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Early history of ACH Group

It all started 70 years ago

Sir Keith Wilson, a Senator for South Australia from 1938 to 1944, and Federal Member for Sturt from 1949 to 1966, was the founder and first Chairman of ACH Group (formerly known as Aged Cottage Homes).

In his 20s, Sir Keith developed an interest in housing and services for those less fortunate, which he identified as including War Veterans and War Widows experiencing homelessness.

On 20 May 1952, Aged Cottage Homes was incorporated. Less than two months later, on 5 July, it was announced in the local newspapers that a scheme to build cottage homes for the aged was being launched that day, with Aged Cottage Homes appealing for £25,000, with £730 already raised, mainly from door-to-door collecting.

The first Aged Cottage Homes were completed in 1954, with the homes built on land in Payneham.

Residents of the homes were charged low rents.

Sir Keith’s work inspired movement at a federal level with the Aged Persons Homes Act 1954 introduced by the Menzies’ government.

Prime Minister Robert Menzies became interested in Sir Keith’s efforts to build cottage style accommodation for older people, as the government insisted that it was preferable to have these homes built and managed by religious or philanthropic organisations rather than by governments.

The Aged Persons Homes Act 1954 provided incentives for organisations to build homes for older people with grants towards capital costs.

Here’s to 70 years of ACH Group.

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2 days ago
ACH Group

🐾 In case you didn't know, Sunday 4 June marks 'Hug Your Cat' Day!

Join us in celebrating this feline-filled occasion by taking a moment to appreciate the pawsome happy snaps shared by Gemma, Jade, and Shani from ACH Group’s Welcome Team.

Get ready to be smitten as you flick through the snapshots of Gemma's cats, Otis and Frankie (pictured with Gemma's son Charlie); Jade's beloved feline companions, Merlin and Captain Jack, and Shani's adorable kitties, Nahla and Maurice. They are all enjoying the moment.

Take a break and indulge in the cuteness. 😻📸
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🐾 In case you didnt know, Sunday 4 June marks Hug Your Cat Day!  

Join us in celebrating this feline-filled occasion by taking a moment to appreciate the pawsome happy snaps shared by Gemma, Jade, and Shani from ACH Group’s Welcome Team.
 
Get ready to be smitten as you flick through the snapshots of Gemmas cats, Otis and Frankie (pictured with Gemmas son Charlie); Jades beloved feline companions, Merlin and Captain Jack, and Shanis adorable kitties, Nahla and Maurice. They are all enjoying the moment.
 
Take a break and indulge in the cuteness. 😻📸Image attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment