Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Celebrating 50 Years 1976 - 2026
Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge - A Timeline The Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge (NPML) was opened on Friday 27th August 1976 by the then Governor of Victoria, Sir Henry Winneke, signifying the completion of a project that commenced in the sixties. 1967 In early 1967, the Hospital Committee began to investigate the feasibility of a project to build an aged care facility. At a public meeting in 1969, it was decided that a hostel for the elderly was necessary in Numurkah. 1972 At a meeting in the Numurkah Town Hall in July of 1972, a Provisional Committee to oversee the hostel project was elected and a community appeal was launched with the goal of raising $70,000. This represented the community’s share of the project, with this local contribution required to access government grants to fund the remaining cost of the new facility. Within 15 minutes of the appeal being launched, $22,000 was pledged to the project. In August, the Provisional Committee accepted an offer from the Numurkah Shire Council to provide the land for the hostel and a provisional name for the facility was announced – Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge (NPML). The office bearers of the Provisional Committee were President Mr J Thornton, Secretary Mr I Macaulay, Senior Vice President Cr F Laidlaw, Junior Vice President Mr C M Moss, Treasurer Mr O N Manley. 1973 The Provisional Committee met with architect Mr R A Underwood and provided a brief for the requirements of NPML. At the time Mr Underwood praised the brief stating “Over the years I have had quite a number of briefs, this committee is to be congratulated on the one it has presented.” The schedule for the finished working documents was set for March 1, 1974, after which tenders would be called.
Right: Numurkah Leader July 1972
Left: A community fundraising prospectus, 1972
Left: Numurkah Leader, October 2, 1974
Newspaper article, May 23, 1973
Below left, a letter to Jack Thornton re further discussion with the Lodge architect, right, a letter from Jack Thornton to Charles Newman discussing a donation from the Currie estate
A 1974 letter from the Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Provisional Committee inviting the Nathalia District Hospital Committee to explore a potential partnership in the Numurkah aged care project, following Nathalia’s decision not to proceed with its own proposed hostel. The letter also provides a valuable insight into the project’s timeline, including the impact of rising building costs and changes to government subsidies
1974 Tenders were called in May; however, when prices were received, it became clear that rising building costs and inflation meant the funds raised, together with the promised Government subsidies, were no longer sufficient to cover the total cost of the project. The build was deferred in the hope that the Government subsidy rate would be reviewed. In July a deputation travelled to Canberra to meet the then Social Security Minister, Mr Bill Hayden. In November 1974, it was reported in the Numurkah Leader that changes to Australian Government subsidies had provided renewed momentum for the project, with funding increasing to $11,700 per unit. It was also agreed that NPML would come under the auspices of another hostel organisation, providing a more favourable basis on which to apply for government funding, while the Lodge would retain its own name and identity in Numurkah.
Numurkah Leader, July, 1974
Numurkah Leader, November 13 1974
1975 Applications to the Minister of Social Security for a grant to build were made in early March, and following approval, tenders were called, with Bruni & Bisogni of Cobram being successful. Records indicate that in keeping with the name Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge, the Hostel was designed along the lines of early Australian wings leading off from a central area and with verandahs enclosing each wing. The building was designed to allow for a "mirror image" addition if ever the future need arose. In September 1975 excitement was mounting with many community members interested in moving into the hostel, now most commonly referred to as ‘The Lodge’. Applicants needed to be certified by a doctor demonstrating that they required some assistance but were also able to cope with their personal care. Numurkah and Nathalia residents had priority of admission and medical services included; district nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Meals and linen were to be supplied but residents were to attend to their own laundry and keep their rooms clean. Car parking also had to be factored into the surrounding area, as most residents were still driving and needed car parking spaces.
Numurkah Leader, June 4, 1975
Numurkah Leader, June 18 1975
Numurkah Leader October 22, 1975
Numurkah Leader June 23, 1976 Mrs Olive Patrick, Supervisor of the Pioneer Lodge, together with Mrs Marion French are seen receiving a gift of a large number of crocheted rugs from Numurkah Lions’ Ladies. From left: Mrs Patrick, Mrs French, Mrs Iris Holmes, Mrs Glenice Holmes, Mrs Jan Burkitt, Mrs Lorraine McPherson and Mrs Norma McKellar.
