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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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Good Lives Magazine

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6 hours ago

ACH Group celebrates Luisa's two decades of volunteering 🥳🎨🤩

Luisa Centofanti has just chalked up a remarkable 20 years of volunteering at Milpara Residential Aged Care Home – and she’s not done yet.

Having walked into Milpara as a volunteer for the first time on February 4, 2005, Luisa has spent countless hours supporting residents with cooking, art and gardening activities.

She said she gets out as much as she puts in and hopes she still has another five years left in her.

“The mind is still willing it is just as long as the body is able,” she laughed.

“It is the people that keeps you coming back – there is no better feeling than spending your time to make other people feel good.” 💚

ACH Group Volunteer Services Manager Charlotte Carmody said Luisa’s tenure as a volunteer was quite extraordinary.

"If you ever needed to see the power of volunteering and the impact one person can make you only need to look at Luisa,” she said.

“20 years is an incredible milestone and just goes to show how volunteering can get under your skin and become a lifelong passion.

“Across ACH Group we have more than 120 remarkable volunteers who, like Luisa, do such much to foster companionship and support social connection.”

Thinking of volunteering? ACH Group offers volunteering opportunities within our community, residential, social, health, and housing programs and services as well as special events. You can register to become an ACH Group volunteer by visiting: bit.ly/3EHvmZa

Captured in these photos, Luisa is seen with Art Lead Sylvia Reitenbach in Milpara’s Art Room, sharing a moment with Bessie, one of Milpara’s talented artists, and with Charlotte Carmody, Volunteer Services Manager.
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ACH Group celebrates Luisas two decades of volunteering 🥳🎨🤩

Luisa Centofanti has just chalked up a remarkable 20 years of volunteering at Milpara Residential Aged Care Home – and she’s not done yet.

Having walked into Milpara as a volunteer for the first time on February 4, 2005, Luisa has spent countless hours supporting residents with cooking, art and gardening activities.

She said she gets out as much as she puts in and hopes she still has another five years left in her.

“The mind is still willing it is just as long as the body is able,” she laughed.
 
“It is the people that keeps you coming back – there is no better feeling than spending your time to make other people feel good.” 💚

ACH Group Volunteer Services Manager Charlotte Carmody said Luisa’s tenure as a volunteer was quite extraordinary.

If you ever needed to see the power of volunteering and the impact one person can make you only need to look at Luisa,” she said.

“20 years is an incredible milestone and just goes to show how volunteering can get under your skin and become a lifelong passion. 

“Across ACH Group we have more than 120 remarkable volunteers who, like Luisa, do such much to foster companionship and support social connection.”

Thinking of volunteering? ACH Group offers volunteering opportunities within our community, residential, social, health, and housing programs and services as well as special events. You can register to become an ACH Group volunteer by visiting: https://bit.ly/3EHvmZa 

Captured in these photos, Luisa is seen with Art Lead Sylvia Reitenbach in Milpara’s Art Room, sharing a moment with Bessie, one of Milpara’s talented artists, and with Charlotte Carmody, Volunteer Services Manager.Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

4 CommentsComment on Facebook

An amazing contribution to ACH Group! You are indeed supporting good lives for older people Luisa! 🌸

Awesome job Luisa! 🤩