A 60 year legacy
Zoe Waters, Executive Director, Barwon Health Foundation
60 years ago, an important moment in the history of our region’s hospital was formed.
On 12 October 1966, the institution then known as the Geelong and District Hospital was officially gazetted as The Geelong Hospital - a name that would become deeply embedded in the lives and memories of generations of local families.
For over 170 years, the hospital has grown and changed alongside the community it serves. Its different names tell the story of that evolution - from a small charitable institution established through community generosity to the leading regional tertiary hospital we know today as University Hospital Geelong.
The first official name of our the hospital was 'Geelong Infirmary and Benevolent Asylum', built on the Ryrie Street site. Its first patient was admitted on 23 April 1852.
From its earliest days, the hospital was supported by the generosity of local people. Community members donated money, organised fundraising activities and gave their time to ensure care was available to those who needed it.
That spirit of generosity has remained at the heart of Geelong’s hospital throughout every chapter of its history.
As Geelong and the surrounding region grew, so too did the demand for hospital care.
On 13 March 1924, the hospital officially became the Geelong and District Hospital (Kitchener Memorial). The name reflected its expanding role in caring not only for the people of Geelong, but also for communities across the broader district.
The hospital buildings represented a significant new era for healthcare in the region. Once again, the community played an important role in bringing this vision to life.
In 1926, the Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary movement began across the district - 100 years ago! Through tireless fundraising, volunteering and advocacy, generations of auxiliary members helped provide equipment, facilities and comforts for patients.
Their contribution established a remarkable tradition of community-led philanthropy that continues through the work of the Barwon Health Foundation today.
Then, on 12 October 1966, the hospital’s name officially changed to The Geelong Hospital.
For many people across our region, “The Geelong Hospital” became a place where lives were saved, loved ones were cared for and generations of healthcare workers built their careers.
During the years that followed, the hospital continued to expand its buildings, clinical services and specialist capabilities. It developed from a community hospital into a regional tertiary health service..
While the hospital itself changed enormously, its connection to the community has remained constant.
In August 2014, the hospital adopted its current name: University Hospital Geelong.
The name recognises Barwon Health’s important role as a leading teaching, training and research institution. It reflects the care provided by Barwon Health across the service; while educating the next generation of healthcare professionals, with a strong culture of research and innovation that will shape the care of tomorrow.
Yet beneath its contemporary name is a history stretching back more than 170 years.
Each name represents a different chapter. The Geelong Infirmary and Benevolent Asylum was established through compassion and community generosity. The Geelong and District Hospital reflected an expanding responsibility to care for the wider region. The Geelong Hospital became a name held closely in the memories of generations of local families. Today, University Hospital Geelong represents excellence in healthcare, education, research and innovation.
The name may have changed, but the hospital’s purpose has remained: to care for our community when it matters most.
The story of our hospital is also the story of the people who have supported it.
For generations, members of our community have made donations, volunteered, joined auxiliaries, supported appeals and left gifts in their Wills. Their generosity has helped the hospital grow from a modest infirmary into the remarkable healthcare institution it is today.
Through a gift in your Will, putting your hand up to volunteer, making a donation or attending an event with the Barwon Health Foundation, you can become part of its next chapter - helping ensure future generations continue to receive exceptional healthcare, close to home.
