Celebrating 50 Years of Caring from 1959 to 2009
Almost 120 people mingled in a festive atmosphere at the Stonnington Town Hall, taking time to reflect on how mecwacare has grown from its foundations in 1959 to an organisation which cares for over 6,500 people across greater metropolitan Melbourne today.
mecwacare - A Jubilee History 1959 - 2009 by Norman Marshall
Norman Marshall kindly updated and revised the 1998 edition of MECWA Community Care - A History, published to celebrate the 40 Year Ruby Anniversary. The new publication, mecwacare - A Jubilee History, refreshes the previous narrative, and details the organisation's incredible growth in care service and standards since 1999.
We are delighted with the finished book, which weaves an amazing story of dedication, endurance and loving spirit to achieve the vision of maximising the quality of life of the Victorian community. Thank you to all those who contributed their time, memories and experiences to create a wonderful legacy.
Preserving our Precious History
As part of our celebration, selected treasured items from our archives were beautifully arranged in five large, elegant frames to show the progression of mecwacare in each decade. Thank you to Colin Kaye and Silver K Galleries for bringing their expertise to this significant conservation project. The frames drew out memories and recollections from volunteers, staff and past Board Directors as different images prompted stories and laughter. A brief description of each decade below provides some insights into the tremendous effort and achievements of all involved since 1959.
1959 - 1969 The Founding Years
Key Milestone – The founding of Malvern Elderly Citizen’s Welfare Association
- An original Appeal letter on Rotary Club of Malvern letterhead, signed by Dudley Lucas, Town Clerk for Malvern. This letter was sent to Mr. G Hume whose company donated 2 Guineas. The letter was mailed to many businesses and prominent citizens who lived in Malvern, to request financial support for the establishment of services for the elderly in Malvern.
- Envelope from 1960, in which a donation was returned. The stamp, showing a young Queen Elisabeth cost 5 pence.
- Receipt from CH and DN Lewis of 186 Glenferrie Road Malvern, for payment of one pound and fifteen shillings, for an advertisement in the Southern Cross newspaper about mecwacare in June 1964.
- Letter from The office of the Commonwealth, Treasurer, signed by Harold Holt, dated 4th July 1960. Harold Holt was a long serving liberal government minister, who became Prime Minister of Australia and mysteriously disappeared while swimming at Portsea.
- Donation letter from Crittenden’s Wholesale Grocers for five pounds and five shillings.
- First photo taken of the Opportunity Shop at 136 Wattletree Road, Malvern, opened on 14 May, 1960. (Photo by: Mr Clive Elliot)
- 1963 Black leather pocket diary belonging to May Armstrong, Mayoress of Malvern. May and Edward (Ted) Armstrong were keen supporters of mecwacare throughout their lives.
- Photo of May and Ted Armstrong at Mayoral Ball
- Photo of Governor Sir Rohan Delacombe’s visit to meals on wheels kitchen at Malvern Club Rooms on 30 January, 1964. On the right is Sir Giles Chippendale, President of the Old People’s Welfare Council (Victoria). Sir Rohan Delacombe is taking to Mrs May Armstrong, President of the Ladies’ Auxilliary. (holding handbag)
Other significant memorabilia
Donation letters from:
- Westeels (Vic) Proprietary Limited
- Mr John Bloomfiled, Minister of Education, Victoria.
- F Cornwell & Sons Pty Ltd, Butchers, ham and Bacon Curers
- Golden Fleece service station Cnr Wattletree Road and Howson Street, Malvern
- Chadstone Shopping Centre
- SE Dickins Pty Ltd (now the Coles Supermarket chains)
- Ezywalkin Boot and Shoe Manufacturer
- Cranbourne Dairies Pty Lltd
- Report from Meals on Wheels for AGM 9 December 1965
1970 - 1979 Building for the Future
Key Milestone – the opening of MECWA House in Warner Street, Malvern 1973
- Photo of opening ceremony of MECWA House, Saturday 6 October 1973. From L-R lady Delacombe, Glen Smith, Norma Bates, Bert Healy, Sir Rohan Delacombe (at lectern), Leon Bates, Audrey Healy, Sir John Gorton, Mrs Gorton.
- Invitation to Mr and Mrs EJ McGee of McGee Constructions, builders of the home.
Other significant memorabilia
- 1974 black leather diary of Councillor Edward (Ted) Armstrong, a great contributor to mecwacare.
