volume 10 may a word from simon

MAY 2012

VOLUME 10

Inside this issue:

A word from Simon 1

AFA Update 2

Reunion News 3

Chat n Chew 4

Social Support Group

Updates 5

EXPO 6

Social Support Group Updates

7

Social Support Group Updates

8

Upcoming Social Support Groups

9

Computer Workshops 10

Activities/Workshops 11

Social Support Groups 12

Social Support Groups 13

Useful Contacts 14

Suggestions/Contact Us 15

A WORD FROM S IMON

I began in this position as Manager of Open Place nearly two months ago.

When I began I had much to learn. And I still do!

I have learnt much from many of you. I have been fortunate to attend four

support groups and have enjoyed the hospitality, conversation and laughter

offered by the groups. I have learnt about people’s different experiences

and how these experiences have affected lives. I have been impressed by

the support that you offer each other and the care and consideration that

you show to each other.

At one of the groups a regular attendee did not show. There was no expla‐

nation for his absence and those at the meeting were uneasy; so two of the

group left the meeting to go and knock on his door. Everything turned out

to be fine, but it was a caring thoughtful thing to do.

I am hoping in the next couple of months to get around to more support

groups.

Open Place continues to provide a records and reunions service which does

so much to put people in touch with their past life in care, a counselling ser‐

vice which helps people come to terms with some of their life experiences

and a support service which provides assistance for people to access other

services that may be needed.

Many of you have rung Open Place inquiring about the availability of bro‐

kerage in the new financial year.

Funding arrangements for medical and health services are being reviewed

by DHS. Funding previously available for Life skills is, according to DHS, to

be used to provide other supports for care leavers. Information about these

changes will, we hope, be available by the middle of the year.

I’ve had the recent privilege of visiting CLAN headquarters in Sydney. This

was informative and rewarding. I enjoyed meeting Leonie and her staff who

were all generous with their time and knowledge.

F IND

Just a reminder that Krissy and Paula from Family Information Networks and Discovery (FIND), Department of Human Services are at Open Place the first Friday of each month from 10am to 1pm.

We are available to talk with you about your ward records and can try to answer questions you may have about your records. We can also talk to you about how to make an application to FIND for your ward records if you have not done this before. You can make an appointment to see us through Caroline Carroll at Open Place.

The contact details for FIND are (03) 8608 5700 or 1300 769 926, or further information is located on our website at http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/find

Dates which Krissy and Paula will be at Open Place: 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 September, 5 October, 2 November & 7 December

AFA UPDATE

Caroline Carroll AFA Chair

We have recently had one of the founding members of AFA lose his battle with cancer and would like to devote the AFA section of the newsletter to Laurie as a vale. AFA members are in mourning for the loss of an esteemed colleague.

Farewell Laurie Humphreys

Laurie Humphreys, a tireless worker for Forgotten Australians and a founding member of AFA, has died at home in Fremantle after a long battle with cancer. Our sincere con‐dolences to his partner, Frankie, to his family and to all who loved him.

Laurie came to Australia as a child migrant and was sent to Bindoon in WA, where he experienced harsh conditions and sometimes harsh treatment; he was one of the boys who built Bindoon, and he was very proud of that. In later life, Laurie was a hard worker who stood up for people, and his career as a union official is testament to his commitment to social justice. Laurie has been a staunch and effective advocate for Forgotten Australians, both in WA and nationally. The Tuart Place service for Forgotten Australians in Fremantle, WA, was his initiative. We remember Laurie as a gentle but determined man, always ready with a smile but equally ready to propose something new and to carry it through. He loved cruise ships—saying that the best thing about being a child migrant was the great time they had coming over! He and his partner, Frankie, sailed for pleasure as well as to visit new‐found family in England and Norway. He loved fish and chips, his garden and a good sunrise. He was a voracious reader and wrote about his own life in A Chip off What Block: A Child Migrant's tale. He wanted Forgotten Australians and Child Migrants to unite and recognise their common experi‐ences and interests and to show the strength that comes from numbers. He wanted Forgotten Australians to manage their own affairs, as far as possible, but he was al‐ways ready to acknowledge those who'd helped along the way. We can ill afford to lose him. He lasted two years after the verdict of ‘six months’, as we would have ex‐pected, but the pain was hard for him towards the end.

Let Laurie’s legacy be our renewed courage, spirit and determination to make the world a better place.

If anybody would like to contact another Forgotten Australian that was in Bethany’s

Baby Home, Geelong in 1943‐1944 please contact Open Place on 1800 779 379.

If you were at the following homes and would like to meet up or arrange a reunion

please contact Open Place.

