Salem

The Committee in charge of the Rest Home at Toowoomba was highly commended on the efficient manner in which it conducted the home and its affairs. From the financial viewpoint all is well. The Home practically pays for itself. But it was a little disappointing to learn that contributions of “goods in kind” (vegetables, etc.) were not as liberal as they have been in the past. Members of the Church are herewith reminded not to forget the Rest Home, when God blesses them richly. All available accommodation is at all times in demand. Only on the rarest occasion has a room been vacant, and only for a very short period. Those who wish to avail themselves of entering the Rest Home, should make early application to the secretary.

When Salem was no longer required for New Guinea Missionaries, many pastors and laymen, especially around Toowoomba, raised the possibility that it could be used as an aged persons home. When the proposition was raised at the 1935 Synod, members authorised the committee of “Salem”, consisting of representatives from Trinity, St John’s and St Paul’s to take the necessary steps to convert “Salem” into an Old People’s Home. From these humble beginnings “Salem” grew to be the well regarded Aged Persons Facility it is today.

At the Synodical Convention held at Dugandan, the Rest Home Committee was authorised to convert the Rest Home in Toowoomba into an Old Folks’ Home. On May 17th the Committee met, at which Synod’s recommendation that a representative of each Downs parish be added to the Committee was carried into effect. Thus the beginning of inner mission work of our Church in Queensland is about to be made.

The Ladies’ Guilds had a busy month during December. In addition to the monthly meetings, the Rest Home was visited before Christmas to bring some Christmas cheer to the inmates. A large number of ladies attended. The Pastor spoke on Mary, the mother of our Lord, and many Christmas carols familiar to the old folk were sung. Mrs. Lawrence rendered two vocal solos, Ruth Heuer gave a recitation, and the Wilsonton Guild sang three Christmas songs. The inmates and staff received a gift from each guild. The old folks look forward very much to these visits by the guilds of Toowoomba.

Nestling on the hills 2100 feet above sea level is the beautiful inland city Toowoomba. Its salubrious air and picturesque scenery make it a first-class health resort of Australia and many tourists are attracted from far and near.
It is here where we have our Lutheran Rest Home, it stands amongst attractive and healthy surroundings. It is here where our Missionaries with their families recuperate from their bodily infirmities caused by a long stay in the tropical climate of New Guinea.
Since the opening of ‘Salem’ many Missionaries have stayed there and have enjoyed their stay. Our Queensland District Synod has provided this home for the Missionaries and has held it a sacred duty to make it a real home for them.

Some years ago we used to spend much time on discussing questions in connection with this home. Now, however, thanks to the work of the most efficient committee in charge, there is little for Synod to do except to hear favourable reports, to commend the committee on its fine management, and ask it to continue. We are thankful to God Who has permitted us to carry on this work and to offer a home for so many of our aged people.

One area of Salem’s work that is aimed at helping to care for the aged in the local Lutheran community is Home Care. Two Sisters from the home visit aged members by request of their congregation, and assess their needs, help them obtain what community and government help is needed and available, visit them as friends, and generally make it possible and comfortable for them to remain in their own homes as long as they can. The people appreciate this service greatly, and the Home gains an insight into community needs, and the possible number of future residents it may have to care for.

Some years ago we used to spend much time on discussing questions in connection with this home. Now, however, thanks to the work of the most efficient committee in charge, there is little for Synod to do except to hear favourable reports, to commend the committee on its fine management, and ask it to continue. We are thankful to God Who has permitted us to carry on this work and to offer a home for so many of our aged people.

I was a pastor in Toowoomba for 12 years – a little over half that time at St Paul’s, and the remainder at Concordia. I have fond memories of visiting Salem and spending time with the residents. I have always felt a deep sense of care and belonging – with both the residents and the people who work here.
In 2025, we mark more than 100 years of ministry in this place since Salem began as a rest home for Lutheran missionaries, and 90 years since Salem began its mission in aged care. Serving others has always been at the heart of who we are as a church. From the earliest days, our congregations responded to the needs of their communities, establishing places such as Salem as expressions of Christ’s love in action.
It was the vision of Pastor EVH Gutekunst that planted the seeds for Salem. His hard work over some 50 years as pastor at St Paul’s saw Salem born and grow to where it is today. Through the dedication of Lutheran congregations and community members, funds were raised to establish a place of care and belonging. As community needs changed over the years, Salem’s mission evolved – the entity, place and community responding to the needs of the people it serves.
I’ve always felt that Salem is a community shaped by the residents and families who found a home and sense of belonging here. It is also shaped by the carers and staff whose dedication reflects the love of Christ amongst us. And by the congregations and community members who have offered their time, energies and resources to make Salem what it is today.
This Origin Story is a wonderful way of honouring the past and inspiring the future – renewing our shared vision for Salem and strengthening the bonds that make this such a special place of love, care and belonging.
Through sharing and hearing these stories from residents, staff, Lutheran congregations and the many people with a deep connection to Salem, we give thanks for Salem as a place where care, compassion and community have been built over so many years.
We are remembering not only the history of Salem, but most importantly the people who have carried that history in their hearts and hands.

