. At Orange Sky Laundry (OSL) they are very ambitious. It doesn’t simply
stop at one van! The pilot van has proven an amazing success and OSL will continue
rolling out vehicles across Australia in the coming months. We are extremely excited
and need your continued support and volunteers. With around 168 people sleeping
rough in Perth WA every night, and about 9,595 people classed as homeless in WA,
Orange Sky Laundry was proud to take it’s sixth service into this community. They
have been able to provide this brand new service with thanks to the Good Guys, The
Jelly Family Foundation and the ongoing support from Richard Jay, Jetstar Symbio,
LG Electronics and the Orange Sky Community. OSL looks forward to further establishing Orange Sky
in Perth and are in the process of developing and rolling out regular schedules. However, we need you
help and support so please get involved? The Mission of Orange Sky is to connect homeless people into
the community by providing a free mobile laundry service. For more information you can email
[email protected] . Volunteers are needed for maybe 2hrs per week. “You can visit the
Orange Sky people each week expecting to be greeted by friendly people and to meet lots of new
friends”.
National Sorry Day was on Thursday 26th of May.
It is a day to remember and honour the Stolen
Generations - a day to reflect on what has happened
in our past and think about what we can do to heal
and move toward to a more positive future. At Tuart
Place we wore the Purple Native Hibiscus badges to
display our support for this important day. It is
symbolic of the scattering of the stolen generations
and represents their resilience and ability to survive.
Its colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing.
There was a Perth Sorry Day Event at Wellington Square – East Perth, on Thurs
26 May from 9.45am to 1.45pm. A beautiful song, written and performed by Archie Roach, says it all. You can
find this powerful and emotional song on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=br83o_JpIFw .
Page 3
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
Reconciliation Week - 'Our History, Our Story, Our Future'
This significant history is shared by the ABC’s Rebecca McClaren’s story of
how Thomas Wentworth Wills is still bridging the cultures of Aborignal and
newer Australians. Tom Wills: a name that should be as iconic as Matilda,
Ned Kelly or Bradman.
Wills shouldn't be remembered for his waltzing, jumbuck stealing or gun fighting, but he should
be remembered as one of Australia's greatest cricketers. He captained and coached the first Australian cricket
team and pioneered over-arm bowling. AND he invented AFL. Dr Greg de Moore has written a book about the
man he hopes will become as well known as the sport he created. But Dr de Moore doesn't come to study Wills
as a sports historian. He's a psychiatrist. More than 10 years ago Dr de Moore came across an article that said the
man who invented the game of ‘Australian Rules Football’, and our first great cricketer, tragically took his own
life in 1880, at the young age of 44. "As a psychiatrist, I'm always assessing people's mental health and thoughts
about suicide." So the investigation began to find out why such a successful young man committed suicide. The
day before Tom Wills died he was admitted to my old medical school, The Royal Melbourne Hospital. On a whim,
I rang the Royal Melbourne Hospital from Sydney and I said, 'I
don't suppose you've got medical records that go back to the year
1880? To his 'eternal surprise', the hospital archivist told Dr de
Moore that there was a room at the back of the hospital filled with
un-opened cardboard boxes containing the leather bound notes
from the 19th century doctors.
I spent six or seven hours opening these boxes until I found the
single page that documented the hospital admission of Tom Wills
in 1880, the day before he died. It really gave me the clue as to
why he took his life the next day, because at that point in his life he had unfortunately become an alcoholic. He
had stopped drinking and developed a condition we call DTs or Delirium Tremens, which means that he had ‘the
shakes’. He began to hallucinate and experience delusions. In that frightened and deluded mental state, he
absconded from hospital and sadly, the next day he took his life.
