The Inspiration
Rev'd Gerard Kennedy Tucker (b. 1885 - d. 1974)
The Rev'd Gerard Kennedy Tucker, was born on the 18th February 1885 at South Yarra, Melbourne. Educated at the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, he was a student of small and slight stature - impeded by a severe stammer - but enormous of heart. He would go on to achieve so very much during his lifetime.
Once his school years were completed he worked various jobs until 1908, when he entered St John's Theological College in Melbourne with four other students. He had already shown an extreme interest in working with the disadvantaged at this time. The Rev'd Tucker was ordained as a priest in 1914, becoming the curate of St George's in Malvern. With the outbreak of World War I he enlisted as a private soldier and sailed for the Middle East in the December of 1915. Three months later he was appointed the chaplain to the Australian Imperial Force and served in Egypt and France until late 1917. In 1919 he published 'As Private and Padre'.
The Rev'd Tucker was appointed to a parish near Newcastle, New South Wales in 1920. There he would happen upon Guy Colman Cox - one who also shared The Rev'd Tucker's vision of a community of serving priests. In 1930 they founded the 'Brotherhood of St Laurence'. The four original members of the Brotherhood pledged to remain unmarried, to live frugally, and to maintain an active life for the community whilst in the service of the brotherhood.
The 'Brotherhood of St Laurence' would accomplish much over the years and continues its quest until this very day. With the vision of an Australia free of poverty, the Brotherhood continues to conduct research, deliver aid and assistance, as well as advocate on behalf of those experiencing difficulties. The Brotherhood undertakes to support:
- Children & Families;
- Children, Teenagers & Young Adults as they progress through school, further education, & into workforce;
- The Unemployed - seeking jobs &/or training;
- The Older Generation who face the challenges of retirement & ageing.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence
The 'Brotherhood of St Laurence' moved to Melbourne in 1933 where The Rev'd Tucker became the curate at St Peter's Church, Eastern Hill, as well as the missioner of St Mary's Mission in Fitzroy. From 1937 to 1942 he was appointed vicar of St Cuthbert's of East Brunswick.
But he had a dream - a dream to relocate the unemployed men and their families from the terrible slums of the city to a place where they might find some self respect and dignity. A place where, for the cost of low rent, they could occupy a small cottage on a piece of land large enough to raise vegetables together with a few chickens... He fought persistently to rid Melbourne of the disease ridden slums - to improve life for the disadvantaged - be it men, women, or children as well as the sick or elderly - aiming to bring hope and happiness back into their lives ...
The Rev'd Tucker's first project for the disadvantaged would be a hostel for homeless and unemployed men which he opened in Fitzroy, Melbourne, in 1934. By 1935 he planned to move some of these men and their families to a 45 acre allotment he had purchased in Carrum Downs situate on the outskirts of Melbourne, for the sum of £1,200. Interestingly, a chance meeting with GJ Coles (the founder of Coles Supermarkets) would lead to a donation of £1,000 to the venture - an initial sum of £500 and if The Rev'd Tucker proved its success, another £500 six months later - which was honoured by GJ Coles to the day. The land at Carrum Downs was intentioned to become a self-sustaining community whereby the inhabitants would grow their own food, use their talents to sustain and maintain the community as well as guide and help each other ... The Rev'd Tucker's concern for the elderly would lead to the evolution of this new community to become housing for the aged. By 1945 he had organised for two cottages to be built for the elderly at Carrum Downs. They were very small - consisting of a bed sitting room, kitchen and bathroom, noting that at this time the village had no sewer system - only reservoir water - and no electricity or gas . . . The village had, however, already grown to include a Chapel, meeting hall, shop, welfare centre, eighteen houses and five bungalows. Over the years, the transformation continued and the village for the aged would ultimately become a community for the elderly i.e. a retirement village - it would be one of the first such establishments in Australia, providing housing, community, activities and support for the elderly. It later expanded to include self-contained units for the frail and unwell, as well as providing a cottage hospital.
Lots of initiatives
Other major welfare initiatives instigated by The Rev'd Tucker included:
- an opportunity shop;
- a hostel for homeless boys;
- a club for elderly pensioners;
- a seaside holiday home for poor families
- constant campaigning to eradicate the slums of Melbourne
- 'Food for Peace' began in 1949 - it would become the national charity 'Community Aid Abroad' in 1961 - it is now known as 'Oxfam Australia'
- the foundation of another village for the aged at St. Laurence Park, at Lara, Geelong:
" . . . The Geelong Council for St. Laurence Park which is responsible for the management and development of St. Laurence Park, was founded at a public meeting held in Geelong on 29th January 1958.
The foundation chairman was The Rev'd G.K. Tucker founder of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence.
St. Laurence Park was officially opened by the then Governor of Victoria General Sir Dallas Brooks on 3rd October 1959. At the time of the opening there were only four cottages completed . . . "
Source: Exerpt "Some Interesting Facts about St. Laurence Park, Lara" - published August 1980
The Rev'd Tucker wrote an autobiography in 1954. In 1959 he moved into the first cottage built at St Laurence Park where he remained until his death on the 24th May 1974.
