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Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia, Professor Alan Robson, paid tribute yesterday to a support group that, over four decades, helped hundreds of University families find their feet.

Professor Robson planted a tuart sapling and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the Tuart Club, a group that made a significant and lasting contribution to campus life.

Formed in 1948 to provide informal inter-faculty gatherings, the Tuart Club also entertained University visitors and took an interest in community affairs.  Its last meeting was held in 1989.

The club organised entertainment such as a production of St George and the Dragon by Faith Richardson, Neville Teede and other members of the University Dramatic Society.  There were also Christmas parties in the Sunken Garden and afternoon teas at staff/student cricket matches.

Club members compiled an information sheet advising new UWA appointees and their families about suitable clothing for the Perth climate, household equipment, the WA education system and cultural and recreational facilities.  With the club's support in 1961, the University Branch of the Save the Children Fund was established, and the annual book sale one of the first fundraising ventures.

"The tuart is a beautiful tree to be associated with a club that brought so much pleasure to so many people," Professor Robson said.

Media references

Meredith Eddington (Events Manager, Office of Development  (+61 8)  6488 7946
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716