Speeches
Friday, 27 September 2024
RDNS Silverchain Group’s 130th anniversary
I am delighted to welcome you to Government House to celebrate the 130th anniversary of RDNS Silverchain.
In doing so we celebrate 130 years of care, 130 years of connection and 130 years of innovation.
I know that in South Australia today, when a white car with RDNS Silverchain emblazoned on the side is seen driving or parked outside a home, it is seen as a respected and trusted symbol of caring outreach.
On such a significant milestone for RDNS Silverchain, it is opportune to look back and reflect on how the past has shaped today.
Like so many other great community initiatives, RDNS Silverchain’s genesis in both South Australia and Western Australia was driven by a spirit of compassion and a desire to help those in need.
In 1893 Dr Allan Campbell, a South Australian settler from Scotland, grew concerned about the health difficulties faced by the unemployed in winter.
In collaboration with Edith Noble and Rev. B. C. Stephenson, he devised a home-nursing scheme for Bowden, one of Adelaide's poorest suburbs.
In 1894, this project expanded to become the District Trained Nursing Society, later renamed the Royal District Nursing Society, or RDNS.
Over in Western Australia, Silverchain’s origins can be traced to a children’s club, run through the pages of the popular weekend newspaper, the Western Mail.
In 1905 Muriel Chase, writing as ‘Aunt Mary’, invited the readers of the Children’s Corner to join her ‘little union of nephews and nieces’ for a small fee, in support of a new district nursing service caring for sick and vulnerable children.
This service grew into the Silver Chain League.
Over the years, both organisations faced a range of hurdles in to bring their services to as many people as possible.
As we all know, Australia is a vast country with many challenges, not the least of which is getting to remote clients.
As the two services expanded, the clinical care teams came to provide care on horses, on camels, on bikes and in cars.
We can only admire those early nurses battling harsh country, scorching heat and hazards.
In South Australia, the service reached out to clients as far away as Marree.
Fast forward to more recent times, and in 2011, RDNS and Silverchain merged to become known nationally as the Silverchain Group, and as RDNS Silverchain in South Australia.
RDNS Silverchain began an expansion to the east coast, and this year it acquired KinCare, making the organisation the third largest provider of in-home aged care in Australia.
I am pleased by how RDNS Silverchain continues to optimise its services, including the embrace of virtual technologies such as ‘smart glasses’ to help clients across regional and remote areas.
Friends, I admire not only the exceptional care that RDNS Silverchain nurses provide to those in need, but their friendly compassion and warmth.
I know from personal experience how valuable that is.
This year my family were grateful for the deep understanding, comfort and professional support afforded to my mother in the last days of her life.
I know ours is but one story amongst the myriad stories of the 140,000 clients you helped last year, but I have every confidence that the same care and empathy was provided to others too.
In marking this 130th anniversary milestone, we are celebrating the many individuals - the board, the staff, the care and clinical teams, and the supporters - for their dedication to ensuring exceptional care.
Because of you last year, 3.25 million hours were spent with clients, 1.33 million calls were managed by the contact centres, and almost six thousand staff provide cared and services.
Thank you for being there. As Governor, I am committed to supporting those who support South Australians to live well throughout their life.
In doing so, I wish Silverchain Group the best for the next 130 years and beyond.