Dr de Moore says Wills' alcoholism was amplified because he was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
after the death of his father in 1861. He and his father had travelled to Queensland where they were to set up a
new farm. Tragically his father and 18 other white settlers were killed in a land dispute. Tom Wills miraculously
survived that attack. (It is also reported that Thomas Wills returned from two days of riding to purchase and bring
supplies back to find his father and station hands dead.) He returned to Victoria and in the shadow of his father's
death and showing amazing courage, Tom Wills went to Western Victoria and collected 10 Aboriginal farm
workers and created an Aboriginal cricket team. For him to have done that, just after his father’s death, was
really an amazing act of courage. He took this Aboriginal cricket team to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing
day 1866. That Aboriginal cricket team, captained by their white captain Tom Wills (who spoke their language),
played at the MCG team and 10,000 Victorians lined the streets to watch them play. It is often thought that,
although he was a cricketer and created this Aboriginal cricket team, that this act of his creating the team, was
one of our first great acts of national healing between white and black Australians. Dr de Moore says that after
Wills returned to Melbourne from touring with the cricket team, he became bored because there wasn't much
to do. We can be thankful for that, because it lead to the creation of the AFL. He wrote the first 10 rules of what
became Australian Rules as he sat with three friends in a pub.
It was Tom Wills who introduced the oval shaped ball; He said that if you mark a ball, or catch a ball, you can stop
and take a free kick; it was Tom Wills who invented the whole concept of flooding, where back-men would fill up
the backline to stop goals being scored. Those handwritten rules still exist today at the MCG.
On Saturday March 10th, 2012, Dr Greg de Moore was at the Harrow Football Clubrooms to talk about Thomas
Wills, and his book. Tom Wills: His Spectacular Rise and Tragic Fall, is available now from ABC shops.
Page 4
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
Sing for Health Concert at the Perth Concert Hall 20-5-16 by Ann Mc
On Monday of May 16th, whilst at Tuart Place, a pamphlet went around about a concert of a mass choir presented
by the Spirit of the Streets Choir at the Concert Hall in Perth. Ginny, our choir leader,
suggested that a few of us might like to go. So I did a round-up and found 5 decided to
go and Teresa, Julie, Ray, Ron, Errol and myself went along. The leader of the Spirit of
the Streets Choir is Bernard Carney. Bernard had written a song for all choirs called “Pass
the Song Along”. Ginny has heard of this song and the singing group has practiced
singing it at Tuart Place. It is a catchy tune and enjoyed by all
who were singing it. About 7pm on Friday May 20th, we all met
at the Perth Concert Hall to hear all the various choirs. There
were eight in total. The MC for the evening was Mr Peter
Holland. First to sing was the Madjitil Moorna choir, a
community choir singing mainly in the aboriginal language.
They were a great surprize and enjoyable to hear. One of the
members wrote a song called ‘The halls Creek Rodeo’ which had a great catchy tune
to it. The Spirit of the Streets Choir was next with a lot of members. They sang with
great enthusiasm and were led by Bernard Carney playing guitar with two other musicians. The second choir was
the St John of God Health Care Community Choir. Their members worked at Mt Lawley, Murdoch and Subiaco
hospitals. Members were compiled of nurses, phlebotomists, lawyers and pastoral services practitioners,
pharmacists, managers and administrators. Following them was the
newly formed Harry’s Anonymous Choir, consisting of folks who
have various addictions (drugs and alcohol). One of whom spoke
about how she had been coping in life and how the choir has helped
with her past addiction. The Starlight Hotel Choir from Fremantle was
next and we sang along as they beautifully sang ‘I still haven’t found
what I’m looking for’. One of their singers spoke about how so many of
them had fallen on hard times and had to sleep under the stars. Hence,
the reason for ‘The Starlight Hotel’ name being chosen by the choir m
embers at the St Patrick’s Community support Centre (a shelter for the
homeless). ‘Parkinsong’ is the name of the next Choir. The name explains it all, the members of the Choir are
suffering from Parkinson’s disease (some with their carers). A spokes-person explained how the singing has helped
their lungs and abdominal muscles which deteriorates with the condition. I loved their song, ‘I had a dream’. After
intermission Dr Carmen Lawrence was very interesting with her monolog of why singing is good for the mind, body
and soul. It. Then the 28 members of ‘The Real Sing’ Choir sang beautifully in acapella with four sections,
Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Bases. They were warmly received and a delight to listen to. The GALS – the Gay
And Lesbian Singers of WA were next with a huge cast of about 40 singers. They sang really well, with their
opening song, ‘Brave’ then ‘True Colours’ and ‘Amazing Grace’. The GALS was impressive as was all the choirs
who participated. For the finale, all choirs combined to sing ‘Freedom Train’, ‘Born to be Wild’ and then time came
to sing ‘Pass the Song Along’ and the audience was divided into four sections and joined in song with all the choirs.
