Lives Lived Well New South Wales Historical Timeline
1921
January: ‘Lucerne’ in Canowindra is built
Andrew Purcell builds ‘Lucerne’ the homestead in Canowindra. Andrew was a ‘Lucerne King’ in the area and was very successful with his Lucerne Flats and production. The house is Art Deco and is located on 3 blocks (the largest single home with land in Canowindra township today).
1928
February: Tough Times
Andrew Purcell becomes bankrupt during the depression. The house remains empty and unused for some time.
1942
February: New Owners
‘Lucerne’ is purchased by the Salvation Army and becomes an orphanage for girls during WWII. Lucerne is renamed ‘Lyndon’.
1970
March: Lyndon Has A New Purpose
Elaine Colgate, Psychiatric Nurse, purchases ‘Lyndon’ and provides services for intellectually disabled people which allowed them to ‘integrate’ into the community.
1981
April: Modern Day Lyndon Begins
Lyndon is used as an informal recovery accommodation with volunteer staff where residents run the program and groups (overseen by Phillip Richards). Families and children welcome. All space in the house was used including closing in verandahs etc. to accommodate more people. Lyndon supported AA members and provided support for D&A clients.
1986
May: Lyndon Grows and Diversifies
Lyndon supported 235 clients this year and Lyndon House became an ATCA (Australian Therapeutic Community Association) Member.
1991
June: Trust Purchases Lyndon House
Trust formed, Board formed by Mark Warn & Peter O’Day or Mark Windsor O’Day, and Lyndon House purchased. Funding submissions for AOD rehabilitation beds.
1992
July: Secured Licence and First Paid Employee
FACS Licence for 50 clients secured by the Board. Ray Harris employed as Program Director (first paid employee) – 90 day program developed. Program Developed and further staff employed and provided training.
September: Further Accreditation
Lyndon became a member of NADA.
1993
October: First CEO
Peter Ryan employed as Chief Executive Officer.
1994
November: More Funding Secured
Funding Secured from Dept Health and Aging – more staff employed.
2000
December: Opening of the Withdrawal Unit
Lyndon Withdrawal Unit (now Wyla) opened on the Bloomfield Campus (previously known as Ward 13 of the Loftlorium).
2005
March: Tough Times & Opening of Outreach
Lyndon Withdrawal Unit faced near closure due to lack of funding. Lyndon Outreach Program opened.
June: Withdrawal Unit Expands
Tony Abbott, Health Minister officially opened the 8 bed expansion to the Withdrawal Unit (funded by AER).
2006
January: New CEO
Craig Mills employed as Chief Executive Officer.
2007
February: Lyndon Expertise Shared
Lyndon Clinical Leadership Program opened.
2008
March: Research into New Treatment Programs Started
Lyndon Research Program commenced.
April: Further Accreditation
Lyndon joined ACHS / Quality Program.
2009
April: Murdi Paaki Partnership Commenced
Lyndon / Murdi Paaki Partnership developed and commenced.
2010
May: Australian Council on Healthcare Standards Accredited
The Lyndon Community achieved Accreditation through the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards – The Therapeutic Community commenced the 6 month program.
June: Further Accreditation
Lyndon accredited through ACHS.
2011
July: New CEO
Ed Zarnow commenced as Chief Executive Officer.
October: New Program – Wandarma
Wandarma opened.
2014
September: More Accreditation
Lyndon accredited through ACHS.
2015
November: An Era Ends
Lyndon House closed for relocation.
2016
January: A New Era Begins
Wattlegrove (now Wyla) opened for clients.
February: New Outreach Service
Dubbo Outreach Service opened.
2017
September: Lyndon Merged with Lives Lived Well
Lyndon became part of Lives Lived Well, a not-for-profit organisation that also works to help people impacted by drugs or alcohol or experiencing mental health concerns.
December: Wandarma Service Closes
In agreement with the funding body, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Wandarma Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Service in Bega sadly closes. The service had been run by Lives Lived Well (previously Lyndon) since October 2011.
2018
February: Signing of a New Partnership in Western NSW
Lives Lived Well enters into a partnership with Bila Muuji Aboriginal Corporation Health Service to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in NSW’s west and far west regions.
Lives Lived Well recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of the land now known as Australia and their continuing connection to land, air and sea. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands across which we work and live, and pay our respects to elders, past and present.
Lives Lived Well celebrates diversity and is committed to providing inclusive services and workplaces. Everyone has the right to live well, with dignity and respect. We offer support to all people without judgement or discrimination.
