Moyne's 64th Anniversary

For the township of Canowindra, it seems they almost can’t remember a time when Moyne Aged Care Centre (“Moyne”) wasn’t a part of the landscape. As The Salvation Army Museum records note, Moyne was a Salvation Army property for many years, known as ‘Moyne Eventide Home’ in 1959, before becoming ‘Lyndon House’ in 1977, which provided hostel care for aged persons. It then later became formally known as Moyne Aged Care Centre (“Moyne”).  

As an article in the appeal brochure touting for donations in 1972 also notes, Moyne has been known for the wide range of features it provided as a facility, including that the Centre was non-denominational and “low cost to our aged folk” averaging between “3 – 5 pounds per week.” The article states, “adequate scope for outdoor activities such as care of gardens, poultry, pigs, cows, etc. for those who desire such.”  

Marilyn Daley, Moyne’s Quality and Education Officer, has worked at the Centre for 44 years. She had recently retired in 2020 but came back to Moyne on a part-time basis in 2022, to assist with Quality and Education systems at the Centre. For Marilyn, she first became aware of Moyne through one of her bridesmaids, who was working at the Centre and suggested Marilyn apply for a job, before starting her career as a Carer at Moyne.  

Casting her mind back to 44 years ago, Marilyn still remembers when the Centre was run by Salvation Army personnel, even recalling the Matron. “Our Matron was a Salvation Army Officer, and she wore the white veil, white shoes, white uniform.” But perhaps, equally as memorable, was as Marilyn recalls – was the environment of Moyne, one of warmth and friendliness. 

The Centre’s Chaplain, Rosemary Richardson, also reiterates this connection. “The main part of the building is something that our residents would have remembered from childhood. So, they do have this link, knowing that there was this grand old building” referring to the Centre’s historic homestead front. 

Ron Singh, the Centre Manager also reflects on his time at Moyne and what it means as a manager. “For me, it’s about making a difference and the satisfaction of delivering for our families. Our business is very much about care.” Having recently joined the team, Ron notes he was struck by the inextricable connection that the Centre has to the town. “The community is dependent on the success of Moyne” before reiterating, “it’s been here for 54 years, it’s a long time so the community is very much connected to the Centre.”