Handing over a piece of Altona’s history

Members of the Altona Laverton Historical Society received the plaque from representatives of the Spacious Property Development Group. (Joe Mastroianni) 306334_02

The Altona Laverton Historical Society [ALHS] has received another piece of the puzzle of the area’s history – a plaque which formerly indicated the original location of the first hospital in Altona.

On Tuesday, November 8, representatives from the Spacious Property Development Group presented the plaque to ALHS archivist Ann Cassar.

ALHS president Owen Hyde expressed the society’s gratitude for the safe return of the historical marker indicating the original location of the Altona Community Hospital, which was the first step in the development of a permanent medical service for Altona.

On December 3, 1932 Bush Nursing Association founder Sir James Barrett opened the Altona Community Hospital building.

The facilities were the first hospital established in the metropolitan area which was based on the bush nursing principle or the use of contributory payment by residents to utilise its services and was closed in 1996.