Canterbury History

Canterbury District Cottage Hospital was in planning as early as 1910. The residents of Canterbury District initiated a movement for the establishment of a hospital to serve the local area. A five-and-a-half-acre site was selected in Campsie for £800, which was guaranteed by the Commercial Bank. £450 was collected during the first 9 months towards construction. Fetes, concerts, sports events, galas and a variety of fundraising events were held over the next 17 years before the hospital opened.

Two children’s artworks by Pixie O’ Harris MBE and her brother Olaf can still be seen on the walls of Canterbury Hospital. Australian fantasy illustrators Pixie and Olaf completed a series of murals and paintings for the children's wards of several hospitals during the 1950s. Although many were lost to time, the Canterbury artworks, painted directly onto the wall, were carefully removed, preserved and reinstalled during the hospital redevelopment for future generations to enjoy.

In 1971 Canterbury District Memorial Hospital became the centre for the Sydney Home Nursing Service. The service first commenced in 1900 as the Sydney District Nursing Association by the Anglican Christian Social Union. In 1906 the service became non-denominational to ensure cooperation with other religious organisations. The name was changed to the Sydney Home Nursing Service in 1967, and is today known as Sydney District Nursing.