Aftercare’s history over the past 100 years reflects the history of Australia, the effects of the great depression, the two World Wars and the many changes wrought by the policies of different governments.
Government funding to Aftercare did not occur until the change of Government policy in the 1960’s. A breakthrough in medications available to those in institutions, the creation of Community Mental Health Teams and hostel style accommodation places (some of which were supported by the non-government sector) resulted in many people leaving the psychiatric institutions.
Prior to this time Aftercare had sustained its services through funding raised in Canteens located in eight Psychiatric Hospitals. Government policies through the 1980’s saw the slow starvation of monies from canteen sales as people in the institutions were encouraged to access the community and purchase their personal items during visits to the local shopping centres. All canteens were closed by the late 1990’s and the organisation became, for the first time, totally dependent on Government funding for its services.
The focus of the work of Aftercare has never changed. Our objectives are always aimed towards assisting people to live more independent lives within their chosen communities. We do this in a rehabilitation and learning environment and we have seen a number of great achievers throughout the years.
Although terminology constantly changes and new programs have been introduced, the strength of the organisation has always been through the strength of the people we support, the dedicated staff who have given generously of their time and the many volunteer Board members who have served throughout the years.
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