Winlaton between 1957 – 1960.

Swinborne Lodge girls Home between 1958‐1959

REUNIONS

PAGE 3

SUTHERLAND HOMES REUNION

On Saturday 14 April nearly 100 past residents of Sutherland Homes, their family and friends, together with past members of staff, gathered in the Acacia Room at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre for a reunion. Lyn and Caroline attended on behalf of Open place and provided information and sup‐port.

An extensive display of archival photos, newspaper clippings, memorabilia and old film footage of the daily life and times of Sutherland Homes from its earliest days was shared over a lovely afternoon tea.

The guests started arriving early and although feelings of apprehension were expressed by some, these seemed to fade as support and enthusiasm were shared by all who came from all over the State. Wel‐comed by Berry Street CEO, Sandie De Wolf and supported by current staff, past residents from the 1920s to the 1980s both reminisced and caught up with old friends.

MAY 2012

We are very lucky to have access to Katie Barrett, a Berry Street Financial Counsellor. Katie knows

how to manage and negotiate all sorts of financial problems and she has been very helpful to

many Forgotten Australians who have had difficulties with bills and in managing their money.

Katie will be coming to Open Place regularly to see Forgotten Australians for financial

counselling. Katie will be running some informal group sessions in the next few months:

MONEY TALKS SESS IONS

Please RSVP to Open Place by the Wednesday before each session.

1800 779 379

Thursday 21 June 1pm‐2pm

Thursday 19 July 1pm‐2pm

Thursday 23 August 1pm‐2pm

Surrounded by family and friends and buoyed by the encouragement and well wishes of all at Open Place and our service users, on 14 April my partner Scott Jordan and I “tied the knot” at Fairfield Amphitheatre overlooking the Yarra River.

Thank god the sun came out to celebrate!

Thank you so much to all the Forgotten Australians who have given me their best wishes for the future, it means the world to me.

Megan Gaynor (now Megan Jordan).

WEDDING BELLS

Megan, Wendi, David, Sharon, Sarah & Trudy

Megan & her dad Chris Megan & Scott

We have decided to change the way that we do the Friday cook up. It will now be a day to come in and share a lunch with the Staff at Open Place. Staff will now prepare the food and share lunch with whoever is here for the day.

We look forward to seeing you on the last Friday of each month – 11 30am – 1 30pm

We would love to hear any suggestions you may have for catering (within reason of course....we may “pass” on the lobster and prawns!!!!)

Please RSVP your attendance to ensure adequate catering can be provided! Please call Open Place on 1800 779 379

CHAT ‘N ’ CHEW

AUGUST 2011 MAY 2012

DONALD SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP UPDATE

Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest attended the Donald Social Support Group on May 3. Mr Forrest

made comment that the Social Support Groups provided valuable support. Mr Forrest said the states had

responded in various ways to the findings of several Federal inquiries by the Senate Community Affairs Re‐

port, of March 2004, “Forgotten Australians—A report on Australians who experienced institutional or out‐

of‐home care as children”

Members from the Donald Social Support Group, including Gerry and Phillip met with Mr Forrest to discuss

issues including medical and dental benefits.

Gerry and Phillip are very keen to hear from other Forgotten Australians in the north west of the State,

with a view of helping them to form a group of their own or join a group already established in their area.

Phillip can be contacted on 5497 1184 OR 0428 173 606. In St. Arnaud the contact is Kevin Richards, 5495

3386.

Please find a photograph which accompanied the article below.

If you would like to read the article in full which was placed in both the Buloke Times and Wimmera Mail

Times, please contact Phillip on the numbers above or Open Place on 1800 779 379.

EXPO EXPO EXPO EXPO EXPO EXPO

We had approximately 20 people attend the Expo on Wednesday 28 March. Those that came enjoyed the activities that were on display. One of the busiest stalls was nutri‐tion. People were able to make their own rice paper rolls and we had arranged for demonstrations to be shown. Everyone just loved them.

Another popular stall was craft – one of our very clever and talented ladies had a sample of her work on display. She was demonstrat‐ing how to make your own cards ‐ Christmas, birthday, get well etc. This was so popular that we plan to have Lee run workshops at Open Place and hope to have some dates soon.

Thanks to everyone that helped on the day and everyone that came along.

If you would like to have an activity run at Open Place please let us know by calling

1800 779 379

Neil—Leatherwork Robyn—Art Therapy

Doris—Quilting

Lee—Crafting

Donna—Nutrition

SOC IAL SUPPORT GROUP UPDATES

MAY 2012

The Geelong Social Support Group had a BBQ at eastern beach on 7 March. A great day was shared by everyone. Many thanks to the people who cooked the BBQ, provided the coffee and tea and prepared the salads.

