Orana began with one person’s dream to create a caring home away from home for older people in our community. 
Orana was built with the love, devotion, hard work and generous support of many:

– the congregations of St John’s Lutheran Church Kingaroy and many other Lutheran churches

– the Christian communities of Kingaroy and the South Burnett

– local individuals, families, businesses, service clubs and community organisations.

The Orana South Burnett Lutheran Rest Home opened in 1970 with 17 hostel residents and 6 staff. More than 500 people attended the opening and dedication.

The founding committee and early volunteers – congregation members, friends, family and community – worked together tirelessly and selflessly to build Orana, and then keep growing. The first Matron Joyce Kucks (whose dream Orana was) 
and her husband Norman (Orana’s first Caretaker) famously worked for no pay for the first six months.

Orana represented the South Burnett’s first supported living environment for the aged – or old folks’ home as they called it. The elevated site was chosen for its cool breezes, winter warmth, room for growth and panoramic views of Kingaroy and the Bunya Mountains.

The name ‘Orana’ was suggested by founding committee member Esme Chalmers. Esme got the idea from a book of Aboriginal words Joyce Kucks had lent to her when the committee was searching for a name. According to the book, ‘Orana’ meant ‘welcome’. The committee loved the name. From that day on, the old folks’ home was known as Orana.

With short vacancies and long waiting lists, Orana quickly expanded its accommodation, facilities and offerings, more 
than doubling in size in the first five years. In the 1970s and 1980s, Orana provided catering and held food stalls to raise funds for ongoing expansion and improvement. Again the loyal congregation, many volunteers and a generous community made it happen.

When money was being raised to develop the nursing home in the late 1970s, a ‘fundraising barometer’ at the end 
of Kingaroy Street showed progress towards the $200,000 goal – a considerable sum at the time. This goal was ultimately surpassed and the nursing home opened in 1980. Again more than 500 people attended the opening and dedication.

Further funds were enthusiastically raised to build a chapel in the mid 1980s. The dedicated, freestanding chapel building is a distinguishing feature of Orana today and the heart of the complex and community.

The rotunda at St John’s Lutheran Church in Kingaroy was originally part of Orana. It was relocated due to expansions in the 1990s. The rotunda today is a popular gathering place at St John’s – and a lasting legacy of the congregation’s long and strong connection with Orana.

Orana has always emphasised the dignity, independence and holistic care of the individual in a homelike environment. 
A diverse and balanced resident program comprised pastoral care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, music and art therapy, podiatry, personal development, social activities and recreational outings. Gardens were always a big part of Orana and residents were encouraged to help with the gardening – a tradition that continues to this day.