Book honours Goodwin’s legacy

Staff and residents at Goodwin Aged Care Services sites have been celebrating the not-for-profit provider’s 70th anniversary.

In recognition of the momentous milestone, Goodwin has published a book documenting the evolution of the organisation. Called Celebrating 70 Years of Goodwin, the archival material was gathered through The National Archives and National Library of Australia.

Goodwin chair Liesel Wett said the formation of the organisation arose from a grassroots campaign. “It wasn’t driven by politics, religion or profit. It was driven by a group of women who wanted to have a better community.”

With the vision of building specialised accommodation for seniors, the Goodwin Centre Development Association was formed in 1954.

A year later, the government allocated six acres of land in the North Canberra suburb of Ainslie for seniors’ housing, contingent upon the association raising £5,000. This generated community action, which included fundraising events and donations from local businesses facilitating the construction of Goodwin Cottages.

Margaret Findlater Smith – who researched the book – said Goodwin’s founders would be very surprised to discover what the organisation is today. “I am sure that those people who formed the Goodwin Fundraising Committee in 1954 with the aim of building 20 small cottages for pensioners could never have imagined what Goodwin is today.”

Having grown into the largest aged care and retirement living provider in the Australian Capital Territory, today, Goodwin operates four residential aged care homes, five retirement villages, three wellness centres and an extensive home care service.

The benevolent organisation employs 724 staff, has 52 active volunteers, a 401 residential aged care bed capacity, and 1,178 home care and day club clients.

Goodwin celebrated its anniversary and the release of the book at an event at Goodwin Village Farrer in Canberra in June. The following weeks has seen celebrations held at all of Goodwin’s sites across the ACT.

“Goodwin’s services have touched the lives of so many people over these past 70 years – not just our staff, residents, and clients – but countless families, friends and volunteers who have held hands and shared in these special times in people’s lives,” said Goodwin chief executive officer Stephen Holmes. “This anniversary is a credit to our community.”

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