Numurkah Leader April 24, 1976
1976 Mrs Olive Patrick is named as Supervisor of the Lodge and was expected to commence her duties on Monday May 3, 1976. A Lodge Open Day was held on June 20, to allow the community to tour the Lodge before residents moved in. It was reported in the local paper that staff at the Lodge would start work on June 18 to prepare for the first intake of residents – nine in total – on June 22.
Lodge staff included a cook, a housekeeper and Assistant Supervisor Mrs Marion French. A newspaper article in the Numurkah Leader in August stated “residents are encouraged to assist with the maintenance of the Lodge and a quick visit will see somebody filling salt and pepper shakers, another cleaning tables or sorting cutlery.” A much-anticipated grand opening of Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge was held on Friday August 27th, 1976. The building was declared officially open by Sir Henry Winneke, Governor of Victoria and had capacity to accommodate 33 residents. Total cost of the project was $640,000.
Numurkah Leader September 1, 1976
NPML officially opened by The Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Winneke. Below is a copy of the official opening booklet.
1977 Formation of the Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Auxiliary. 1980 In March, Mr Bruce Lloyd Member for Murray, announced a grant of $242,000 to enable the construction of a nursing home in Numurkah (this would eventually be Baala House) A major fundraising program was launched by the Numurkah Shire President, Cr Christie in April. The Community responded and more than $230,000 was raised. 1982 The new twenty bed Nursing Home ‘Baala House’ was officially opened in September by Federal Member for Murray, Mr Bruce Lloyd. 1986 President/Chairman of the Numurkah and District Pioneers Lodge Committee Mr Jack Thornton and 95-year-old Louise Horton are photographed cutting the cake at the Lodge 10th birthday celebrations in August. 1989/1990 A 10-bed extension is completed on Baala House in December 1989 with residents able to move in during January 1990. Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop attended to officially open the extensions and awarded Life Governor Certificates to Inaugural Pioneer Lodge Committee President and Vice President Mr Jack Thornton and Mr Cliff Moss, who maintained those roles for over 17 years. 1991/1992 Internal renovations at the Lodge, saw the total capacity for residents extend to 36, including a room for respite care purposes and the extension of the reading room to incorporate a kitchenette and aquarium. The grounds at the rear of the Lodge were landscaped to provide a croquet court, additional garden beds and seating. An excerpt from ‘Treasured Memories of Yesteryear’ a booklet compiled by Kevin Bowles, 1999 describes the following: Residents units are contained in the wings, each unit having facilities for a T.V., radio, phone, small refrigerator, tea making facilities and a spacious shower-toilet area. The showpiece of the Lodge is the dining area, a large naturally lit room by day with parquet flooring.
1994 The Numurkah Pioneers Lodge Committee announced plans to build several units behind the Numurkah and District War Memorial Hospital for older community members who could continue to live independently but would benefit from the support and security of having hospital services nearby. The units were to operate in collaboration with Pioneers Lodge and be administered by the Lodge Committee of Management. The vision was to create a small retirement village where residents could maintain their independence while having access to additional support when needed. 1995 The retirement village was given the green light in November, with local contractors Rose and Foster signing tender documents. The tender included all site development works for the first two stages of the project, together with construction of the village’s first five units, worth approximately $600,000. The retirement village, named Gwandalan Court, opened in 1996 with five units and continued to grow over the following years. Stage 2 was completed in 1998 with the addition of three units, followed by a further two units as part of Stage 3 in 2002. Stage 4 was completed in 2003, adding another unit and bringing the village to a total of 11 units. In December, 1995, NPML Auxiliary donated $15,000 to the Lodge to refurbish the dining room. 1997 Numurkah and District War Memorial Hospital changed its name to Numurkah and District Health Service. 2000 Under the Aged Care Act 1997, mandatory Commonwealth Aged Care Accreditation came into full effect across Victoria. Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge and Baala House received their certificates of accreditation from Member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone.