It was a fantastic success. These songs ‘brought the house down’ with a thundering applause. The audience was
definitely left wanting more. It was a great concert and all our group agreed it was well worth being part of it.
Enjoy friendly and inspiring guidance with Kathy at Tuart Place
One to One Computer & Mobile Phone Help 12noon to 3pm (please book).
Whatever your skill level (even if you have not turned on a computer
before)
you
can
get
individual help. Use the
computer room or bring in
your iPad, Smart Phone or
Digital Camera – or you can
learn to browse the internet,
send emails, scan photos and
shop online. Please call to book in with one of
our friendly volunteers. on -08-6140-2380 or 1800-619-795 or Email: [email protected]
Page 5
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
What’s Happening at Tuart Place?
June Wednesday 15th: FACT BOARD MEETING 2PM
June Monday 20th: Tuart Place New Website Tour. Pre-book a time with one of
our family tracing experts from the WA Genealogical Society, (WAGS) for family
tracing/records. One hr appointments between 12-30pm to 3-30pm Call Vicky to
reserve a time
June Wednesday 22nd: Tuart Place New Website Tour after Group Lunch at Noon.
June Monday 27th: From 1pm onwards Hair-cuts with Jacqi - Bookings via Vicky
June Monday 27th: Free legal advice sessions by appointment from 1-4pm
Drop in Day: Each Monday: 10-30am to noon join the Singing Group or listen
with a cuppa? and Monday Lunch from noon to 1pm. Be part of the gathering
1st Monday of the month: Join the Social Activities Group meeting, 1pm at Tuart
Place.
Wednesdays: Support Group 10-15 to noon and Group lunch 12noon to 1pm.
Each Thursday: Between 12noon and 3pm for assistance with learning more
about computers and phones with Kathy at the Tuart Place computer room.
Free counselling appointments: please contact Vicky Ph 08-6140-2380 Freecall
1800-619-795 or Email: [email protected]
WA Genealogical Society: Please contact Vicky for a 1.hr bookings for assistance
in family tracing/history between 12-30 and 3pm.
Self-Care Ideas for the Mind
1. Start a compliments list. Record the great things how people
compliment you.
2. Erase something that has been on your ‘To-Do’ list for ages and
you know you will not do.
3. Update the way you make decisions. Decide something with your
heart if you usually use your head. Or if you tend to go with your
heart, decide with your head.
4. Try ‘cloud-watching’. Lay on your back and watch the sky.
5. Find different ways to go to work. Mixing up your routine in small
ways creates new neural pathways in the brain to keep it healthy.
6. Dedicate your attention to somethings you usually do on ‘auto-pilot’, like brushing your teeth,
driving, eating, or performing your normal routine.
7. Allow a time for the mind to ‘play’. Schedule-in a period of ‘Play for five minutes’ (non-directed
activity) several time throughout each day.
8. Create a helpful habit, make something that is useful to be routine each day – what you wear
on Tuesdays or using dental floss before brushing your teeth.
9. Correct a small annoyance at home that has been nagging you – a button lost, a drawer that is
stuck, a light bulb that has ‘gone’.
10. Be self-observing. Do one thing each day, just because it makes you happy.
11. Plan your day with several ‘mini-meditations’ – with one minute of awareness of your thoughts,
feelings, and sensations – one minute of focused attention on breathing and one minute of
awareness of your entire body.
12. Do a ‘mini-declutter’ Recycle 3 things from your wardrobe that you no longer love, use or
wear.
13. Disconnect from the ‘busy-world’. Free yourself from the ‘fast-lane’ of social media and emails.
14. Share only good news. Even when you are talking with a stranger at the bus stop.
What are your Self-Caring ideas for the mind?
