Old
Fairbridgians' Association of Western Australia
The Old Fairbridgians' Association of Western
Australian was formed as far back as 1930. The Association was established
as a benevolent instrument to provide after-care and support for Fairbridge boys
and girls who had graduated through their traineeship and gone out into the
workforce in the general community.
In the old days, Fairbridge boys and girls
generally left the Farm at around the age of 16-17 years and went off to work in
predominantly farming or domestic positions. Western Australia, in those days,
was very much in "pioneer" mode and many of the boys and girls found jobs in
places quite remote from Perth and even Pinjarra and communications back to the
Farm and between each other was difficult. There were many times that these boys
and girls needed to return home - through sickness, through termination of their
job, or simply to take a holiday back home. Their home was Fairbridge and the
Old Fairbridgians' Association ensured that these people had a welcoming and
friendly home to return to, as they often did.
The Clubhouse was purposely built back in 1933 as a
home for visiting Old Fairbridgians.
Just take a look at some of the published pages on
this site from "The Fairbridgian" magazine (the voice of the OFA) to see the
extent of involvement of Old Fairbridgians, staff and even Board members in the
Association over the years.
As time passed and the role of Fairbridge changed
thus the number of Old Fairbridgians who needed this level of after-care dwindled.
Nevertheless, the Association is very much alive and well today and still provides a
communication line between Old Fairbridgians, provides regular news letters for
members, and organises regular get-togethers such as annual ANZAC Day, Founder's
Day and Christmas functions.
An important day every year is the celebration of
Founder's Day - Kingsley Fairbridge. Each year on the Sunday closest to
Kingsley's untimely passing (July 19, 1924) many Old Fairbridgians make a
pilgrimage to the Farm and remember Kingsley and also meet up with many old
friends over lunch in the Clubhouse. All Old Fairbridgians and friends of
Fairbridge are very welcome and it would be great to see you at the next
function. You can see the date below .. please come!
Forms:
OFA -
Application for Membership or Donation Form - Please print
this out & join today!
OFA - Museum Information Form 1
- Providing Information to the OFA
OFA - Museum Information Form 2
- Seeking Information from the OFA
OFA History:
OFA
Committees -
Current and past committees
OFA News
Letters - Excerpts from News Letters from 1977 to present day
Scheduled OFA Events 2012:
OFA - Annual General Meeting - Sunday
19th February 2012
The AGM
will be held in the Clubhouse (Belinda Barry Wing) commencing 10.30am
The AGM
includes election of officers, reports and general business. To vote
for officers, you must be a financial member of the Association. All
Old Fairbridgians are invited to attend..
ANZAC Service - Sunday
29th April 2012
Fairbridgians, members, family and friends
gather at the front gate Memorial Colonnade around 10.45 am. for the 11 am
service. Seating is provided and the Mandurah Concert Band will perform for
everyone.
At the completion of the service everyone is
invited to adjourn to the OFA Clubhouse for a BYO lunch ---- tea and coffee
will be provided by the OFA.
If the weather is inclement the service will be
held in the OFA Clubhouse.
FOUNDERS DAY - Sunday 22nd July 2012
Service in the chapel at 11 am. to commemorate
the death of Kingsley Fairbridge on 19th July 1924 at the age of 39
years. Also to acknowledge the contribution of Ruby Fairbridge to the farm
School.
This will be followed by a light luncheon, tea
and coffee provided in the OFA Clubhouse. (You may of course bring your own if
you wish).
CHRISTMAS PARTY - Sunday 9th
December 2012
Fairbridgians, their extended families, members
and friends meet in the clubhouse for a BYO lunch and the opportunity to share
some Christmas cheer, and a catch up with old friends and other Fairbridgians
from across the years.
Santa will put in an appearance and although he
is very busy at this time of the year he has assured us he will provide time for
us. If you wish to receive a gift bring along a small wrapped parcel to the
value of approx. $5 . It will be placed in the lucky dip box. Individual gifts
for children need to be wrapped and clearly named.
To Contact the OFA:
e-mail
mike@fairbridgekids.com
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