30 July 2026

Cabanda blessed as new chapter begins

Rosewood’s Cabanda Aged Care celebrates the beginning of its next chapter, with a special blessing ceremony recognising the community’s remarkable journey and future under Lutheran Services.

Special guests Federal Member Honourable Shayne Neumann MP, State Member Wendy Bourne MP and Ipswich City Councillor Jim Madden joined to commemorate the milestone, with a symbolic handover ritual and a rite of blessing led by Bishop of Queensland’s Lutheran Church, Dr Mark Vainikka.

Lutheran Services’ CEO Nick Ryan said the blessing represented more than a ceremonial occasion.

“Cabanda has always been much more than an aged care community. It is the expression of a community coming together with a shared vision to ensure older people could continue living close to family, friends and the place they call home,” Mr Ryan said.

“Today, it’s not only a trusted place of residential aged care but one of the area’s largest employers, making a significant contribution to the social and economic fabric of Rosewood. We are honoured to continue that legacy and success.

“This blessing is about acknowledging the hard work that made the vision of Cabanda a reality while looking forward, ensuring the community continues to thrive for generations to come through high-quality care, strong local connections and shared values.”

Cabanda has deep roots within the Rosewood community. The idea first emerged in the late 1970s, when residents recognised older people were being forced to move away from their hometown to access residential aged care. Through years of community fundraising, volunteering and determination, Cabanda Care (previously known as Rosewood Aged Person’s Home) opened in 1987.

Founding committee member and current Cabanda Retirement Living resident Joyce Rieck said seeing Cabanda enter its next chapter filled her with pride.

“When we formed the committee all those years ago, we didn’t know exactly what we were going to do, we just knew we wanted to create a place where local people could grow old without having to leave the community they loved. None of us could have imagined what Cabanda Care would become,” Ms Rieck said.

“Having helped start Cabanda and now living here myself, it’s been very special to see how it’s grown over the years. I’m proud of what we’ve built and look forward to seeing that legacy continue under Lutheran Services.”

Lutheran Services acquired Cabanda on 1 April 2026, which included the 71-bed residential aged care service, 52-unit retirement village, day respite facilities and community programs.

Cabanda is located at 59 John Street, Rosewood. For more information call 1800 960 433, or click here to visit our Cabanda page.