He was buried in Melbourne General Cemetery.
Our Heritage c 1893 to today
In the Beginning c 1893
Clifton Waters Village enjoys a long association with the Anglican faith. The land upon which the village now stands was first occupied by the Rev Robert Martin - also known as "The Apostle of East Gippsland" and "the Spiritual father of Croajingolong".
Rev Robert Martin first moved to the Gippsland Gold Fields c 1868 with his first wife and child. A further five children were conceived however the death of his wife at the age of 37 years saw his children reside with the parents of his wife. Rev Robert Martin continued his religious services offering prayer wherever it could be heard. He remarried in 1890:
". . . In early 1893 he was appointed to the Paynesville Parochial District where he was to serve until 1918. The district contained at least eleven places of worship, including Forge Creek, Delvine, Meerlieu, Lindenow, Lower Boggy Creek, Wy Yung and Eagle Point.
The Martins chose to live a Wy Yung, and in August 1893 the purchased a property of 21 acres to be called 'Mizpah', from Genesis 31:49 . . . "
Source: The Gippsland Anglican - Excerpt of the Article "Memorable Ministers"- dated July 2001
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Rev Robert Martin died in the February of 1924 aged 91 years.
". . . Robert's daughter Antoinette Augusta, continued to occupy 'Mizpah' at Wy Yung. About June 1953 she decided to sell the property to St John's Church, Bairnsdale, as a site for a village scheme for the elderly, but continued to live in the family home until her death in October 1959.
Inspired by the vision and drive of Canon G.F.D. Smith, the Rector of St John's work was started on Clifton Waters Village and the first cottage was completed in 1954 . . . "
Source: The Gippsland Anglican - Excerpt of the Article "Memorable Ministers"- dated July 2001
One of Victoria's First Villages for the Eldery
An Oasis of Peace
Mid last century, Canon GFD Smith became concerned about the need for comfortable housing for the elderly.
" . . . One of Australia's National sores is the inadequate care of her old people. The number of aged people is increasing at an alarming rate by virtue of the natural birthrate, the increased life span of ten years and through increased immigration. It is my contention, says the Rev. G. F. D. Smith, Rector of Bairnsdale, that if every big town in Victoria could establish its own village homes for the aged, the problem could be adequately catered for. St. John's, Bairnsdale, is establishing such a village, and the first three homes are now under construction. A property with a homestead of 21 acres has been purchased for this purpose . . . "
Source: Clifton Waters Village Archives - Excerpt of the Article "Clifton Waters Project Started" - published June 1954
Parish of Wy Yung County of Dargo
Canon Smith had noted the progress of the Carrum Downs village. The 21 acre property and homestead 'Mizpah', located on the banks of Clifton Creek in Wy Yung, East Gippsland, was purchased from Miss Antoinette Augusta Martin for the sum of £2,100, Canon Smith proceeded to ensure the project 'Clifton Waters Village' would advance without delay. Canon Smith travelled the country to obtain donations with which to commence the building of the village.
Clifton Waters Village
As the dream became a reality, a governing body was required to run the proposed village for the aged. A meeting was held on the 23rd June 1953 for the purpose of appointing a governing body to be known as the "Clifton Waters Village Council"
- President: Canon Smith
- Secretary / Treasurer: DC Parsons
Clifton Waters Village
A village of Cottage Homes for the Active Aged.
A governing bodt was established:
- President: Canon Smith
- Secretary / Treasurer: DC Parsons
The Ladies Auxiliary
The Clifton Waters Village Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1954, catering for many of the celebrations and events held at the village, as well as progressively raising funds to assist with the construction, maintenance, upgrades, etc. of many of the village facilities and later on, the cottages themselves. Funds were raised by holding stalls and:
" . . . Other ways of making money were the Card Afternoon and Evening held in friends or members homes, Mannequin Parades, Balls and Dances. Also Childrens Fancy dress Frolics, Childrens Picture Afternoons and the Annual Fair or Bazaar, and the usual competitions . . . "
Source: Excerpt - "Clifton Waters Village Ladies Auxiliary - 1954 to 1987" - by Mrs N Davies, Mrs J Davidson & Mrs M Crane
Catering for weddings, functions and events was also a large income stream for the Auxiliary.
Construction Commences
The first cottage of just 4.5 squares in size (41.8 m²) was completed in the July of 1954 at a cost of £1,191.13.4. It was occupied within a fortnight - by Mr & Mrs J Richards who paid the sum of £1,000 for the lease of the cottage located at 1 Martins Parade.
The second cottage at 2 Martins Parade was completed at a cost of £1,235.6.2 and was occupied by Mr & Mrs Jones who also paid a £1,000 contribution.
The small community rallied together and incredibly raised enough funds via functions, events, donations and so forth - topped with a substantial government subsidy, thus enabling the first six cottages to be completed by the November of 1955 - a remarkable achievement.