On Monday 23 April, the Bacchus Marsh Social Group took a trip to the Melbourne Zoo. We began our day with a coffee and then off we went enjoying the animals, small, large, feathery and furry. The weather was kind to us until 2pm when the skies opened for about 15 mins. The baboons were a hit ‐ several of us enjoyed offering them long pieces of grass through the wires which they delicately took in their humanlike hands before greedily eating. We all met up for lunch at the cafe and then off we went again. The zoo is certainly worth a visit.

On Saturday 21 April, the Wangaratta Social Group met at the Hume Weir, Albury for a BBQ. The weather was superb and the views across the dam were eye catching. The chef’s – Stefan and Pete cooked up a storm and eve‐ryone ate like royalty. The other Peter, who worked on part of the dam as a young man told us a bit of its history and of some of the hi‐jinks that he got up to while working there (my lips are sealed Peter). A wonderful time was had by all who attended.


In what looks like becoming an annual tradition, the Frankston Social and Support Group once again enlisted the services of Andrew and Harley from Pro‐line Charters to go fishing in Port Phillip Bay. On an absolutely beautiful early April morning the group met bright and early to board the boat, ready to leave from Sorrento Pier at 7.30 am. Andrew’s skilled captaincy got us all safely on board and we headed off up the bay toward the heads. The beauty of the bay is easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of everyday ‘on shore’ life; but not today. Sitting on the gunwale of the boat, with seagulls playing above the glistening water, feeling the sun and the breeze on our faces, we looked toward different horizons. This year the conditions were so calm that we ventured out into Bass Strait with no reservations. Even the most delicate stomaches amongst us held up (mostly), with the clean conditions and small rolling swell below the boat. No sooner had the lines hit the bottom and the action started. Although we all made a contribution to the feed of fish that we sat down to for dinner that night, a special mention must go to Sue for leading the way with fish and fun. A special mention also to Brian, who showed his gentle side in letting the biggest and best of the leatherjackets go free, just before the net had them. We tucked into a feed of Andrew’s sausage sandwiches for lunch after filling the fish tub. Harley, the prince of deckies, looked after us baiting hooks, taking off the fish and delivering them back cleaned and ready for the frypan. Thanks to the captain and his deckie for putting on such a wonderful day, looking after us with care and consideration and delivering the fish for dinner. Thanks to those of you who shared the day together, another shared memory of fun and friendship for us to hold.

Thank you to our very photogenic friends who gave us permission to use their photographs—there’s nothing better than your smiling faces

MAY 2012


Rain and high winds could not dampen the spirits of the Dandenong Social Group. All was at risk when the

chilly unwelcoming conditions threatened the small BBQ party scheduled for a local park. The quick think‐

ing and generosity of group member Cheryl saved the day! Thank you to Cheryl for volunteering her home

and for hosting such a splendid event. A lovely garden (worthy of Better Homes and Gardens I’m told by

group members), food and good company enjoyed by all!

A TOUR OF ABBOTSFORD CONVENT & THE FORMER ST MARY ’S S ITE

In February 2012, Forgotten Australian Wendy Mc and Support Worker Megan Gaynor enjoyed a personal tour of the Ab‐botsford Convent site and the former site of St Mary’s (now the Sophia Mundi Steiner School). The tour was hosted by Abbotsford Convent Foundation CEO Maggie Maguire and Sophia Mundi Steiner School representatives Jennifer West, Susan Byron and Richard Bullock.

Leading on from this visit, Wendy had been invited by Sophia Mundi Steiner School to offer her reflections on her

time at St Mary’s. In April, Wendy and Megan met with Richard Bullock, his wife and a year 10 student to create a film interview covering her time at Abbotsford Convent.

Thank‐you to Abbotsford Convent and Sophia Mundi for your warm welcome and sensitivity. And a special thankyou to Andrew Evans at the Abbotsford Convent Foundation for his assistance in making the tour a possibility.

Any other former residents of Abbotsford Convent who would like to have a personal tour of the site, please contact Support Worker Megan Gaynor at Open Place on 1800 779 379 to arrange.

COMPUTER COURSE JULY 2012

Over July and early August we will be running a series of computer courses which might interest you.

Each course will run from 1.00pm until 4.00pm and can accommodate only 5 people. You are welcome to

attend all the workshops or just one or two.

Please contact Open Place on 1800 779 379 if you would like to attend. First in first served!!!!!

