The need for community palliative care services in the north east suburbs of Melbourne was first identified by a group of community minded citizens in 1979.  It took another 10 years of lobbying with key interest groups before the first public meeting was held at the Heidelberg Town Hall in 1989.   Shortly after, the first interim Committee of Management, being a group of respected community leaders, was formed.  This independent, transparent and accountable governance still exists today.  The Committee's first task was to oversee the funding of a feasibility study, of the needs to establish a community palliative care service in the north east. 

In 1991, as a result of the findings of the feasibility study, funding was provided, and the organisation Banksia Palliative Care Service was formed.  The name “Banksia” was adopted, as “Banksia Street”, was at that time, the southern border of the service.  

The service commenced with one staff member who was housed at the Diamond Creek Royal District Nursing Service Office.

Banksia has provided specialist palliative care and practical support to over 5,000 clients, and also their families, and many Aged Care facilities. 
 
Banksia Palliative Care Service (BPCS) is the only Community Palliative Care Service in the north east suburbs of Melbourne, for the area encompassing the 3 local government areas of Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.  Banksia services an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometres and a population of approximately 330,000 people. 

Banksia’s history and origins are very important, as it clearly defines the organisation as a “community organisation”.