Don Sinclair House

Ryder-Cheshire Victorian Homes Foundation Inc in Ivanhoe first opened its doors forty years ago in 1981. Over the years the Victorian Homes have been the “Home away from Home” for hundreds of residents and their carers providing comfortable short-term accommodation while they attend hospitals in Melbourne for medical
treatment.

Dr Donald Sinclair’s long association with Ryder-Cheshire began in 1962 when he joined the Victorian Foundation as Treasurer, a position he held for more than 50 years. Joining the Ryder-Cheshire Victorian Homes Foundation in 1982 he was President from
1991 until he retired due to ill-health in 2016. He was also the National President of Ryder-Cheshire Australia from 2002 until 2010. Don was recognised for his service and commitment to Ryder-Cheshire Foundation on Australia Day 2009, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia.

The Victorian Homes comprise three separate buildings, 10, 12 and 14 Donaldson Street, Ivanhoe. Currently, the buildings are going through the process of a general refit and refurbishment. During this period, it was timely to consider Don’s contribution to the Homes be recognised in some permanent way. In consultation with Don’s family, it was jointly agreed with the Committee of Management that an appropriate recognition of Don’s contribution was the renaming of Building 10 to Don Sinclair House. The new signage was completed in October but due to COVID-19 restrictions there was unfortunately no official gathering at the time to mark the occasion.

Building 14 is now completely refurbished and open to residents. Building 12 is currently having a similar refit and refurbishment. Don oversaw the installation of new lifts to Buildings 12 and 14, installation of air-conditioning to the Homes and would no doubt be impressed with the improvements currently in progress. Once COVID-19 restrictions allow for a resumption of normal activities, a marking of this special event will take place.