PAGE 10

5th July: Introduction to Computers

This course is intended for those who have little or no

exposure to computers

Windows Desktop Mouse Basics Opening Programs Manipulating Windows Printing File Management Windows Explorer Working with folders and files Customising Windows

12th July: Microsoft Office Word 2007 Quick

Start

This course is for participants having basic computer

experience including; use of mouse and keyboard,

manipulating windows, understand filing system.

Launch Word Create, save, open and close documents Create and use text Navigate documents Use basic formatting

19st July: All about Internet

This course expects participants to have basic com‐

puter experience including; use of mouse and key‐

board, manipulating windows.

What is the WWW? What is a Browser? What is a link? The Internet Explorer Interface Elements of a web page address Searching the web Search engines Web History Favourites Home Pages Saving text and images Customising Internet Explorer

26th July: All about – Email

This course expects participants to have basic com‐

puter experience including; use of mouse and key‐

board, manipulating windows.

Create and send email Receive and reply to email Forward email Delete unwanted email Email attachments – attaching and receiving Email security – spam, viruses etc

2th August: Doing more with Microsoft Office

Word 2007

This course is for participants who want to further their

knowledge & skills using the MS Word 2007. Partici‐

pants in this course are expected to have adequate con‐

trol using the mouse and the keyboard as well as a

good understanding of file management.

Launch Word Create, save, open and close documents Create and use documents Insert pictures Manipulate objects Draw ClipArt Use WordArt

9th August: Social Network – Facebook / Skype

This course expects participants to have basic

computer experience including; use of mouse

and keyboard, manipulating windows.

This course also requires all participants to have

an existing email address.

Create an account Using Facebook’s Privacy Settings Customise setting Managing Friends Photo Albums & Tagging Facebook Message Account security General Advice

AUGUST 2011

The quilters group will be held at Open Place on the 1st Tuesday of every month

from 10am—2pm

Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP if you wish to attend by calling 1800 779 379.

The leatherwork group will run on the 3rd Tuesday of every month

from 10am—1pm at Open Place.

Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP if you wish to attend by calling 1800 779 379.

Want to reduce stress and anxiety and increase your health and wellbeing? Come to the weekly relaxation class Every Monday at Open Place.

The Class runs from 12pm—1:30pm.

Please RSVP if you wish to attend by calling on 1800 779 379.

Come and join David on the last Tuesday of every month for a relaxing walk together.

The aim is to get out of the house, exercise, chat and have fun.

Meet at: Open Place

Time: 1pm Please RSVP if you wish to attend by calling 1800 779 379 Don’t forget to bring a hat, walking shoes and a drink bottle

Open Place will provide the sunscreen....or umbrella

Quilters Group (Sit & Sew)

Leather Workshop

Relaxation Classes

Men's Walking Group

MAY 2012

Have a look at some of the Items that the ladies have completed at the quilters activity recently – A beautiful quilt as well as a lovely bag. The ladies would love to see some new people come

along to the group and enjoy the great company, learn some new skills and have a light lunch.

SOC IAL SUPPORT GROUPS 2012

Please contact Open Place on 1800 779 379 if you would like to find out about any of the

Support Groups.

BACCHUS MARSH—first Monday of every month

Monday 4 June, 2 July, 6 August, 3 September, 1 October, 5 November

Where: Darley Neighbourhood House, 33 Jonathon Drive, Darley

Time: 12.00pm—2.00pm

BALLARAT—second Tuesday of every month

Tuesday 12 June, 10 July, 14 August, 11 September, 9 October, 13 November

Where: Delacombe Community House, Leawarra Crescent, Delacombe

Time: 11.00am—2.00pm

BENDIGO ‐ last Saturday of every month

Saturday 30 June, 28 July, 25 August, 29 September, 27 October & 24 November.

Where: The Chutzpah Factory, 198 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo

Time: From 1.00pm

BROADMEADOWS

Dates for upcoming groups will be available shortly, please contact Open Place if you would like to attend so we can forward a flyer once these dates have been con‐firmed.

Where: Dallas Neighbourhood House, 182 Winford Street, Broadmeadows

Time: From 1.30pm—3.00pm

DANDENONG—last Wednesday of every month

Wednesday 27 June, 25 July, 29 August, 26 September, 31 October & 28 November.

Where: Paddy O’Donoghue Centre, 18‐34 Buckley Street, Noble Park


DONALD—first Friday of every month

Friday 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 September, 5 October, 2 November

Where: Donald Community Centre, 31 Wood Street, Donald


RSVP: Phillip Chalker on 5497 1184 or 0428 173 606 or [email protected]

Please contact Open Place on 1800 779 379 if you would like to find out about any of the Support Groups.