Numurkah Leader, November, 2000
2002 The Lodge received $300,000 from the Federal Government as part of a cooperative approach between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Ageing to boost care for veterans. They were one of four regional aged care facilities in Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia to share in $1.8 million to boost care for veterans.
2003 Residents and families of the Lodge are invited to attend the Pioneers Lodge Rainbow Debutante Ball, with resident Debutantes presented to the Honourable Dr Sharman Stone at the Numurkah Town Hall. 2004 The corporate amalgamation of Numurkah District Health Service and Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge was effected January 1. 2005 Karinya Nursing home, a new 30 bed facility, was opened in March and replaced Baala House. Baala House was demolished in the same year to make room for support services infrastructure and a new support services building opened in September 2005. 2007 The Lodge Auxiliary celebrates their 30-year anniversary at the Shamrock Hotel with more than 50 people in attendance. .
Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Rainbow Ball, 2003
The Lodge turns 25, 30 and 33! Pictured left, Lodge Auxiliary foundation member June Dudley cuts the cake. June was still an active auxiliary member. Middle; Iris Wilkinson with her daughter Cavill Zingalis. Right is auxiliary president Betty Heard and Reg Stevenson.
August 2009, accreditation sucess
2012 In March 2012, floodwaters along Broken Creek reached Numurkah, Victoria faster than expected, isolating the town. The floodwaters peaked in just 14 hours instead of the 5 days seen in previous flood events. The result was one of Victoria’s most significant flood emergencies, inundating more than 160 buildings, and forcing the evacuation of the Numurkah and District Health Service. The Lodge, whilst not inundated by water due the flood, was isolated due to high water levels. The entire campus across the road including the hospital, Karinya, Community Health and Gwandalan Court were evacuated. The patients in the hospital and Karinya were relocated to neighbouring hospitals and residential aged care facilities. The hospital remained closed with a temporary urgent care centre opened in late March 2012 and a portable building that included short stay beds, urgent care, radiology and administration space opened in October 2012.
Top: the hospital is flooded but NPML remains dry and becomes the emergency operations centre, the small kitchen cooks for all staff and residents and the grounds are used as meeting spaces.
Residents from Karinya returned to their home late March and early April 2012. The new and co-located community health and hospital eventually reopened in 2015. During the flood, residents of the Lodge were not evacuated. The Lodge became the emergency operations centre with portable buildings in the car park at the rear of the building and staff accommodated whilst managing the impact of the flood emergency over the coming weeks. The Nurse Unit Manager’s office housed payroll in the first week and the car park became the meeting space. The small kitchen, usually reserved for breakfast and morning or afternoon tea, made meals for the residents, multiple additional staff, visitors from government, community and insurance assessors. The Lodge continued with its wonderful care with diversional therapy activities and the general routine maintained for the residents.
Top left, Lodge grounds are used for emergency operations meetings. Right, the Lodge kitchen staff are in high demand and bottom left, some Lodge residents and staff keeping dry in March 2012.
2019 In July, the voluntary amalgamation of Numurkah and District Health Service, Cobram District Health and Nathalia District Hospital to one organisation of NCN Health. 2022 In 2022, the NCN Health Board of Directors and Numurkah community advocated to secure Victorian Government capital funding to redevelop Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge, recognising that the ageing facility was no longer fit for purpose and required significant redevelopment to meet the needs of residents and the community. The advocacy campaign was called ‘Pioneer Lodge Matters’ and called on community members, businesses and service groups to write to local and state government and media. 2023 In the May State Budget, NCN Health was awarded up to $55 million to build a new Public Sector Residential Aged Care Service in Numurkah, to replace the current Lodge. The site of the new facility was identified opposite the existing Lodge, off Hurley Court and adjacent to Karinya Nursing Home and the hospital acute ward. The new facility will feature larger, more spacious and functional rooms, designed to improve mobility, support contemporary models of care and future-proof residential aged care in Numurkah for generations to come. 2025 Early works to prepare the site for the new Public Sector Residential Aged Care began in late 2025 (September - November). Works were completed by Crow Construction. 2026 AW Nicholson Construction are awarded the building tender in April and works on the new Residential Aged Care Service begin shortly after. Staff, residents, family, friends and the broader community acknowledge Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge 50th anniversary in August.
