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Through the decades: 1950

Page history last edited by Social Policy Library 2 months, 2 weeks ago

  

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                                                            1955-1959

1950 - 1957 

 

Children & Families 

Children’s Health Clinic started at Fitzroy. See floor plan. (1950)

 

In Fitzroy, as there was no community Health Clinic, the BSL built a Children’s Centre including a Health Clinic. The Centre opened on 4 March 1952 (named the Sister Hay Memorial Children’s Health Centre), providing a children’s health clinic service with two Nursing Sisters.  Honorary medical support provided health checks on 500 children to give a general picture of health deficiencies, along with an optical clinic.  Children were encouraged to make use of the showers and baths, given the scarcity of these in many homes.  This also provided new facilities for the Clubs for Children & Youth provided for girls and boys through the generosity of the Square Centre Club.  A library and handcraft rooms were set up. (BSL Annual report 1952 p.13.  See also BSL 1965, The Rev G.K. Tucker and the Brotherhood of St Laurence).

 

"Each day through the month of January, buses loaded with children ran from North Melbourne, Camp Pell, Carlton, Fitzroy, South Melbourne and Burnley to various beaches" (1952) (BSL Annual Report 1952 p.12

 

One week’s holiday provided for girls & boys at Ocean Grove (January 1952.) (BSL Annual Report 1952, p.16)

 

Ninety boys provided with holidays through Apex Clubs at Albury, Bendigo, Castlemaine, Echuca, Maryborough and Wodonga (1953) (BSL Annual Report 1953, p.20

1957 Mr Elery Hamilton-Smith social worker, was employed to run the newly opened Family Service Project Club. (BSL Notes April 1957, p.3

1958  Mr Elery Hamilton-Smith was planning the first holiday camp in January for families as part of the Family Service Project. The proposed Kinglake family camp was to be an experiment in providing a holiday of good food, sunshine, fresh air, and a lively programme of activities for families who would otherwise never have the chance of holidaying together. (BSL Notes, August 1957, p.2) and (BSL Notes, December 1957, p.4)

Two new social workers employed at the Family Service Project, Miss T Wardell and Miss Christian. Mrs S Johnston transferred from the Social Service Bureau to the Family Service Project, making a total of four social workers employed full time on the project. (BSL Notes  No 114, September 1955, p.3). Teresa Wardell joined BSL for a brief but important period to carry out interviews with families living in sub-standard housing which provided evidence for What's wrong with Victoria's Housing Programme? (Holden,C et al, 2008, Divine Discontent, pp.116-119).

 

Community Issues 

Father Tucker gave his support to the call for an Australia-wide housing campaign by the former Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church in Australia (1950) (The Age, "National Housing Drive supported", Tuesday 3 January 1950, p. 3).

 

Food for Peace campaign founded by Father Tucker and a group of residents at the G.K. Tucker Settlement at Carrum Downs. John Handfield gives 1951 (p. 183) as the beginning of the Food for Peace campaign. According to Ben Bennett (1995, p.19) Food for Peace was founded in 1951 while Isobel Carter (1967) (Carter, IR 1967, God and three shillings,p.155 )dates it in 1952, as does the article "Nephew of Founder new Director" (Brotherhood News, September 1969, No.186, p.3). The Oxfam website now places it in the 1950s and the mention of CAA in Brotherhood Action (October 1985, No.261, p.3) places it in 1953. This was to become known as Community Aid Abroad in mid-1962). (1951-1953)     

 

Free Legal Aid Service provided at the Social Service Bureau one evening each week by senior law students, supervised by senior qualified members of the University of Melbourne Law School.  They gave advice and assistance to people who could not afford legal fees and who were not eligible for assistance from the Public Solicitor. (1952) (BSL Annual Reports 1953 p.15, 1953-1954 & 1955 p.21). 

 

In June 1970, University of Melbourne law students opened a free service at the Church of All Nations in Carlton.  Fitzroy Legal Service had its genesis at a meeting in December 1972 attended by Peter Hollingworth among others.  It concluded with opponents of the idea leaving the meeting.  On Monday 18 December 1972 the Fitzroy legal Service opened in the office of youth worker John Finlayson under the Fitzroy Town Hall.  Rostered volunteers provided legal assistance. (Chesterman J. 1996, Poverty, law and social change; Brotherhood Luncheon addressed by Governor-General Sir Zelman Cowen in Brotherhood Action December 1981 (No.238).

