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The Brotherhood has influenced housing policy and provided housing for elderly clients since its early days, when Fr Tucker was involved in the Verandah vigil (see: 1940). 

1962

A gift “from a Melbourne friend” of £15,000 and a legacy of £9,000 enabled the purchase of a house in Box Hill and the work of extending it to care for 15-20 frail aged. (Accommodation of this type did not attract a Commonwealth Government subsidy.)  This property was named Carinya - an aboriginal word meaning “resting place” Another translation of Carinya is - “Happy home” in the Awabakal language of the Newcastle-Lake Macquarie region (The Brotherhood News June 1964 (No.165) p.4; BSL Annual Report 1961-1962 p.1)

1963

Carinya “hospital for frail aged” at Box Hill opened. Service of Dedication program for the official opening on 22nd of September 1963.

From the left, Dr John Lindell Chairman of the Hospitals and Charities Commission, Father Tucker, Sister Brewin Matron of Carinya, Bishop G Sambell Director of the Brotherhood (Photo from BSL Library photo collection (10.5.40).

View of one of the rooms (Photo from BSL Library photo collection (10.5.4). 

1964

Forgotten People Appeal to extend Brotherhood social services, only the second public appeal run by the Brotherhood, was held from 24 November to 24 December. Over 80,000 letters were sent out asking for donations.  Thirty-nine leading businessmen formed a special Industry Committee, writing personal notes to other companies asking for their support for the Appeal. The target was £75,000 to help finance five projects - additional accommodation at Carrum Downs and St Laurence Park, Lara; an annexe to provide more beds at Carinya (many chronically ill people were being turned away); a research program into social welfare needs of the community; a visiting and occupational scheme for the “shut-in” elderly and physically handicapped people; and a permanent youth camp for young people from the inner suburbs. The “1200 Club” was part of this appeal, aiming to raise £12,000 from 1200 people giving £10 each (most raised by holding functions) towards obtaining the youth camp.

1966

Two new films advertising the Brotherhood’s Christmas clothing appeal were shown on GTV-9 during December.  The brief 30-second announcements featured the Carrum Downs settlement and the Carinya home for the frail aged. (Brotherhood News, December 1966 (No. 175), p.3)

1967

20 bed extension added to Carinya nursing home, Box Hill, making a total of 40 beds. These were opened by the Mayor of Box Hill, Councillor E.O. Lundgren on 2 July. (BSL Annual Report 1965-1966 p.11; Brotherhood Action, August 1983 (No.248) p.4.)

1983

Matron Dorothy Brewin retired from Carinya nursing home after 20 years, having initially responded to a request from the Director of the Brotherhood (then Bishop Geoffrey Sambell) to "look after the new hospital" in 1963. (Brotherhood Action, August 1983 (No.248).

1985

At Carinya nursing home in Box Hill the four-roomed staff flat was converted into independent accommodation units, with one or two available for respite care, a step between shared housing such as the Brotherhood’s Group Housing Project and hostel accommodation. (Brotherhood Action, October 1985 (No. 261).

1993

Carinya Nursing Home in Box Hill was enlarged and renovated as part of the commitment to values outlined in the BSL’s Quality of Life initiative adopted in 1990. (Brotherhood Action, Autumn 1993).

1995

The lunch to celebrate staff who had served for 15 years was held at Carrum Downs Settlement in April.  Certificates were presented to Jean Wilson (Broughton Nursing Home), Janet Henry (Carinya Nursing Home) and Barbara Lawson (Brunswick retail shop). (Brotherhood Action, Winter 1995).

1996

The Carinya Nursing Home in Box Hill was transferred to the (then) Anglican Homes for the Elderly on 23 February 1996 in line with Board agreement with the recommendation in Directions 2000 report. (BSL Annual Report1996).

Carinya nursing home, Box Hill.