Friday 27^th July 2015 saw the Trustees, Board and co-workers of St John of God Health Care honored the heritage and contribution of the Brothers at St John of God Hospital Richmond, NSW, Australia. Celebrations focused around a Mass of thanksgiving attended by Brothers Stephen, Brian, Terry, Joseph, Kevin, Gavin, Timothy and Martin. (See attached photograph)

Those gathered remembered that the Hospitaller Order of St John of God purchased Belmont Park in 1951, an historic property once owned by the Charley family. The Brothers applied to the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Gilroy, requesting permission for the Brothers to establish a hospital. ln September 1952 Cardinal Gilroy blessed and opened the hospital.

ln 1956 the Brothers inaugurated the St John of God Nursing School providing a three year course of training for Brothers and other people who planned a career in psychiatric nursing. ln the same year an auxiliary was formed to support the work and development of the hospital and by the 1960s an annual fete was a regular feature of the life of the hospital. ln the ensuing years staff members and

Brothers took time out to stage popular musicals, including the “Mikado”. Members of the cast were, drawn from staff, Brothers and local identities.

ln the 1990s, the hospital expanded into surgical services to address the need for a broader medical service on this side of the river. This Unit was named the Marian unit. During this decade, the Brothers responded to the increasing number of patients presenting with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. lnitially

there was particular focus on the Vietnam Veteran population. Today the Hospitals PTSD program supports people from all Military and Emergency Services who are affected by Posttraumatic Stress. The Hospital’s Drug and Alcohol program also expanded during these years.

The 2000s was a time of significant change in the history of the hospital. ln 2007, the St John of God Brothers Services merged with St John of God Health Care an organization established by the Sisters of St John of God. Caregivers at St John of God Richmond Hospital continue very proudly the story of healing and hospitality modeled by the Brothers, offering programs for people suffering from mental illness with the values of hospitality, compassion, respect, justice and excellence.

ln 2014 the last of the Brothers residing on the hospital

grounds retired and moved to other accommodation,

ending 63 years of residence at the hospital and marking

the end of an era that began on the historic grounds of Belmont Park.