While the development of a new Residential Aged Care Service marks the beginning of a new chapter, the legacy of Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge and the community spirit that brought it to life will continue. Built through the determination and generosity of the Numurkah community, that same legacy will live on in the care provided to generations of local people now and into the future.
Numurkah Leader June, 2022
Left: Shepparton News May 2023
Fundraising for the Lodge At a meeting in the Numurkah Town Hall in July of 1972, a Provisional Committee to oversee the hostel project was elected and a community appeal was launched with the goal of raising $70,000. This represented the community’s share of the project, with this local contribution required to access government grants to fund the remaining cost of the new facility. Within 15 minutes of the appeal being launched, $22,000 was pledged to the project. From here, fundraising and support continued to roll in; the Provisional Committee accepted an offer from the Numurkah Shire Council to provide the land for the hostel, donations came from industry, individuals, deceased estates and service clubs. The Numurkah Apex Club and Numurkah Rotary became strong supporters alongside Lions, CWA, Numurkah Tennis Club, Numurkah Cycling Club, Numurkah Fire Brigade, Katunga Tennis Club, various auxiliaries and many, many more. A door-to-door town canvassing appeal was announced, with the aim or producing $35,000 for the project and the Rotary Club of Numurkah facilitated a Calf Raising initiative aiming to raise a further $8000. The Bearii Hall Committee, which in 1972 had recently wound up, donated their remaining funds to the appeal. The Numurkah-Nathalia Legacy Group donated $3,000 towards the appeal, a significant contribution that marked the first time the group had supported another organisation in this way. In recognition of the partnership, an agreement was made that a room at Pioneers Lodge would always be available for a Legacy widow. The Provisional Committee contacted the Nathalia and District Hospital Committee to gauge its interest in collaborating on the project. With additional funds Nathalia was able to contribute, the scope of the project was expanded by a further eight units, which were incorporated into plans drawn up by architects Underwood and Underwood Pty Ltd. Donations also came from endowment gifts, pledges, entrance money to secure a room at the Lodge and Memberships -$500 for Life Governor and $100 for Life Membership.
It cannot be overstated how significant the generosity and enthusiasm of the Numurkah community and surrounding district was in bringing the Lodge to life. The examples above represent only a fraction of the donations, fundraising and countless hours contributed by local people who believed deeply in the need to care for older members of their community. The Lodge was, quite literally, built on the generosity and determination of the community. It remains much more than a building; it is part of Numurkah’s story.
Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Auxiliary The Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Auxiliary was formed in 1977. For 49 years, its dedicated members have made an extraordinary contribution to the Lodge - raising funds, building connections and helping shape the facility’s welcoming culture and strong sense of home. The inaugural President was Terry Brennan, who joined the committee as a Rotary representative and was asked to step into the role of President. Terry was soon succeeded by Ena Lowndes, with June Dudley serving as Vice President and Rene Hassett as Assistant Secretary. Debra Hitchcock started at the Lodge in 1997 as a District Nurse and went on to become the Nurse Unit Manager - a role she held for 20 years. She fondly recalls the annual fete as one of the biggest events of the year. “It was huge. There was a float and parade, and all the usual stalls - cakes, second-hand books - it was a fabulous event and raised quite a lot of money for the Lodge. I know a lot of work went into the annual fete.” Current Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge Auxiliary President Rosemary Kennett said the final fete was held around 2002, after which bus trips including popular pokies trips held twice a year - became a fundraising favourite. “The bus trips were very well supported. There were also coffee afternoons at the Lodge, with guest speakers and plenty of raffles.” Rosemary said the Lodge Craft Group, made up of volunteers and residents, has also made a steady contribution. “The Craft Group has supported Lodge fundraising brilliantly and worked hard over many years to create excellent-quality craft.” In 2007, the Lodge Auxiliary celebrated its 30-year anniversary at the Shamrock Hotel, with more than 50 people in attendance. At the time, it was reported that the Auxiliary had donated a total of $126,000 to the Board of Management and spent a further $61,000 on direct purchases for the Lodge.