$ . . . The council of the Clifton Waters Village Homes for the Active Aged at Bairnsdale has received its first subsidy of £1115/9/9 from the Commonwealth Government. The subsidy is toward the cost of the first two homes built at Clifton Waters Village. The Minister of Social Services, Hon. William McMahon, has conveyed his congratulations to the council of the homes on the splendid work it is doing in providing homes for old people in the Gippsland area. The Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Services, in conveying the Minister's congratulations to the council of Clifton Waters Village Homes, states: "We look forward to continued co-operation between yourselves and the Commonwealth."
Source: Clifton Waters Village Archives - Article "Clifton Waters Homes - First Subsidy Received" - published 12th May 1955
The Official Opening
The village was officially opened on the 3rd December 1955 at 3:00 pm - a ceremony which included music by the Bairnsdale Citizen's Band - with Afternoon Tea provided.
By the December of 1957 - 20 cottages had been completed.
The Village Hall commenced construction in the February of 1958.
The Sick Bay (which has now been converted to the Village Office) was officially opened on the 28th November 1959 at 2:30 pm - the first Matron being Matron Beatrice Hart.
A commemorative stone entrance to the Village was designed by Mr Davies and built by Mr Alex Ross. Originally sporting cattle grids, the stunning entrance was unveiled by Canon Smith in 1961. The stone feature survives until this very day - a testament to the quality of the workmanship, though the cattle grids have been replaced with tarmac.
50 Cottages were completed by the end of 1961.
As the roadways developed, names of various members of the Village Council were allocated - thereby providing us a reminder of the members who help found, contribute to, and, run the village:
Entrance and Street Names
Bosworth Court - Village Role: Village Council - RH Bosworth - 1961 to 1991.
Davies Avenue - Village Role: Supervisor - JH Davies - 1968 to 1974. JH Davies was also responsible for the design of the beautiful stone gateway.
Heritage Green - Village Role: Village Council - DA Heritage - 1954 to 1967.
Martins Parade - named in memory of the first settlers of the land c 1893 - the Martin Family, who built the homestead 'Mizpah' and whose descendants resided there until 1959.
Meades Road - Village Role: Village Council - WE Meade - 1953 to 1988.
Stephensons Road - Village Role: Village Council - GH Stephenson - 1955 to 1966.
Stokes Road - Village Role: Village Council - E Stokes - 1957 to 1973.
Walden's Walk
Village Role: Village Council - IM Walden - 1954 to 1987. Walden's Walk was named to remind residents of the man responsible for developing the beautiful walkway that leads to Clifton Creek → meanders its way along the banks of the waterway → completing the circuit at the southern end of the village. Seating areas, fishing spots, an avenue of mature Peppercorn trees, wallabies, fish a-jumping, the peace and tranquility of the creek waters - are all wonderful aspects of this delightful walk.
Communal Facilities
The Village Hall quickly became the centre of village activities and as the community grew - so did the size of the hall. The first extensions were completed by 5th May 1962.
" . . . In December 1962 we held another Fair and also the official opening of the extension to the Hall and the New Billiard Room and Library. We made a donation of £600 towards this effort and paid to have book shelves installed . . . "
Source: Excerpt - "Clifton Waters Village Ladies Auxiliary - 1954 to 1987" - by Mrs N Davies, Mrs J Davidson & Mrs M Crane
The hall was again extended in 1986:
" . . . The Hall was extended again in 1986 and our Kitchen enlarged there was the need for two stoves at a cost of $2000. These have proved very helpful when catering in the Hall . . . "
Source: Excerpt - "Clifton Waters Village Ladies Auxiliary - 1954 to 1987" - by Mrs N Davies, Mrs J Davidson & Mrs M Crane
Present Day
Today, Clifton Waters Village maintains the initial mission and vision of its founders.
With individual cottages embracing their own character and charm:
- fenceless boundaries encouraging community spirit;
- the land abutting Clifton Creek remains beautifully maintained for all to share; and
- most importantly, that the cottages continue to be affordable.
The ravages of time, however, has seen some of the cottages requiring renovations; others, even to the extent of rebuilds, as well as the common areas and facilities needful of upgrading.
The village staff are enthusiastically attending these tasks, whilst all the while being so very conscious of the quest of their predecessors...
The Official Opening
The village was officially opened on the 3rd December 1955 at 3:00 pm - a ceremony which included music by the Bairnsdale Citizen's Band - with Afternoon Tea provided.
By the December of 1957 - 20 cottages had been completed.
The Village Hall commenced construction in the February of 1958.
The Sick Bay (which has now been converted to the Village Office) was officially opened on the 28th November 1959 at 2:30 pm - the first Matron being Matron Beatrice Hart.
A commemorative stone entrance to the Village was designed by Mr Davies and built by Mr Alex Ross. Originally sporting cattle grids, the stunning entrance was unveiled by Canon Smith in 1961. The stone feature survives until this very day - a testament to the quality of the workmanship, though the cattle grids have been replaced with tarmac.
50 Cottages were completed by the end of 1961.
As the roadways developed, names of various members of the Village Council were allocated - thereby providing us a reminder of the members who help found, contribute to, and, run the village: