History
NOVEMBER 1990
Albany Community Hospice officially opened on 15 November 1990 on land overlooking Princess Royal Harbour. It was the culmination of the dreams and dedication of many community members, driven by Fr Hugh Galloway and his vision for a Hospice in Albany.
The land and building were donated by Paul & Joan Terry, with many individuals and businesses donating their time, labour, materials, and money to renovate the house to be fit for purpose as a Hospice. It’s possible that this was the first free-standing day Hospice in Australia, that was owned and funded by the community.
Hospice initially provided day care and sometimes weekends or overnight care in a secure, homely environment with outdoor areas and views of the harbour.
1992
DECEMBER 1995
The first volunteer Garden Group was formed in 1992 to tend to Hospice gardens and continue to do so to this day. We are truly grateful for the many hours donated by loyal and talented gardeners from our community.
In December 1995, Albany Community Hospice became a licensed private hospital. This enabled Hospice to secure funding from private health funds and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and marked a change that would see Hospice aim for a balance between clinical excellence and loving kindness.
This new status was a turning point for Hospice. In following years, other agreements were made with other significant stakeholders, which would go a long way towards securing funding for Hospice so that we can continue to provide care for free for our patients.
1998
JULY 2001
Planning for the Future: In 1998, a study was commissioned to assess the future of Hospice. This study indicated that a new site and building were required and planning commenced.
In 2001, Butterflies Op Shop opened at Middleton Loop. Coral Banks was instrumental in the opening of an opportunity shop for the purpose of financially supporting Hospice, so it could continue to provide free care to our community. All funds raised are directed to Hospice, supplementing community donations and fundraising. Butterflies Op Shop is powered by many volunteers, 6 days a week.
FEBRUARY 2002
In 2002, Albany Community Hospice moved to a purpose-built, four-bed hospital. After considerable fundraising and planning, a purpose-built Hospice was built on the grounds of the Albany Regional Hospital and officially opened on 3 February 2002.
This building provided four rooms with access to an outdoor area and beautiful gardens, and provided a much needed addition to palliative-care facilities to service the Great Southern Region.
2014
In 2014, after the redevelopment of the Albany Regional Hospital, a grant submission was successfully made to Royalties for Regions to provide 4.7 million dollars for the relocation and expansion of Hospice on Albany Health Campus land.
APRIL 2016
In 2016, Hospice moved to its current location, a purpose-built eight-bed private hospital facility, which has been designed to provide an efficient, high-quality environment for staff, whilst focusing on the special needs of our patients and their families/carers. The large individual rooms open out onto beautifully landscaped courtyards and include ensuites.
With direct access to the Albany Health Campus, the new facility provides better connection with other medical services.
There are a number of dedicated rooms and spaces for quiet contemplation, formal meetings and/or professional support. The Family Room is a favourite with our patients and visitors as it provides an informal space for a cuppa with family and friends, a TV, kids’ space, a small library and a piano and guitar for playing your favourite tunes.
APRIL 2025
In 2025, Butterflies Op Shop relocated to larger premises at 122 Lockyer Avenue and increased it’s opening hours. Butterflies Op Shop continues to be powered by volunteers and makes a significant contribution to the funding gap so that Hospice can continue to provide free care.
Hesed
The Hesed stained-glass window, created by local artisan Mark Hewson of Torbay, was part of the original Hospice building at its opening in 1990. The pelican and fishing boat are symbolic of Albany and the beginning of Albany Community Hospice, with its close proximity to the sea, the connection with the old fisherman’s cottage, and the pelicans that reside around Princess Royal Harbour. Since then, this significant piece has followed Hospice to all of its locations. It is currently on display in our third building near the entrance to our Family Room so that all of our guests have the opportunity to enjoy it.
Hesed, translated from Hebrew, means loving kindness, which is something that Albany Community Hospice has embraced through its values from the beginning. Hesed is a part of positive human relations, a kindness that is above and beyond the minimum duties imposed by an association.
The expression “clinical excellence with loving kindness” is frequently repeated within Hospice and reflects the holistic way in which our guests are treated, embracing their personal relationships and their spirituality, and combining this with the practical support that they need in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.