 

General social welfare was undertaken by the Social Service Bureau (staffed by Sister Lennox and Mr Bishop) and included studying the causes of social problems and "where possible making recommendations to official quarters".  Other activities of the Bureau included Children’s Court work, Housing Research, and "much work for unmarried mothers … institutional care is avoided". (1952)

 

Slum Abolition Campaign launched (1952). Housing campaign brochure (c1952).  Slum News bulletin, 1st issue, 10 October 1952, Vol. 1, No. 1.

 

The Age editorial on Thursday 17 July 1952 - "Promises and Plans and Slums" - supported Father Tucker's appeal for the clearance of the slums and their replacement with "dwellings fit for humans to live in".   

 

The Age editorial on Tuesday 29 July 1952 - "The Slums on our Conscience" - again supported Father Tucker's slum abolition campaign.

 

BSL identified 7500 substandard houses “dangerous to health, safety and morals”. (1954)

 

Ecumenical Migration Centre formed (1954).

 

Fundraising & resources 

Creation of the Hughesdale-Murrumbeena Auxiliary Group of BSL supporters ((1951) BSL Annual Report 1952-1953 p.22

 

Two Brotherhood Shops were in operation - the Fitzroy Clothing Shop and the Opportunity Shop in Royal Arcade in the City, which sold donated articles including a large quantity of goods hand-made by BSL friends.  "A considerable business is also done through a voluntary helper in the sale and exchange of postage stamps." (1952). (BSL Annual Report 1952 pp.20-21)

 

Mornington Auxiliary formed to help further the work of the Morven Holiday Home (1952).

 

The Canterbury Auxiliary is formed (1953) (BSL Annual Report 1953-1954).

 

First Annual Fair held at the Carrum Downs Settlement (21 November 1953) (Bennett, B 1995, GK Tucker settlement).

 

The Tucker Box, a residents-managed store, opened at the Carrum Downs Settlement as a convenience for residents and a fundraiser (1953) (Bennett, B 1995, GK Tucker settlement).

 

A Business Men’s group, represented on the Square Centre Committee, takes over financial support for the Square Deal Children’s Club (1953) (BSL Annual Report 1953-1954).

 

The Better Way Fund (to provide accommodation for elderly people) commenced as an alternative to sending floral tributes to funerals (1954). "'The Better Way' was founded in 1954" - (The Brotherhood News March 1965 (No.168) p.2) see also 'The Better Way' was established by the Brotherhood four years ago." (BSL Annual Report 1958-1959, p.11)

 

The Glen iris Auxiliary is formed (1954) (BSL Annual Report 1953-1954

 

February 1957: An urgent appeal for more voluntary helpers in the Children's Centre, Salvage Division, and Carrum Downs. An introduction programme commenced for the volunteers to make them familiar with the Brotherhood's work, it included a tour of Fitzroy, Carrum Downs and Mornington Departments (BSL Notes, February 1957, No. 122, p.2). 

 

Material & Financial support 

Purchase of Morven, a large property at 77 Tanti Avenue, Mornington to be used as a holiday home for children, families and older people (1951). I.R. Carter gives the date of the BSL's purchase as 1955 (Carter, IR 1967, God and three shillingsp.106).

 

Morven opened as the BSL’s own Holiday Home in Mornington, providing week-long holidays for pensioners.  A staff member was employed as hostess, supervising the running of the home.  Members of the Children’s Club had annual summer holidays under canvas in the grounds. (December 1952) (BSL Annual Report 1953, p.21BSL Annual Report 1955, p.20).

 

First distribution of split firewood to Fitzroy aged people and families in need during the winter months (1953) (BSL Annual Report 1953, p.11; BSL Annual Report 1955, p.5)

 

Older People 

The first section of Collins Court opened at Carrum Downs, providing residential care in 12 units for people unable to care for themselves.  This was funded from a legacy of £1300 left to Father Tucker by his old Governess, lifelong friend and generous supporter Mrs J R "Teamy" Collins in 1949.  (October 1951) 

"Mrs J.R. Collins . . . had left us some £15,000.  With part of that sum we built 'Collins Court" (Tucker, GK 1954, Thanks be, p.94) . Ben Bennett (1994, p.14) records:  "The building was funded by a legacy of £13,000 left to Father Tucker in 1949 by his old Governess, lifelong friend and generous supporter 'Teamy' Collins."  (See also Handfield, 1980 p.176Brotherhood Action, Autumn 1993 p.6). 

