Our history
1877
The Yackandandah Sanatorium was established at the corner of Kars and High Streets by the town’s local General Practitioner, Dr. Mueller.
1903
The Yackandandah Sanatorium formally became a private hospital, called Cottage Hospital.
1910
The Victorian Bush Nursing Association is formed by British civic leader and philanthropist, Lady Rachel Dudley, to support regional areas with much-needed medical support.
1920’s
Yackandandah Sanatorium was failing the minimum accreditation requirements and, with falling usage and cost pressures, was in danger of being closed.
1925
A Yackandandah branch of the Victorian Bush Nursing Association was formed to enable the Yackandandah Sanatorium to become a Bush Nursing Intermediate Hospital.
1926
The Yackandandah Bush Nursing Intermediate Hospital is opened by Association Secretary Sir James Barrett.
1928
The search for a new hospital site is commenced, and a building fund is established.
1929
At the Annual General Meeting of the District Council, it was moved and carried that the hospital be built on “Miss Hobbs’ Corner” at the intersection of Isaacs Avenue and Racecourse Road.
1930
Plans are prepared by the Honorary Architect Mr Elliot, and are approved by the Health Department.
1931
Shire President Cr. Coish lays a foundation stone for Yackandandah’s new 8-bed hospital, which was officially opened on June 20.
1935
In June electric lighting was installed.
1942 – 1948
The hospital is extended to include a nursery, new patient rooms, staff quarters, operating theatre, midwifery suite and several wards.
1950’s
This decade saw upgrades and improvements, with community fundraising events were held including a Debutantes Ball, barn dances, annual fetes, and a New Year’s Eve Ball . Collection boxes were located on the bars in the town’s two hotels.
1970
Hospital bed numbers are decreased to 18 patients. The first Meals on Wheels are prepared in the hospital kitchen.
1979
A further extension was opened that included a new operating theatre, delivery room, maternity ward and outpatient’s area.
1984
The Federal Government introduces Medicare.
1986
The hospital faces closure due to the Federal Government’s reclassification of Bush Nursing hospitals as private hospitals only accessible by patients with private health insurance.
1989
Midwifery services were suspended.
1990
A submission for Federal funding is made to build a hostel for frail and/or disabled residents – the genesis of Yackandandah Health Aged Care.
1991
Adjacent land was purchased from Mr & Mrs K Storey as a hostel site.
1992
Approval in principle is given to build a 28-bed hostel. A major fundraising campaign is launched to gain pledges of support from the local community to match government funding for the hostel build.
1994
The 30-bed Yamaroo Hostel was opened. Yamaroo means “pretty place”.
1995
Yamaroo’s rooms are fully occupied.
1999
Central Medical Group takes over the medical practice.
2002
A new 12-bed extension is opened. The hostel now has capacity to care for 42 residents.
2005
Expansion continues to meet demand with the opening of a new 10-bed high care unit.
2006
The annual LATIPSOH campaign (hospital spelt backwards) held by the WAW Credit Union was a great boost to the fundraising account. Fundraising events were held including charity golf days and sponsored walks and dances.
2008
The new 21-bed high care unit is opened behind the medical centre, taking the total residential care beds to 67.
2012
The acute hospital service is suspended.
2014
The name Yackandandah Bush Nursing Hospital is changed to Yackandandah Health.
2015
The Yackandandah’s Men’s Shed, “The Yack Shack” is opened.
2017
Yackandandah Health takes over the management of the Medical Centre. Staff and supporters continue to hold and participate in fundraising events.
2018
The Ben and Jack wings are opened offering an additional 16 residential aged care beds. Ten one-bedroom apartments are opened as an independent accommodation option. Little Yacks Early Learning opens, providing an innovative education environment for our youngest locals.
2023
Members of Yackandandah Health vote to formally join regional aged care specialists, Apollo Care. Now operating as the approved provider, Apollo Care is proudly ensuring this service remains sustainable for the wider community.