Our History
The Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria (now Abound Communities) established its first village at Rushall Park, North Fitzroy, on land generously gifted by the Government.
ESTABLISHING A VIBRANT RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
The Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria (OCAV) was founded in 1869 by George Selth Coppin and a group of Melbourne leaders, establishing a caring community for retired actors and others in need. Over time, its mission expanded to provide homes and support for all older Victorians.
Today, we are known as Abound Communities. While our name has changed, we proudly honour the legacy of OCAV and remain committed to the same vision: offering affordable, safe, and dignified independent living and care. Our rebrand reflects both continuity and growth, carrying forward more than 150 years of history while ensuring our communities remain vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.
The first Association Council included some well known identities of the time: Robert William Pohlman, David C. McArthur, Eleizer Motefiore, Thomas Moubray, Dr William Edward Barker, John Penney Bear, Richard Turnbull, John Cosgrave, John King, Peter Davis, William Lynch, Henry Hull, David Ogilvy, D. Sutherland, W. Campbell MLC, Price Williams, Alfred Wooley, John Thomas, as well as George Selth Coppin.
Coppin was the main instigator of the Association. His extraordinary talent at encouraging ‘established’ Colonists’ to fund the building of cottages for those in need laid the foundations of the village it is today, continuing to benefit people in need. Today, this concept of ‘need’ is broader, encompassing a variety of needs, including physical, financial, and social.
GEORGE SELTH COPPIN, 1819 – 1906
George Selth Coppin was born at Steyning, Sussex England on 8 April, 1819. In 1842 Coppin left England aboard the ‘Templar’ and arrived in Sydney 18 March 1843. Coppin led a colourful life working as a theatrical entrepreneur, actor, business executive, public benefactor, Freemason and politician.
Coppin was generally considered to be the father of ‘Australian theatre’. He also obtained distinction in Freemasonry, was a noted philanthropist, and achieved some important goals in Parliament through his promotion of the Victorian Real Property Act and the State Savings Bank concept in 1862.
He was prominent in establishing the Victorian Humane Society and the St. John Ambulance in Melbourne. He served in the Victorian Legislative Council from 1858 – 1863 and again from 1889 – 1895.
He died at his home in Pine Grove, Richmond, in March 1906 and was survived by his wife Lucy and children of his last two marriages.
A DIGNIFIED HISTORY IN PICTURES