In more recent years, alongside its many direct purchases of resources and equipment for the Lodge, the Auxiliary has donated $10,000 to the NCN Health and Rotary Club of Numurkah Aged Care Bus Project and a further $10,000 towards the purchase of a generator for the Lodge. These remarkable achievements reflect the dedication of generations of volunteers and the enduring connection between the Lodge and the Numurkah community. Through almost five decades of service, the Auxiliary has carried forward the same community spirit on which the Lodge was founded - local people working together to create the Lodge residents Iris Wilkinson and best possible home for older members of Theo Thompson preparing for the their community. Rainbow Ball in 2003.
Left: The Lodge Craft Group led by Rita Barwick and volunteers feature in The Numurkah Leader in 2007 after knitting 100 jumpers and beanies for AIDS affected babies in South Africa. Below: An article in The Numurkah Leader May, 2000
The Lodge Through the Years By Marie Martin and current residents
Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge was originally opened in 1976. The land was donated by the Numurkah Shire and was built up with landfill to protect the building from flooding. Originally designed as a hostel, it featured 36 single rooms with ensuites. The Lodge Auxiliary was formed and is still in existence today. Their purpose is to raise funds for the resident’s lifestyle programmes, furniture and equipment to enhance the quality of life for the residents. The original Pioneers Lodge Committee, led by Jack Thornton, employed the staff and were responsible for the Lodge’s operations. Potential residents wrote to the committee to ask if they could become a resident at a cost of $500 to enter. Residents were able to bring their car, and a carport was provided. There was no nursing care, a manager was employed to run the facility. Meals were cooked in the Numurkah District Health Service kitchen located across the road and were transported to the Lodge. Lunch and dinner were provided. Breakfast was prepared in the Lodge kitchen. This arrangement is still in place today. In the early 2000’s the ownership of the Pioneers Memorial Lodge was transferred to the Numurkah District Health Service, and the land title was transferred. In 2003 a master plan was completed of Numurkah District Health Service to redevelop the entire site. Funding was provided in 2004 for stage one of the master plan which included a new residential aged care facility known as Karinya (previously Baala House), a new support services building including kitchen, staff dining, stores and laundry, together with a new maintenance shed which was built around this time. Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge was to be included in stage two of the master plan, which planned to relocate the Lodge to join Karinya making it a 66-bed residential aged care facility. A new hospital was also included. Stage two did not receive funding.
The 2012 floods destroyed the Numurkah District Health Service Hospital and in 2013 following a master plan commissioned by the Department of Health, the budget included funding to build a new hospital. The 2013 plan excluded Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge despite lobbying from the Board Directors to have it included. In addition to being granted funding for a new hospital, the Commonwealth Health and Hospital Fund granted around $5 million to build a new Primary Health facility. The Board, the State and Federal Governments agreed to combine the funding of $23.8 million to acquire a new Hospital and Primary Health facility. Forward to 2023 and NCN Health welcomed the Victorian Government commitment to build a new, modern, fit for purpose residential aged care service which will ultimately replace the Lodge. This represents a funding commitment from the government of $55 million. Construction on the new residential aged care service began in the first quarter of 2026. The following is some memories and reflections from current residents, Frank Gundrill, Margaret Pell, Nancy Retallick, Thea Watters and Bill Carkeek. The Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge has offered an alternative lifestyle for fifty years. Resident Margaret Pell recalls when the idea for the aged care hostel first surfaced . “We had a business in town and we were all for it along with many others. Beat Stonehouse was the only woman on the steering committee. This was seen as a very progressive project” The Lodge was built by the people of the town and district. More than seventy thousand dollars was raised locally, with a barometer placed outside the ANZ Bank to incentivise people to donate. With the backing of a very supportive community and a good sum of local money, it was off to the politicians to lobby for additional funds to bring this project to fruition. Local builders were engaged . As well as the overwhelming support there was a great sense of pride and ownership of this local initiative. This hostel was quite unique in our region and the envy of many other towns. Independence was the order of the day.