 

TV donated for Carrum Downs residents by a BSL Friend. TV was installed in December 1956 in time for residents to see scenes of the Brotherhood Christmas programme at Fitzroy and Mornington screened on ABV2 (BSL Notes, No 122, February 1957, p.2).

 

The Settlement Library begun by Miss Foster with a few books purchased from Myer (1951) (Bennett, B. 1995, GK Tucker settlement, p.78).

 

In 1952 the Coolibah Club had a membership of 57 men, mainly pensioners who live in single rooms in the neighbourhood.  It was open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and from 2 pm to 10 pm on Sundays.  Club membership fee was threepence a week, the hot midday meal cost one shilling and morning and afternoon tea cost one penny. Read an extract from Brotherhood Action, Winter 1993. TV was donated to the Coolibah in 1956 (BSL Notes, No 122, February 1957, p.2).

 

Holiday Scheme for Aged Pensioners began following a radio appeal in April.  From May, each week groups of pensioners went to guest houses in the country or by the sea for week-long holidays.  Semi-invalid Coolibah members were taken to a rented country house and cared for by BSL staff. (1952) (BSL Annual Report 1952 pp.19-20).

 

On the 45 acre BSL Settlement, there were 18 Double Bungalows and 53 Single Bungalows and two blocks of flats containing between them 12 living units.  Two blocks of flats called Collins Court had been completed for "semi-invalids", containing 12 living units and two more blocks were planned.  A four-bed hospital was being built. (1952) (BSL, Settlement News, March 1951).

Electricity arrived. One of the houses going to be renovated for volunteer workers to stay, Mr & Mrs Kimpton will act as hosts. Ice deliveries undertaken regularly for residents for the first time in the summer.

 

The "Cottage Hospital" opened in September on the Settlement, with two two-bed wards and accommodation for staff built and equipped by the Melbourne Junior Chamber of Commerce. (September 1952) (BSL Annual Report, 1952, p.7). 

 

The Settlement residents opened a resident-run store, the Tucker Box (1952) (BSL Annual Report, 1953 p.9).

 

Four single cottages built on the Carrum Downs Settlement, as part of a self-financed scheme for the original owners known as the Finance Cottage Scheme; these cottages passed to BSL ownership on the death of the original occupants. 

"Owing to the tremendous demand for homes and the number of people desirous of financing their own accommodation it was necessary to announce in April that no further applications could be received for participation in this scheme." (1953) (BSL Annual Reports, 1953 p.9, 1955 p.13).

 

Request for “royal favour” to allow renaming of the Tucker Settlement Community Centre as “The Queen’s House” in honour of the Royal Visit  (permission not granted - 1954) 

From National Archives Australia: Title - Requests for Royal favours - Brotherhood of St Laurence. Permission not granted to name proposed Community Centre 'The Queen's House'.  Series number: A2880.  Control symbol: 27/3/50.  Contents date range: 1954 – 1954 (Access status: Not yet examined.  Location: Canberra.  Barcode no: 8341918).

 

Kimpton Court, an avenue of self-contained apartments for single elderly men, opened at Carrum Downs (1954). (BSL Annual Report, 1955 pp.5 & 13)

 

Building of a new hospital on the Settlement commenced with the assistance of a grant from the Hospital & Charities Commission (1954). (BSL Annual Report, 1955 pp.16-17).

 

Father Tucker and the residents of the Carrum Downs Settlement were a feature of the article Our Unemployed Army of "Over Sixties" - Wasted Labor Force in The Age, 1 October 1954.    

 

January 1957 a Bell Tower was erected in memory of the later Mr Edward Martin, a benefactor of the Brotherhood. The thirty-foot high belfry was made of three white painted steel rods and erected near the settlement's chapel and communal dining room. The bell began it's career in a sailing ship trading between England and Australia. Then it was attached to a school at St Peter's Church of England, Eastern Hill before being passed on the the Brotherhood and spent the next 20 years hanging from a gum tree at the settlement. The bell was used to call residents to worship and meals (The Age, 14 Jan 1957, p.3.  Photo from BSL library photo collection

New and enlarged Coolibah Club opened at Fitzroy  and women admitted to membership (November 1954). (BSL Annual Report, 1955 pp.5 & 18)  

 

Organisational Aspects (BSL) 

Geoffrey Sambell appointed Executive Director of the Brotherhood  (1950) Brotherhood News September 1969 (No.186) p.2.