MAY 2012

FRANKSTON—first Friday of every month


Where: Frankston Library, 60 Playne Street, Frankston


GEELONG—first Wednesday of every month

Wednesday 6 June, 4 July, 1 August, 5 September, 3 October, 7 November

Where: South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mount Pleasant Road, Bel‐mont


NORTHERN/PRESTON—first Friday of every month


Where: Old Court House, 1st Floor, 59A Roseberry Avenue, Preston. Meet‐ing Room 2

Time:11.00am—2.00pm

RICHMOND—third Saturday of every month

Saturday 16 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September, 20 October, 17 Novem‐ber

Where: Open Place, Suite 1 / 8 Bromham Place, Richmond


SALE—second Thursday of every month

Thursday 14 June, 12 July, 9 August, 13 September, 11 October, 8 November

Where: Sale Neighbourhood House, 19‐21 Leslie Street, Sale


SHEPPARTON—second Tuesday of every month—April & July TBA

Tuesday 12 June, July TBA, 14 August, 11 September, 9 October, 13 Novem‐ber

Where: North Shepparton Community & Learning Centre, 10‐14 Parkside Drive, Shepparton


WANGARATTA

Saturday 16 June, 21 July, 18 August, 15 September, 20 October, 17 Novem‐ber

Where: To be announced each month


LOCAL COMMUNITY NE IGHBOURHOOD HOUSES

If you have some extra time on your hands, check out your local Neighbourhood House. Most have af‐

fordable, interesting activities such as bus trips, cooking classes, computer classes etc. Many of you may

already know this as your Social Support Groups are held in Neighbourhood Houses. They are a won‐

derful resource.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Open Place if you would like more information on the above.

1800 779 379

USEFUL CONTACTS AND INFORMAT ION

CONCESSIONS AVAILABLE

There are a number of concessions available for low income Victorians who hold a

relevant concession card.

For more information you can contact the Victorian Concessions Information Line at

1800 658 521 or go on the following website:

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for‐individuals/financial‐support/concessions

The DHS website also has information relating to Financial Support that may be useful

for Forgotten Australians.

FAREWELL FROM WENDI

It is with great sadness that I tell you all that I am leaving Open Place. It was a very

difficult decision to make, but I have decided to go back home to the UK. I have thor‐

oughly enjoyed meeting and spending time with you all and I feel privileged to have

worked with you. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who

have made my time here special. I will miss Open Place, Melbourne and Australia very

much but hope to settle back at home in England.

I wish you all well for the future, take care of yourselves and each other.

VALE

Open Place extends it condolences to Tony, Justin & Ashlea Randle on the sad pass‐

ing of their wife and mother, Rita Randle. Rita worked on the front desk at Open

Place for 8 months and thoroughly enjoyed her time meeting and greeting many

Forgotten Australians who contacted us. Rita was a special person to many and will

be greatly missed. Our sympathy to her family.

MAY 2012

We would welcome any suggestions from you on how we can improve our service and bet‐

ter suit your needs. Maybe you have some ideas for our Social Support Groups, the News‐

letter, the Richmond Drop In Centre or perhaps our workshops/activities? Let us know by

calling 1800 779 379, by emailing [email protected] or writing directly to Open Place

(Suite 1 / 8 Bromham Place, Richmond 3121).

We would love to hear from you.

SUGGEST IONS

Address: Open Place, Suite 1/8 Bromham Place Richmond VIC 3121

Phone: 1800 779 379 (free call)* or (03) 9421 6162

Fax: (03) 9429 5536

Website: www.openplace.org.au

Email: [email protected]

* Please remember if ringing from a mobile phone normal call charges will apply. The

1800 number is only free from a landline/house phone.

CONTACT US

NEW PARK ING REGULAT IONS AT OPEN PLACE

Recently, Richmond Yarra Council have implemented new parking regula‐tions to Bromham Place which surprisingly has provided more parking avail‐able to those coming to the drop in centre. The kerb opposite Open Place is 4 hour parking only and the kerb closest to Open Place is 2 hr parking. We know that parking has been an issue to some so hopefully you will find these new arrangements more suitable.

ROOM TO RENT

49 year old male with pet dog seeks room for rent in Mill Park area. He has rented pri‐vately in share accommodation for past 4 years, requires new home as current residence being sold. Please contact Jeff if you are looking for a boarder that suits this description on 0431 744 362.

John Kirk who lives in Murtoa is looking for a house mate to share household tasks such as

cooking and cleaning. John owns his own 3 bed‐roomed property in Central Murtoa so if

you’re looking for a roof over your head and can assist with the living expenses please give

John a call on 0458 687 186.

SHARE ACCOMMODAT ION—MURTOA

MAY 2012

volume 10 may a word from simon

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