The Southern Cross Care story

The history of one of Australia’s not for profit providers of aged care services, Southern Cross Care (SCC), has been told in a new book by local author Vincent Burke.

From a vision to a reality: history of Southern Cross Care South Australia & Northern Territory will be launched tomorrow, a date that marks a significant anniversary for SCC –  as the organisation has been caring for older South Australians for 45 years.

In the late 1960s, a small group of caring and compassionate South Australians led by Peter Taylor recognised a need to provide quality care and accommodation for older people.

From those modest beginnings in June 1968, with a small group of 10 one bedroom units in Croydon Park, Southern Cross Care (SA&NT) has evolved.

SCC has now about 2,000 staff and 450 volunteers providing a range of services to support older people to live well in the place they call home. These services include 1,300 residential care places, 450 home support services, 856 units of retirement accommodation and health and wellbeing services to hundreds of South Australians and Northern Territorians. 

Author Mr Burke is well known in South Australia’s arts community, having worked at the Adelaide Festival Centre and written five books and a number of articles.

The novel has been eight years in the making. It not only tells the great story of Southern Cross Care but also provides an insight into the history of the Catholic Church, the Knights of the Southern Cross and aged care services in South Australia.

The launch of this significant publication celebrates where Southern Cross Care has come from and where the organisation is today.

For more information, contact Juliette Graham on mobile 0478 879 665 or email juliette.graham@southernxc.com.au