 

Brotherhood activities had developed in six distinct sections: in Fitzroy, the Coolibah Club at 65 Brunswick Street, the headquarters at no. 67, the Children’s Welfare Centre at no.69 and the Social Service Bureau at no.72; an office in Royal Arcade; and the Settlement for elderly people at Carrum Downs. (1950)

 

Geoffrey Sambell traveled to the UK & USA, saw American welfare groups recycling unwanted goods and introduced this to the BSL (1951). 

 

First full-time social worker, Miss Coralie Merle Ravenscroft, appointed to the BSL staff on 1 March 1953  (the BSL became the first Victorian non-government organisation to do so). (BSL Staff Bulletin, Series 3 No.2, November 1964, p.5.; Holden & Trembath 2008, Divine Discontent, p.55)

 

David Scott joined the BSL as an assistant to his uncle, Father Tucker (1953) (Magree C. (ed.) 1993, Looking forward, looking back, p.9). In BSL Notes October 1952:  "David Scott Who was closely associated with the Brotherhood for some years in a voluntary capacity, has now joined the staff as Assistant to the Superior (Father Tucker). He will have charge of the city office and assist in the ever-growing deputation and organising work."

David Scott accepted the position of "Organising Secretary" in the Brotherhood.  As part of his role he turned the housing campaign news sheet "Slum News" into an influential social action publication renamed Now! - a monthly journal to arouse public interest and action housing, slum reclamation, care of the aged, penal reform and other social questions as part of the BSL’s education and social reform work. (1954) (The Brotherhood News, September 1969 (No.186) p.3; Magree C (ed.) 1993, Looking forward, looking back, p.9 (states that David Scott joined the BSL as an assistant to his uncle, Father Tucker in 1953); BSL Annual Report 1955, p.21.)

 

Presentations and Publications 

 

1952 BSL Annual report

1953 BSL Annual Report

 

The film A Place to Live was produced by the Realist Film Unit incorporating some footage from Beautiful Melbourne and These are our Children. "The Realist Film Unit made a series of three films that addressed the poor housing conditions in Melbourne in the 1940s and 1950s, and with the involvement of the Brotherhood of St Laurence. The other two films are These Are Our Children and Beautiful Melbourne. According to Gerry Harrant, who was involved with the Realist Film Unit, A Place to Live was updated over time and from the stock dates on the film, this ranged from 1945 to 1950. Footage of inner-city dwellings from These Are Our Children and Beautiful Melbourne is incorporated within this film." (Poppy de Souza)

David Scott’s What’s Wrong with Victoria’s Housing published (1953) (see also Brotherhood Action, Summer 1994 p.6).

 

100,000 Depressed Pensioners, How 7 million pounds will ease their plight, April 1958

There is only one way left, G Kennedy Tucker Director for Food for Peace Campaign, & Superior Brotherhood of St Laurence circa 1952

Thanks be, the autobiography of Gerard Kennedy Tucker, 1954

 

Slum News became incorporated into the new publication of the newsletter Now! Vol. 1, No. 1 April 1953. The newsletter was published to stimulate thought, interest and action on social problems, and hoped to provide a medium for the exchange of ideas and information between the many groups, official and auxiliary, who are endeavouring to improve conditions and change thinking in their own particular fields of social work (BSL Notes, no. 100 June 1953, p. 1-2. Now! Vol 1 No 1, April 1953 p.2 editorial). The paper went on to become Now! Incorporating Food for Peace News, in July 1957.

Note: In BSL Notes, June 1953 Father Tucker says that for the time being he will not write the types of letters he used to write to BSL Friends in this newsletter, in the future" I shall only confine my remarks to matters dealing primarily with the Brotherhood and its activities". This is because "to do so would be to duplicate to a large extent the matters which will be dealt with in NOW!"

 

Board Members as per the BSL Annual Report 1952: Rev M J Clarke, Rev B G McWilliams, Rev GT Sambell, Mr Backholer, Mr F C Kimpton, Mr Saxil Tuxen.

Board Members as per the BSL Annual Report 1953-1954: Rev M J Clarke, Rev B G McWilliams, Rev GT Sambell, Mr Backholer, Mr F C Kimpton, Mr Saxil Tuxen, Mr David Scott, Mr L Walton.

 

Young People

The Brotherhood's Youth Services began with a Children’s Club established and run in conjunction with the Square Centre (an extension movement of the Girl Guides Association).  The Square Centre provided the salary of a Youth worker and the BSL provided the building, equipment, camping facilities etc. (1950).  Read an extract from the Girl Guides history.

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