Dennis & Jim's Murals recreate the past

The gentlemen in the mural represent the town’s leading citizens, business owners and committee members who met regularly outside the original dispensary building to discuss the problems of the new government town of Wonthaggi.

The State Coal Mining company opted to make membership of the medical, hospital and dispensary schemes compulsory for all coal mine employees which included their families. Other people in the community could choose to join. In 1927, much-needed dental treatment was added to the benefits.

Your eye was probably drawn to the centre of the mural, to a black bottle labelled ‘Miner’s Black Jack.’ Dennis explains, “One of the local chemists came up with this concoction - it was supposedly a remedy for everything and it contained a few substances that are now illegal.” It’s thought that this particular recipe was fairly local to the area. “Some of the blokes who grew up around here can remember their mums giving them a swig, when they were kids, to clear their cold,” Dennis says.

Despite the difficulties during the Great Depression and World War 2, the dispensary continued to provide essential medicines to its members. The pressure eased significantly in 1948, when the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme was introduced. This gave all Australians access to free basic medicines.

Despite the State Coal Mine’s closure in 1968, the dispensary remained and continued to adapt to changes. It moved from its original premises, to a larger building, next door. Today, it is run by a board of directors, on an honorary basis.

The dispensary mural and other historical art works that Dennis has presented us with, serve as a reminder of how much times have changed. Not only that, but all things eventually come to an end. Now in his late 70s, Dennis says, “I can’t get up ladders and my knees give me trouble, I can’t really kneel anymore.” For this reason, the latest mural was designed strategically so that the pictures are positioned half way up the wall. He has accepted that the dispensary mural may well be his last. One thing is for sure though, Dennis’ murals will be enjoyed and appreciated for years to come.

Local historian and author, Sam Gatto, has written a book 'One of a Kind' about the history of the Dispensary. Copies are on sale at the Wonthaggi Miners' Dispensary

Wonthaggi Mfs Dispensary

Services offered – Dose administration aids, medication reviews, vaccinations, weight loss service, CPAP and sleep services, scripts on file service, smart phone app for ordering medications, National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 6.30pm Saturday 8.30am – 1.30pm Sunday and Public Holidays 9.00am – 1.00pm 169 Graham Street