Minister Launches Story of one of Australia’s Oldest Not-for-profit Aged Care Providers

The Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP Minister for Aged Care officially launched an important new book about one of Australia’s oldest continuously operating not-for-profit aged care providers, Twilight Aged Care in Sydney last week. 

The launch, which was appropriately held in the historic Lady Mayoress’s Rooms at Sydney Town Hall, the same location where the first meeting of a group of very influential women brainstormed the idea of Twilight House, a home to meet a community need to care for elderly women in Sydney’s north, took place.

Around 50 guests attended the breakfast book launch including dignitaries, people closely associated with Twilight’s journey over the decades, history buffs and industry peers. The book, An Australian Story: Twilight House 1915 - 2015 was written by accomplished Sydney historian and author, Ron Ringer, who was at the event for book signings and to talk about the process of recording this important piece of historical research and to shed light on a story that, up until now has not been adequately told.

The book charts not only the journey of the past 100 years of Twilight Aged Care, but also discusses the state of aged care and social welfare in Australia at the time.

“The Twilight Founders’ unwavering dedication to their cause provided a sense of place, shelter and a feeling of peace and wellbeing for countless thousands of elderly women across northern Sydney communities and their important legacy continues, more than100 years on,” Twilight Aged Care CEO, Lesley Jordan said.

An excerpt from the book discussing the pressing issue of providing for residents who were in need of higher care:

“ The matter of caring for and sheltering bed - ridden patients was discussed. For example, when the homes at Mosman a nd Beecroft were established, they were intended to provide board and residence for aged women, but not for infirm or hospital cases. By 1927 the future of permanent residents had become pressing, however, the homes had neither the means nor accommodation for a permanent nurse. “It was hoped that in the near future, when funds permitted, infirmary wings could be added to the homes .”

Excerpts from some of the reviews received about the book:

“Ron Ringer’s Australian Story, A History of Twilight Aged Care 1915 - 2015 is an important journey back in time, not just for Twilight Aged Care, but in terms of historical events which entwined themselves with the dream and vision of some of Sydney’s leading feminists in establishing a safe haven for older women… This is a story waiting to be told, the research, the wonderfully illustrated and photographed content is a must for anyone interested in the history of aged care through the early 1900s up to where aged care has evolved to today” -  Susanne Macri AM, Board Director and Advisor in Aged Care

“In Chapter Eight the reader can see how legislative changes within the aged care industry and the involvement of companies have directly impacted on the development of service provision by organisations who historically just wanted to help people to have a shelter. This was a time of challenges and opportunities to understand and meet accreditation standards and makes for a very insightful read.” - Dr Eleanor Horton, Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Midwifery, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

About the Author:

Ron Ringer is a consulting historian and the published author of numerous institutional histories, educational texts and architecture-related books. He also consults to academic clients and financial service and government organisations on a range of writing and communications projects. To date, he has published 15 books. Ron has also received endorsements from esteemed historian, Geoffrey Blainey for his past historical non-fiction work. Ron is available for media interviews and if you are interested we can also post you a copy of the book.

To purchase a copy of the book go click here or call the corporate office on (02) 9414 4400 email info@twilight.org.au. 

Find out more about Twilight Aged Care.

Pictured: L-R

Lorraine Lovitt, Twilight Chair
John Laurie, Twilight Patron
Minister for Aged Care, The Hon. Ken Wyatt AM
Ron Ringer, Author and Historian
Lesley Jordan, Twilight CEO