Chaplaincy is at the heart of Salem Aged Care – and all Lutheran Services aged care communities. This is what makes us unique. This is a fundamental part of the care and service we provide. It is grounded in our Lutheran identity and ethos.
As chaplains, we can spend time with people and get to know them. That’s a real blessing and a credit to Lutheran Services’ commitment to chaplaincy.
It’s not just physical care we provide. Of course our clinical care is first class and we have a generous lifestyle program. But we also emphasise the spiritual and emotional wellbeing – responding to big questions about the future and perhaps the loss of time, health and loved ones.
At the core of the chaplain’s role is being there for people – to be the presence of God for people in their journey of life. Every person has their own story and journey. It is a privilege to be part of that journey – particularly in the twilight years. To be with people, spend time and bring the word of God is a real privilege.
Our residents are predominantly from the generation we know as ‘The Builders’. They’re very generous, humble, accepting and gracious. We can learn a lot from them. Honouring the past is very important. I’m always fascinated by the history of the place and people. These stories are inspiring – the vision, faith and commitment of those before us.
It’s a blessing to hear these stories of the past – and to think about our present and future.

Salem and I were born in the same year. We both celebrate our 90th birthdays in 2025! I’ve been in Toowoomba for some 60 years. It wasn’t long before I joined the Redeemer Lutheran Women’s Guild. I soon realised Salem was a Lutheran home – and what a wonderful home it was.
So my connection with Salem goes back to the 1960s. I visited Salem every year for many years with the women’s guild. We had a music and social program. We would take afternoon tea and have a nice singalong. It was a lovely thing to do. The people loved us coming.
There were lots of people visiting and volunteering in those days. You had to put your name down well in advance. There were six different women’s guilds with different parishes in Toowoomba – they took turns visiting Salem each year – Redeemer, St Paul’s, Trinity, Good Shepherd, St John’s and Our Saviour’s.
These days, I live in Barbara West’s beautiful villa at Glenfield Grange Retirement Village. I’m very happy here. Barbara is now happily living at Salem. When I need permanent care, I’ll be going to Salem. My name is down. It’s a wonderful place.
I discovered recently that Salem is the end part of ‘Jerusalem’. We never stop learning. The Lutheran church and services and God’s word have always been the most important things in my life. So may God continue to bless and keep this place.

I have worked in aged care for several years now. My perspective of the sector changed for the better when I came to Salem for an interview with Judy Bannerman for the Care Manager role in 2021. I was impressed that Judy had worked here for more than 20 years. That said a lot to me about Salem and Lutheran Services.
When I started, my immediate impression was of a place and an organisation that value their culture and live by their values. And they’re values that I share. That resonated with me from the day I started and continues to this day. I took over as Service Manager in 2022 when Judy retired.
I’m happy to recommend Salem to my own family, friends and colleagues. I have faith in the place and people. My Nanna was a resident here a few years ago. Salem was the first and only choice for our family. They knew she would receive appropriate care for her end of life. As a resident of Salem, she was treated with the utmost respect and dignity – like all Salem residents. During her end of life, lots of family visited and stayed late into the night. The staff made sure everyone had dinner. They were incredibly respectful and caring. My Poppy had passed away in hospital just before Nanna was admitted to Salem, and the care that Nanna received at Salem was a world apart from the clinical environment of a hospital. We had Nanna’s memorial not long after and again the Salem chaplains were very supportive and engaging for our whole family.
I have experienced some profound loss in my life. I chose to work in nursing and aged care. I was in law previously. I wanted to ensure that families receive appropriate care and bereavement support. I’m very proud of how everyone at Salem manages, not just the resident’s care, but the family’s as well.
I have a lot of colleagues who are nurses and they ask, ‘Why would you work in aged care?’ For me, it comes back to job satisfaction and the difference you can make. You get to build relationships and real connections with people – the residents and their families. You get to know them and their story. There is great opportunity, career potential and job satisfaction in aged care. And it’s wonderfully rewarding work. We can effect positive change. We can ensure that the people in our care have a positive experience.
Salem is an important part of the local community. It’s a major employer. It’s well known and has a good reputation as a provider and employer. One of our team, Dominic, started here as a school-based trainee when he was 16. He currently works with Salem as a personal carer and in creative programs. Each year he travels overseas for work experience and then comes back and shares the experience with residents and staff. Dominic plans to work in occupational therapy – we hope, at Salem. We think he is a great fit and he seems to feel the same.
I can’t imagine working for another aged care provider now. I think if I ever leave Salem, it will be because I’m leaving aged care. I genuinely love it here. I love my work since coming to work at Salem.

