Author(s): Adair Bunnett; Caz Brown (Designed by, Cover Design by); Mary-Lou Considine (Editor); Patricia Tracey (Foreword by, Managing editor)

Australian Studies

By the Community for the Community documents the history of South Melbourne's Napier Street Aged Care Services, an aged care facility founded in 1993 that occupies a building and site with a fascinating history. The story begins with Napier Street's transition from Boonwurrung land to girls' orphanage in the mid-late 1800s. It then moves to the 1970s - when the local community was first galvanised into action by a series of inappropriate proposals for the use of 179 Napier Street, with its iconic heritage bluestone building. The ultimate solution was the creation of a hostel for the frail aged. Thanks to the local residents and council, 179 Napier Street has remained an integral part of the South Melbourne community, providing high-quality care for our older citizens in the face of an ever-changing policy and funding environment.