- Silver Chain Nursing League Building added to State Register of Heritage Places
- Listing recognises Silver Chain's early beginnings in child health and maternity nursing, and transition into aged care
- The building is testament to the contribution of women to the development of healthcare in WA
Perth's Silver Chain Nursing League Building has today been added to the State Register of Heritage Places.
The inclusion of the Wright Street building recognises the site's significant cultural heritage, and its strong social value associated with the work of Silver Chain for the Perth community and the State.
Silver Chain began as the Silver Chain Nursing League club through the children's column in Perth's Western Mail newspaper run by journalist Muriel Chase under the pseudonym 'Aunt Mary'. The name originated from the subscribers, known as the 'Silver Links', who paid an annual fee of one shilling to help fund the care of other children in need.
Following a campaign by Dr Gertrude Mead, Silver Chain launched its district nursing scheme in 1907. By 1919, Silver Chain district nurses were based in Perth, Fremantle, Leederville, North Perth, and Cottesloe. The service later expanded into regional areas as part of the Bush Nursing Society.
Built in 1920 to accommodate elderly patients, the Silver Chain Nursing League Building was a key development in Silver Chain's move from child health and maternity nursing into aged care.
It is the only structure remaining from Silver Chain's previously cottage homes complex established at the location in 1916. The site continues to be associated with aged care through its current owners Aegis Aged Care.
The Silver Chain Nursing League Building served as Silver Chain's headquarters between 1957 to 1985, after which the service moved to Osborne Park.
As stated by Heritage Minister Simone McGurk:
"I am very pleased to include the Silver Chain Nursing League Building on the State Register of Heritage Places.
"Silver Chain holds a special place, not only in our State's cultural heritage, but also in the hearts and minds of the generations of Western Australians the service has cared for over its 118-year history.
"I am so pleased that my first registration as Minister recognises such a pivotal period in health care services, primarily pioneered and delivered by women.
"Support for registration was strong with submitters acknowledging the significant history Silver Chain has with our State, reflecting on their personal career of service and sharing stories of Silver Chain nurses who cared for their loved ones in the past."
