1877
The Yackandandah Sanatorium was established at the corner of Kars and High Streets by Dr. Mueller.
1903
On June 8th, the original private 'Cottage Hospital' is opened in High Street.
1910
The Victorian Bush Nursing Association is formed.
1925
On August 28th at a public meeting in the Shire Hall, the decision is taken to purchase the private hospital and convert it into an intermediate hospital supported by the public.
1926
The Yackandandah Bush Nursing Intermediate Hospital is opened by Association Secretary Sir James Barrett on April 24 1926.
On June 2nd the Yackandandah Centre of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association is officially established.
1928
The search for a new hospital site is commenced. A building fund is established.
1929
On July 22nd at the Annual General Meeting of the District Council – as the hospital’s committee is designated – it is moved and carried that the hospital be built on ‘Miss Hobbs’ corner’ at the intersection of Albury Road, later Isaacs Avenue, and Racecourse Road.
1930
In July, plans and specifications are prepared by the Honorary Architect Mr. Elliott. The plans are approved by the Health Department in August and tenders called.
1931
On February 25th, Shire President Cr. Coish lays the foundation stone for Yackandandah’s new hospital.
1935
In June electric lighting is installed.
1942
Extensions are completed with a modern nursery, 2 new rooms, a verandah. Quarters for the staff opened on December 5th.
1948
The State Electricity Commission helps to finance an extension making Yackandandah the second-largest Bush Nursing Hospital in the state with 27 beds.
1970
Hospital bed numbers are decreased to 18 patients.
A new consulting room suite and residence is built. Dr Gequillana begins work as Yackandandah’s doctor.
1970
On March 30th the first Meals on Wheels are prepared in the hospital kitchen.
1984
The Federal Government introduces Medicare.
1986
On October 1st, the Federal Government re-classifies bush nursing hospitals as private hospitals and removes the daily bed subsidy of $20 paid to each patient, thereby limiting Yackandandah hospital’s admissions to patients covered by private hospital insurance.
1989
Midwifery services are suspended.
1990
On September 11th at the annual general meeting, the president announces that a submission for Commonwealth Government funding would be made to build a hostel for frail and/or disabled residents.
1991
Land is purchased from Mr. and Mrs. K. Storey as a hostel site.
1992
In May 1992 approval in principal is given to build a 28-bed hostel. On August 31st a fundraising campaign to build the hostel is launched.
1994
On November 11th 1994, the 30 bed Yamaroo Hostel is opened.
1995
Yamaroo’s rooms are fully occupied.
1996
In May 1996, the hospital is fully accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.
1999
Dr Gequillana retires in July. Central Medical Group takes over the general medical practice.
2002
On September 29th a new 12-bed hostel extension is opened.
2004
On March 15th the new kitchen, laundry and hairdressing rooms are completed.
2005
On February 6th a new 10 bed high care unit is opened.
2008
The new 21 bed high care unit is opened, making a total of 67 residential aged care beds.
2012
The acute hospital service is suspended.
2014
The name of Yackandandah Bush Nursing Hospital is changed to Yackandandah Health.
2015
Yackandandah’s Men’s Shed, ‘The Yack Shack’, is opened.
2017
- Yackandandah Health takes over the management of the medical centre on site.
2018
Yackandandah health opens 16 residential aged care rooms in two separate 8 room homes. 10 one-bedroom apartments are opened to provide an alternative accommodation option.
2018
- Little Yacks Childcare service is opened, providing an innovative education environment for our youngest residents.
2018-20
- Animal Care Sanctuary funding received. Works commence on re-purposing water tanks and design interactive garden spaces. Due for completion mid 2020.
We thank Mr. Colin Barnard, for compiling the History of Yackandandah Bush Nursing Hospital/Yackandandah Health used as a resource for this timeline.