Page 6
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
Guided Meditation at Tuart Place
At 10.30am to 12 noon on Wednesday 11-5-16, Juliana, a volunteer at Tuart Place, shared a
wonderful, relaxing Guided Meditation with a group of participants. Meditation is a gentle,
effective method for soothing and quietening the mind. It can be a valuable tool for enjoying
a much more relaxed day and also a calm night’s sleep. Please contact Vicky at Tuart Place if
you feel you may like to join Juliana in a peaceful, guided meditation.
Lotto Group News
We now have 25 members in our Lotto Group. Please check the date you are paid
up to, so you don’t miss out on that big one. Winnings under $100 go toward
our end of year celebrations. At this time there is $211-62 to celebrate with. For
more information please contact Ron. If you have a Lotto system that works well,
let us know about it? It is a great way to have fun while supporting Lotterywest
as they support Tuart Place and Care Leavers with much appreciated funding.
Many asked an Expert at Tuart Place on Monday, May 30th
‘Living Longer Living Stronger’ is an evidence based progressive ‘strength training and exercise
program’ aimed at reducing the incidence of falls and improving general health, wellbeing and
independence of folks over 50 years of age in West Australia. As care Leavers asked
questions, Marlene shared good information about how to feel secure with a safe and trusted
retirement village unit before committing to any contracts and Dollars. There was also
good information and questions from the crowd as Marlene explained about
Residential Parks and Life-style villages, Renting, Aged Care, Buying and Building and
Strata Title. If you are over 50 - or younger with a disabilities, contact COTA (WA) on
0894720104 to get involved in the ‘Living Longer Living Stronger’ program. You can also email
[email protected] , visit www.lllswa.org.au or write to The Perron Centre, 61 Kitchener Ave, Vic Park
WA, 6979. Thank you to Marlene and Cota for sharing the helpful information with the Care Leavers and thank you
to Tuart Place for the safe and comfortable venue.
Monday, May 23rd was a great day to sit back and Sing-a-Long
.
with Mr Fred Rea at Tuart Place
Editor of the Irish Scene for years, Mr Fred Rea has written much appreciated articles
about how Former Child Migrants are enjoying the services offered by Tuart Place. As
musicians, Mr Paddy Cannon worked with Mr Fred Rea many years ago. Fred agreed
to share his talents with the Care Leavers at Tuart Place after Paddy extended a warm
invitation. Well Fred certainly lived up to his reputation as a highly regarded Perth
musician and entertainer. The huge crowd enjoyed a hearty meal before settling down
to begin singing along with Fred. We happily sang some favourite, fun Irish and
Australian songs together. The humour thrown in for good measure was well received
and applauded with gusto. Jacqi was noticed continuing with her hair-cutting in a
nearby room where she joined-in with a lot of laughter from the happy audience
interaction. A loud applause erupted as Mr Fred Rea was thanked and presented with
a small token of our immense appreciation. Another warm invitation was extended for him to visit Tuart Place again
in the future. Thank you Fred – for a wonderful afternoon of great fun-filled entertainment that was enjoyed by all
who attended.
For more information on the Irish Scene Magazine, please look on the website
http://www.irishscene.com.au/
Tuart Place Singers
With the expertise of Linda, a sound and video recording has
been made of the Bernard Carney’s song “Pass the song
along” by The Tuart Place Singers. A song for a wonderful
community Sing for Health project has given Care Leavers
something to be proud of as we embark on this interesting
adventure. The final practice may be on Facebook soon. All
folks in the video wanted to be seen ‘in camera’ while the
singers were filmed in this wonderful event.
Page 7
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
What a fantastic picture taken at Tuart Place!
A sample of what may be found when visiting Tuart Place in Fremantle
Western Australia - A student Social Worker from Tanzania, working at
Tuart Place, using a map on his phone while explaining where to find his
home-land to two ladies who are visiting from Japan. An interested chap
from Ireland looks on as the picture was taken by an Australian born
Care Leaver. Tuart Place is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays for discovering new friends, more information and ideas that
may help us step further out of the square we live in and explore
improvements for our quality of life.
CPR training session with Ian
The session is now set for Wed 24 Aug 2016, from 10am –12noon.
Students enrol online prior to the course from a link.
On the day, we review the processes and update any changes or trends in relation to CPR, complete the practical
resuscitation
and
defibrillation
scenarios
and
finish
off
with
the
theory
assessment.
