Our First Decade 1987-1997

[Previous Page] The Croydon Hostel was officially opened on 4th December 1994 by the Federal Minister for Consumer Affairs, the Hon Jeannette McHugh, and NSW Minister for Mutlicultural and Ethnics Affairs, the Hon Michael Photios. The entire Croydon Hostel project cost approximately $1.1 million.

In early 1994, the Federal Department of Human Services and Health granted EACH the Community Aged Care Packages (CACP) to look after 25 frail Chinese elderly people who need hostel type care but wish to remain living at home. This home care service covers Burwood, Strathfield, Ashfield, Canterbury, Marrickville and Bankstown.

In recognizing the contribution of the organization to the community, the Minister for Community Services, in April 1995, approved a funding of $278,000 under the joint State and Federal Home and Community Care Program to assist EACH to install a property of $318,000 at 35A Murray Street, Croydon as a day care center. Opened on 19th August 1995, the centre provides care and activities for the frail aged who cannot handle the daily living task while their family members are at work. The centre was renovated and extended in 1998 and 1999, bringing the whole project value to $450,000.

Statistical data reveal that the number of dementia sufferers in NSW has been growing at a rapid rate. Our organization saw to the need and provided dementia support to senior Chinese people three years ago. Working with the Inner West Dementia Care Unit of Concord Hospital, we launched a "Tracking" System" to locate dementia wanderers in September 1995. To look ahead, we aim to expand the care to cater for the increasing demand of the aged suffering from the crippling disease.

Our organization had successfully applied from the NSW Department of Housing in December 1995 for the provision of cluster housing and a group home for older Chinese people. The cluster housing was a row of purpose-built villas for over 10 tenants at 61 Priam Street, Chester Hill; while the group home was located at 2 Rose Street, Sefton. The cluster housing started to take in it first tenants in August 1997, and the group home followed suit in February 1998.