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In March 1917, the Queensland Patriotic Fund requested permission to hold an inaugural art union to raise money for the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Fund. Termed the 'Golden Casket', the first prize was £5000, equivalent to 30 years of a skilled tradesman's wage.
Three years later, the Labor Government assumed control of the art union, in a controversial move dismissed by opponents as official gambling. Initially profits were raised for housing of nurses, bush nurses, a cancer campaign and the TB soldier’s Housing Scheme. Most money went to improving the health of mothers and babies under the Maternity Act 1922.
The Golden Casket has continued to assist Queensland health services and since 1922 it has provided $1.5 million each year to Queensland Health.
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 | Letter of notification that administration of the Golden Casket Art Union had been transferred to the Home Secretary’s Office, 4 October 1920
Queensland State Archives Item ID 1139491, Digital Image ID 2904 Health and Home Affairs Department
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 | 1918 World War I ended |
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