When completed, the paperwork is uploaded to the training database and when checked, certificates are generally
issued electronically within 24 to 48hrs.
Thank you to all who have promised their
valuable time and energy to volunteer for the
next Sausage Sizzle at Bunnings on the corner of
Yarrick and South Streets in O’Connor for
Sunday the 19th of June 2016. If you are
volunteering, please read and adhere to the
safety and health guidelines set out by Bunnings
and the Health Dept. The early starters are to
arrive at 7am to set up for the day. Thank you to
Bunnings for the great support for Care Leavers.
Call in if you can and support this great, fun team
effort by Care Leavers for Care Leavers.
The CRAFT Group at Tuart Place is gaining in popularity
Every second Thursday the Craft group gathers in a happy,
vibrant atmosphere. Be active and enjoy creating items of
significance for yourself and others. Among the items being
produced at this time are these colourful bags. The flowers
take quite a while to create in the precise way that is
needed. The members say they would like to see more male influence in the craft group’s creations. New
members are invited to come for lunch and have a chat about the activities to come?
Page 8
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
‘NOW’ IS THE TIME TO REACH OUT
The economic downturn has been hitting families across Western Australia very hard.
The emotional impact of losing a job and stress of job insecurity should not be underestimated – many callers to
Samaritans are feeling isolated, scared, and lacking a sense of hope. While no one person’s life is more important
than the next, our Samaritans Crisis Line have answered thousands of calls in recent months from men in crisis.
These men are often putting on a brave face, it’s hard to know they are struggling – they could be your partner, a
friend, your colleague, or your neighbour. Maybe it’s your brother or
father? Men are telling us they are worried because they won’t be able
to support their family. They are afraid to open up to their family and
friends as they feel like they need to be ‘the strong one’. Families are
breaking down under the strain. The Australian Bureau of Statistics
indicates that in 2014, Western Australia lost 374 people to suicide 269 males and 97 females. Men are three times more likely to die by
suicide than women, and less likely to seek help. We need to be there
for them when they reach out to us, we won’t judge them; we will listen
and help them work through whatever is on their mind.
Our volunteer team must expand to enable more calls by people wanting support, to be answered.
We urgently need to raise $9,000 before 30 June to train an additional 20 telephone support volunteers to deal with
the increased number of calls we are receiving Our service is confidential, so we can’t tell you who called. But we
can tell you that our telephone volunteers are here for our callers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And these
conversations are life saving. We can’t do it without your help.
Please donate what you can afford to help us prevent suicide in our community.
Ask about making a donation on 0893819725 from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
You can help us respond to our community crisis by making a tax deductible donation to Samaritans today to
support people in crisis and prevent suicide in WA. If you or anyone you know is in crisis – you can call us anytime
on the HELP LINE 135247 – YOUTH LINE WA 1800198313 – TASMANIA 1300364566 – NEW ZEALAND
0800722666 – HELP EMAIL (HELP AND SUPPORT) [email protected] or write to Samaritans
Administration and Friends of Samaritans 60 Bagot Rd, Subiaco, WA 6008. Email any time to
[email protected] . Ask about volunteering, please email [email protected]
Expressions of a proud mother shared
Patricia Keleher, has proudly expressed her desire for the remarkable achievement by her daughter,
Terri Keleher to be shared with our extended family.
Terri Keleher was honoured when she received an Australia Day Medal at Townsville Qld. This Medal
was presented by GN Davies, AO, CSC Air Marshal Chief of Air Force. Terri Keleher was congratulated for
achieving a rating of “Outstanding” in her 2015 Performance Assessment. The Air Marshal Chief of Air Force
said “Your efforts in fulfilling your responsibilities as a Technician within the 452 Squadron Townsville Flight.
Your dedication for mentoring junior personal within the unit, coupled with your professionalism, has greatly
facilitated delivery of Air Base Air Traffic Services capability to Defence. You have conceived and implemented
a training strategy that encompasses a leadership and followership based approach, and produces
technicians of the highest calibre. You have provided exceptional professional
judgement and advice on all matters within the Australian Defence Air traffic System
Automation team. Thank you for the exemplary performance of your duties and
thereby assisting Air Force in achieving our mission. Your efforts bring great credit
upon yourself, the Air Force and the Australian Public Service.”
