Historical information

In 1880, the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum launched an appeal to raise funds to relocate away from the inner city. The location in North Melbourne was considered a great risk for the residents, particularly the 'old and feeble', in the event of an epidemic. In 1887, the secretary to the Premier of Victoria wrote to the Asylum, suggesting Frankston as a possible alternative to North Melbourne. The Asylum committee considered Frankston to be too far away. The Royal Commission into Charitable Organisations (1890) strongly recommended Cheltenham as the preferred location but the government failed to act on that recommendation. Former Asylum committee member, Mr James Hingston, bequeathed £25,000 to the Asylum on his death in 1902. After many more years of toing and froing, the foundation stone for the new asylum at Cheltenham was laid in 1909. It was almost two years later that the transfer of residents from North Melbourne to Cheltenham began. The move happened in stages over three days, with the first group of residents to move to Cheltenham being 125 women from the invalid wards. The Asylum continued to operate throughout the 20th Century and, in 1970, was renamed the Kingston Centre. The focus of services also changed. This photograph captures the laying of the foundation stone in 1909.

Physical description

Black and white image depicting a large group of citizens gathered to watch the laying of the foundation stone for the Benevolent Asylum in Cheltenham. There is a raised platform with a group of men dressed in suits standing on it. These appear to be the dignitaries for the day. There are flags flying in the background, others standing on poles at the corners of the raised platform.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten in red ink on reverse: 50%