First major appeal launched to build more cottages

Over a hundred years after the start of OCAV, its success – and inflation- had caught up with the Association. With a four-year wait-list for places in its villages, in 1975 the Association opens a $500,000 appeal to build more cottages.

The appeal was opened by Mr MacG Reid, the Association’s secretary, who announced that the State Government had agreed to give $25,000 to the appeal.

According to Mr Reid, the first bluestone cottage cost 250 pounds. “Inflation has caught up with us, and we need money to finance operations and build more cottages at our villages in Berwick and Greensborough,” he told The Age.

Residents paid a nominal fee and small maintenance free each week; and the average stay was ten years.

Kathleen Wilson (pictured), a resident interviewed for the appeal launch, said she had been living in Rushall Park for 16 years. The former assistant matron said the peace and security had attracted her to the village. Her budgie, George, agreed.