- The first printed Memorandum and Articles of association of the Malvern Elderly Citizens Welfare association
- Article in local paper preparing for the opening of East Malvern Op Shop at 299 Waverley Road, East Malvern, with Joy Waller and Helen Craig. Hand – Downs Best for the Op Shop
- $200,000 Appeal flier in blue, 1970 with a message by Sir Robert Menzies and Sir Rohan Delacombe.
- Pamphlet for MECWA HOUSE Green and brown – circa 1976
- Press clipping – Mrs McMahon at “Greenknowe” luncheon
- Sir Rohan Delacombe receiving a Gift after the Opening of MECWA House from Bert Healy with Leon Bates in the background and Audrey Healy to the right of picture.
1980 - 1989 Excellence in Aged Care
Key Milestone
Other significant memorabilia
- Cheque presentation to MECWA from the Mayor of Malvern for $100,000
- MECWA/Malvern Community Bus
- Malvern Senior Citizen’s Centre photo
- Outdoor Poster for MECWA Elderly Citizens Clubs
- The MECWA Letter No 1 December 1987
- B&W Podiatry photo - Beth Rose was a podiatrist from 1989 when podiatry was first offered at MECWA
- Annual Report 1989 – 90
- Annual Report 1985 – 86
1990 - 1999 Great Steps Forward
Key Milestone
- Photo of opening ceremony of Olive Miller Nursing Home Sunday 3 March 1991. From L-R Barry Cook, Executive Officer, Ken Thompson, Ross Heale, Joy Waller-Ogden, Andrew Roger, Cecil Baldwin, Glen Smith, Leon Bates
- Photo of Dr Davis McCaughey, Governor of Victoria (1986-1992), Barry Cook Chief Executive MECWA and guest at opening of Olive Miller Nursing Home 1991
- Invitation to Opening of Sir Donald and Lady Trescowthick Centre Friday 27 February 1998
- Photo of the Sir Donald and Lady Trescowthick Centre in Charles Street, Prahran
Other significant memorabilia
- Invitation to Mr Robert Gale for the Ruby Anniversary Gala Night in 1998 to celebrate the organisation’s 40th anniversary
- Invitation to Garden Party – 28th February 1999
- Photo at Garden Party – 28th February 1999. Left to right are pictured: Mrs Nancy Hogan, Chief Executive, Robert Doyle - Member for Malvern in Legislative Assembly of Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary for Human Services (1992-1996), The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop MP, Federal Minister for Aged Care (1998 to 2001), Mr Neil Lockwood, Chairman MECWA Community Care.
- Raffle ticket for the May Day Charity Festival Gala Night Friday 1 May 1998
- Years of Service badges for staff and volunteers circa 1995
- MECWA Community Care - 5 years, 10 years and 15 years
- Annual Report 1989-1990
- The following photos show how the organisation cares for seniors and people with special needs:
· Cardinia “Out and About” sausage sizzle
· Cardinia Mens Woodworking Shed 1999
· Ladies preparing meals in the Fisher Street Kitchen
2000 - 2009 Caring Across Melbourne
Key Milestone
- Invitation and photo from the opening ceremony of the Noel Miller Centre Sunday 3 March 1991. From L-R: Noel Miller and Ross Heale.
- Photos of the turning of the first sod by Peter Costello, MHR Higgins (1985-2009) for the mecwacare Malvern Centre, 1245-1247 Malvern Road
- Artists’ impression of the mecwacare Malvern Centre facility
Other significant memorabilia
- Photo of Sir Donald and Lady Trescowthick at the 10th Anniversary celebrations for the Centre in Charles Street, Prahran, 2008
- Leader newspaper article about the passing of Mrs Mary Moline in February 2000
- Pakenham Gazette article about new offices for MECWA in Pakenham
- Printer’s copy of the updated History Book mecwacare – A Jubilee History, 1959 - 2009 by Norman Marshall. L-R clockwise: Photos of Mary Moline, personal care client and nurse, Audrey Healey with meals-on-wheels.
- Years of Service badges for staff and volunteers circa 2003 (oval golden shape)
- MECWA - 5 years, 10 years and 15 years
- Years of Service badges for staff and volunteers 2008 (rectangular silver shape)
- mecwacare - 5 years, 10 years and 15 years
There are further events planned for next year. |