There were no nursing staff, and some residents even brought their own car. A supervisor/ manageress lived where the nurses station and staffroom is now and kept everything running smoothly. Residents were totally independent, and the advantage for many was that they had a wonderful sense of security and homeliness that helped dispel the loneliness of living alone and having to manage the maintenance of a home. With advances in medicine and lifestyle, as a nation we are all living a lot longer. Many have managed to stay in their homes with support packages, while others have needed to have continuous care. To cater for those with higher needs. the Lodge has evolved into its current status providing a much higher level of nursing care. For some, making the move into residential care has been made easier by trying respite first. Finding out what it’s like for two or three weeks before coming in permanently. Many feel it is the best option for them and their families. They know that they need care and are entitled to be here. Some feel they don’t want to become a burden to their family’s way of life. Covid made the decision easier for some residents. The feeling of aloneness could have been too much to bear at home. They had the trust and security in the staff and the facility. It is felt that Lodge outlook on life and attitude of the staff and volunteers makes it easier to adapt to moving into aged care. Residents can enjoy personal pursuits as well as be a part of the many communal activities on offer. Many friendships between residents and staff have made - this is a very warm and caring community. Some current residents have had family here or have volunteered for newspaper reading or been part of an amazing auxiliary that has raised funds that are used to add special touches to make people’s lives better. Volunteers are a very important and respected part of the Lodge family. Suggestions from residents and families are keenly listened to, and where possible implemented. After the recently held Lodge Commonwealth Games, there were plenty of ideas for further events. Glowing accounts were given of the staff going above and beyond to make the day very special.
The volunteers play a great part in the comfort and enjoyment of Lodge residents, and the original Community Bus funded in a bequest left to the Lodge by Mrs E Sage played a huge part in keeping residents engaged with the wider community. It has taken the residents out into the community; to Singers productions, concerts, dinners, shopping, picnics and more. This bus did many kilometres and has been replaced in recent times with two smaller all accessibility buses, thanks to a fundraising project led by Rotary of Numurkah. A men’s group currently frequent a local coffee shop on rotation and catch up with men’s shedders and others on local news and to see how the town is ticking. They can be seen heading up the street on their gophers. Their links to the community are not lost, plus there is plenty of information to take back to the others at the Lodge! For residents who are less mobile there is a host of entertainment that comes to the Lodge. Some recent highlights include, The Great Gatsby Ball, featuring guest championship ballroom dancers, feather boas and roaring 20s headbands! The Centenary of Federation Awards Dinner and The Photographic Exhibition from the State Library of Victoria of the First Federal Parliament held at the Exhibition Building Melbourne in 1901. One of the most loved memories is a 2016 joint performance with Karinya called ‘Sing Out Loud’, which showcased residents’ talents through recitation, comedy and song. The performance marked the culmination of a nine-week program and was recorded on video. Time certainly doesn’t stand still at Numurkah Pioneers Memorial Lodge. Frank still rises at 6.30am and breakfasts at 7.30am and says “Old habits don’t die,” he also plays Cribbage and is pretty good at footy tipping. Thea loves the quizzes that keep her mind active - and everyone loves Bingo.
Santa (John Shrimpton)
Residents at the Lodge in the late 80s. Photo includes Jean Henderson and Mabel Tate on the left, James (Merv) Hughes centre, and then Doris Larson and Cissy Young. Right: Jean & Merv
Rosie Hicks and Elsie Goold Marie Coonerty left and Hilda McNamara right
Betty Major 100 Club 2026: Zdena Cykner, (100) Melva McPherson, (100) Betty Collins (100) and Nancy Retallick (101)