Tresillian history

By the mid-1920’s the infant mortality rate had fallen to 3% from a peak of over 10% just a few years earlier.

In 1921, Dr Margaret Harper, the first Medical Director led the establishment of an Infant Welfare Training School at 2 Shaw Street, Petersham.

Soon the Royal Society for the Welfare of Mothers and Babies was referred to by parents as “Tresillian”. When the Willoughby Centre was purchased in 1927 the name was retained and this Centre became known as Tresillian North.

By the 1980’s it was evident that the Tresillian Council very much understood the changing needs of the community and adjusted their strategic plan accordingly reviewing all service delivery.

The hamlet of Tresillian is first recorded according to the SMR (PRN 22567) as “Tresulien” in 1201 (citing Padel, OJ. 1985.

In 1991, a new Tresillian Parenting Guide was launched written by Nurse Educators, Cathrine Fowler and Patricia Gornall.

The garden is surrounded by orchards, a library of 44 individual varieties of Cornish apple trees, interplanted medlars and quinces in the traditional Victoria diagonal patter, was planted the winter of 1993.

A baby clinic for parents then opened at Petersham (closing in 1997). It had been named “Tresillian” by the previous owners who originated from the village of the same name in Cornwall, England.

Tresillian continued to respond to the changing times and needs of parents and in the year 2000 launched a new website, www.tresillian.net.au.