In the last century, Lutheran congregations all over Queensland established aged care homes and other community services, responding to the call to serve their communities. Since the first rest home in Toowoomba in 1935 to now and beyond, Lutheran Services carries on each congregation’s tradition of caring. We exist to serve, striving to meet the needs of Queenslanders on their path to a good life.
A Queensland Lutheran congregation opens Salem Lutheran Rest Home in Toowoomba.
Pictured: Salem’s first Matron, Margaret Hanley with one of the first residents, Mr Henrickson.
The Lutheran Rest Home opens in Laidley, completing the vision of the Laidley congregation led by Lutheran Pastor Ernst Eckert and his wife Hedwig. It is renamed Tabeel in 1979.
Pictured: Pastor Ernst Eckert and his wife, Mrs Hedwig Eckert.
Responding to growing need across south east Queensland, two synods work together to offer more services.
Trinder Park opened in 1969 at Woodridge, enabled by a generous donation of land to the Lutheran Church in Queensland by local property developer “Pop” Trinder; and the joint work of the members of 17 congregations across Logan and Brisbane.
Pictured: Pop and Nan Trinder.
Congregations establish more aged care services across South East Queensland and central Queensland, and services for people with disabilities are also created:
Pictured: Newspaper clippings about the opening of the “Trinity Activity Centre”
A full-time Welfare Committee Coordinator is appointed to manage the growing number and types of services. More services are opened by congregations
Pictured: Zion Aged Care opening in 1988 in Nundah
The 1990s sees the fruition of years of work by congregations in various SEQ regions opening aged care and retirement living services.
Pictured: Opening of Immanuel Gardens
As regulation of the aged care sector becomes more complex, and market forces increase, Lutheran Community Care is established to provide all services uniformity of governance, manage risk and to free congregation members to serve.
In recognition of our growing breadth of offerings and the importance of connecting, Lutheran Community Care becomes Lutheran Services. While we developed a fresh look and feel and clarity of vision, our care remains the same.
Alondra Residences opens in Nundah opposite Zion Aged Care. This 52-apartment retirement village is the result of the St Paul’s congregation plans for a redevelopment of the Zion precinct.
Lutheran Services acquires Cooinda Aged Care in Gympie, expanding our reach into regional Queensland.
Lutheran Services will continue to advance the dreams and hard work of our founding congregations by expanding our reach into communities and areas with the most need. At Lutheran Services, we unconditionally welcome all. We exist to serve. It is how we bring our Christian faith to life.
Pictured: Lutheran Rest Home in Laidley when it opened.
