History
NOVEMBER 1990
Albany Community Hospice officially opens on 15 November 1990 on land overlooking Princess Royal Harbour. It was the accumulation 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.
This 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 formed 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 status was a turning point for Hospice with other agreements being made with other significant stakeholders in following years which would go a long way to secure funding for Hospice to continue to provide care for free to its 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 building was required and planning for a new building and site commenced.
Butterflies Op Shop opens 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
Albany Community Hospice moves into a purpose built, 4 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 4 rooms with access to an outdoor area, beautiful gardens and provided a much-needed addition to palliative care facilities to service the Great Southern Region.
2014
After the redevelopment of the Albany Regional Hospital a grant submission was successfully made to the Royalties for Regions to provide 4.7 million dollars for the relocation and expansion of Hospice on Albany Health Campus land.
APRIL 2016
Hospice moves into its current location, a purpose-built 8 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 family/carers. The large individual rooms open out on to 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 room 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 to play your favourite tunes.
APRIL 2025
Butterflies Op Shop relocates to bigger premises at 122 Lockyer Avenue, with an increase in opening hours. Butterflies Op Shop continues to be powered by volunteers and makes a significant contribution to funding the gap so 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 1991. 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 since 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 ACH, and reflects the holistic way in which our guests are treated- embracing their personal relationships, their spirituality, and combining this with the practical support that they need in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.