1965 was a difficult year for the Society because the Village scheme had still not commenced as they had been unable to convert into cash the equity in the After-Care hospital which would have provided the balance of funds necessary. The pomp and bluster on the change of President and appointment of high-profile Administrator did not deliver any improvement to the organisation, rather a very disappointing result.
problem at some time or another. The need may only be for a word of advice or it may be financial assistance for housekeeping allowance, taxi fares, the purchase of or repairs to some appliances, spectacles, or special medicines and other sundry items, whether great or small. The Society offered to the disabled, through its Welfare Department, a skilled service where each problem is considered individually, allowing those who seek help to retain their dignity and integrity at all times.
During the year His Excellency, The Governor of New South Wales, Sir Roden Cutler V.C. K.C.M.G. C.B.E. succeeded as Patron of the Society, and rarely has a man been held in such esteem as he was in the late 1960s/early 1970s.
Projects that were underway in 1965 included:
The Welfare Department of the Society still provided a crucial backbone to support and services offered to communities. At the time it was felt that those handicapped who have, at some time or another, had contact with this section, would need no explanation; but the average person would have no idea of the problems that disablement can create, whether of great or lesser degree. In 1964, the Royal Prince Henry Hospital appealed for two respirators (iron lungs, approximate cost £1,420 each), to assist two young mothers. After extensive enquiries in which we sought and obtained the assistance of the Daily Telegraph, the two respirators were procured from Manly District Hospital and the Parramatta District Hospital, which, with the concurrence of the Hospitals Commission, were supplied gratis. The Royal Prince Henry Hospital was notified and agreed to make arrangements for delivery. To say that we assisted with the provision of aids namely 24 wheel chairs, 8 prostheses, 2 lifting hoists, 2 toilet chairs, 10 callipers, 8 pairs of crutched, 26 pairs of surgical boots and 8 surgical corsets needed by the handicapped to help them in their rehabilitation is to tell of only one small facet of the work. Over the years, a service had developed whereby the social worker has endeavoured to establish a relationship of trust, understanding and sympathy between the Society and the patients. It is felt that a handicapped person, even one who has fully accepted the limitations of his or her disability, needs guidance and help with an immediate 56
65 Years of Care
1. Cherrywood Village Plans for a brick motel-type hostel and sheltered workshop together with amenities had been completed and approved by the following authorities: The Penrith City Council, State Planning Authority, Metropolitan Water Sewerage & Drainage Board, and The Main Roads Board. In addition, a scale model has been constructed and a quantity of black and white sketches, 30’ x 20’ and 15’ x 10’, had been prepared for publicity purposes. The stupendous task of clearing the land was organised and carried out by the Nepean & District Branch, as well as the laying, 18’ deep, from source to site, and 1 ½ miles of 2’ water piping donated by Wollongong Branch of the Society. The question of chain wire fencing appears next on the programme of Nepean & District Branch. The branches had undertaken to provide the amount necessary for one or more units in the hostel. A unit costs £7,000. Some branches had already contributed to the cost of one unit and have nearly reached the sum necessary for their second. This method of financing the units is of great assistance to the Board of the Society, as most members are aware of the delay and frustration caused by the fact that, after protracted negotiations, the sale of our After-Care Hospital fell through. The Directors were hopeful that this project will be commenced in 1966.