We, at Tuart Place, link with Patricia’s pride and share in honouring
Terri for her “Outstanding” achievements and with keeping Australia
safe. Well done Terri and thank you Patricia for allowing us to share
this great news.
Page 9
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
June 8th – A great day in WA to be a part of the ‘Forgotten Australians Day’
At 10-30am on Wednesday 8-6-16 an event of huge significance took place on the steps of Parliament House in
Perth, West Australia. Forgotten Australians from Lanterns were united by Forgotten Australians from Tuart Place
in this historical event. We are seeking Forgotten Australians from ALL
organisations to put effort into joining a team-effort. This can form a
stronger energy to face up to institutions and the government, at election
time, so they can recognise the ongoing effects from hardships that
Forgotten Australians have endured from their time in institutions as a
child. Congratulations and thank you to the six people who spoke in
support for Forgotten Australians from the steps of Parliament House.
They were inspirational and determined when demanding the members of
Parliament act NOW. Included in the banners and
slogans were “DON’T KEEP CALM - STOP CHILD ABUSE”, “I WILL NOT STAY SILENT
SO THAT YOU CAN STAY COMFORTABLE”, “FORGOTTEN AUSTRALIANS
NATIONAL REDRESS 4 ALL X-WARDS”, and more. The
strength of these gatherings can be empowering to those who
attend and those who see and hear it. We encourage all Forgotten
Australians to join in future gatherings so our messages will be
seen and heard by media and displayed across the nation. There was information for
the public and members of parliament about who Forgotten Australians are - why
Forgotten Australians are still struggling for justice and why ‘what happened to us’
needs to stop from ever happening again to children, now and in the future. There was a count of over 500-000
Forgotten Australians in 2004. We are still seeking justice to be delivered. Asked in a national event, maybe our
questions will be answered, our demands met and justice achieved? After this event,
most of the Forgotten Australians who attended, gathered later to debrief while
enjoying lunch and a chat. Included in the talks were questions related to what was
said at the National Apology that was given to Forgotten Australians and Former
Child Migrants by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and accompanied by the then Leader
of the Opposition Malcolm Turnbull in 2009. Mr Turnbull said “I believe you”,
let us see how much he cares about us. In September 2015 Malcolm Turnbull became the 29th Prime Minister of
Australia. He has first-hand knowledge of what was promised to Forgotten Australians. He is aware of the valid
reasons why we are in need of a NATIONAL HEALTH CARD for all Forgotten Australians. I encourage everyone
to tune into https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QceqVOhqUc0 and view the
“The Forgotten Australians: by Adele Chynoweth at TEDxCanberra”. In this video, Adele mentions "Researchers have argued that Australia has the highest rate of institutionalisation of children in the world. So how,
as a nation, do we respond to this?" and much more.
IDEAS? What more can we do in WA to be part of a National Day for Forgotten
Australians? A vigilance across Australia will be launched in Sydney at 2pm
Sunday 26-6-16 - calling for JUSTICE in the form of a NATIONAL REDRESS
SCHEME and HEALTH CARE CARD for FOLKS in ALL STATES and
TERRITORIES OF AUSTRALIA WHO EXPERIENCED LIFE in INSTITUTIONAL ‘CARE’ AS
A CHILD. Now is the time to ask The House to legislate for financial compensation
for all forms of abuse - sexual, physical, and psychological. In WA, we can write to, or approach our State and
Federal Members before election time, asking Q1. What has been done to investigate and develop a National
Redress Scheme for all who experienced life in an institution as a child? Q2. What assessments have resulted
from Redress Schemes in WA and Queensland? Q3. What is the government’s response to the recommendations
of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse for a National Redress Scheme?
Questions like these were put to the Member for Sydney on 23-3-2016. We need answers! We can all help by
writing with questions to our State & Federal Members - and signing the petitions that can help us?
Sign the petitions to be part of this Nation-wide Team Movement?
Page 10
JUNE Edition 2016
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”
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 now seeking assistance.
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 even through hard times”
Page 11
JUNE Edition 2016