I have had many connections with Salem over the years. My mum Ailsa Lila Caroline, fondly known as Dolly, was a resident of Salem initially and later Northridge. Mum lived her whole life in the country, and had her 90th birthday with a wonderful family gathering at her home on the farm at Wellcamp in 2005. In the following year, it became necessary to obtain assistance for her. Initially, she spent a short time in respite in Salem and then became a permanent resident. As her needs changed, she moved to Northridge, where she celebrated her 92nd birthday with her children and grandchildren, who were her life.
Having been an active person all her life, being confined as she aged was difficult for mum. She had a couple of falls, cracking some ribs and breaking a hip. She tried to keep as active as she could, but was in considerable pain. It was not long after this in 2010 that she was called home at 95, away from the agony of her situation. The carers and nurses who became so close to mum expressed sincere sorrow at her passing. They are special people. It is difficult work. As a care provider, I couldn’t fault Salem and Northridge. Mum was cared for very well.
My cousin Merle Schelberg worked at Salem and was later a resident. Joyce Errington, a friend and member of St John’s, was Director of Nursing. My aunt Millie Volker was also a resident, as was her daughter Dorothy much later, and my cousin Les Brown. My cousin Roy Becker, now 91, tells me his aunt, Mary Hanley (nee Lindeman), was the first matron at Salem. There is a photo of Matron Hanley and a resident at Salem in 1935.
[A meeting room at the Lutheran Services Support Centre in Milton is called the ‘Hanley Room’ in honour of Salem’s first matron, Mary Hanley.]
My late friend Richard Waite wrote a history of St Paul’s Lutheran Church Toowoomba – ‘The Sword of the Spirit’ – which included the development of Salem. Richard was a teacher at Concordia Lutheran College in Toowoomba. He taught our kids. Richard’s wife Trudy Hertle worked at Salem. Her father, Pastor Johann Hertle, was a German missionary in New Guinea who came to stay on furlough at Salem when it was a rest home for missionaries in the early 1930s. He met his future wife Laura Meisenhelter – Trudy’s mother – over the back fence. The Meisenhelter home was at 284 Hume Street and Salem at 280. Several of the homes that would become part of Salem over the years were owned and built by the Meisenhelter family.
Richard also wrote a biography of the Hertle family, entitled ‘Letters from Another World’, in which he detailed the lives of Johann and Laura raising their family through the trials of the war years. As Richard sensitively recorded, three of the older Hertle children were studying in Germany at the outbreak of war and could not escape. Meanwhile in Australia, Laura and the younger children were separated from Johann when he was interned due to his German heritage – initially in Brisbane, then South Australia and finally Victoria, where he suffered a heart attack and died. The text includes many private letters written in German and translated by Trudy’s brother Karl Hertle. Many other local German Australians, including Pastor Gutekunst, were similarly interned.
I wrote a history of St John’s for the 125-year anniversary. My father Reg Becker had written the 75th anniversary book, which I later reproduced to better print standards. I’ve since compiled a 90-year anniversary of the St John’s Women’s Guild. These and other Lutheran congregations and women’s guilds made an enormous contribution to Salem over the years.
I sing in a choir with a group of friends. We visit several nursing homes in the area singing, entertaining and spending time with the residents. We started visiting Salem and Northridge around 2005. I would also assist in taking lay reading services when the Chaplains, Pastors Marcus Schultz and Mark Demmer, were on leave. I found being there for the residents in these very different roles to be very rewarding.
During one visit to Salem, I noticed some maintenance and supervision issues in the rooms where we would meet. I raised the potential health and safety concerns with Lutheran Services in Brisbane. A meeting was organised at Salem with the manager and local pastor. I was pleased to see the next time we visited, everything had been fixed.
Following this minor maintenance, major renovations were carried out to make Salem a modern, comfortable home for all who have the pleasure of living there. Much has been achieved in recent years to improve the place and staffing. The approval of current residents and families today speaks volumes for Salem.
We personally use Salem Home Care today for help with gardening and maintenance. We chose Salem from several providers. The service is excellent. We know more support is available should we need it.
Salem is unique. It was one of the first church-built rest homes. It was much needed by the community. It grew like topsy from a family house. There has been great support from the congregations for Salem over the years in building services for their community. Many of those supporters, like us, have turned to Salem for care and support as needs arose.
[There is an excerpt from Richard Waite’s history of St Paul’s in the following archival material, along with his eulogy for Pastor EVH Gutekunst.]

I’ve been living at Salem for two years. I’m not originally from Toowoomba but I decided to come here because I have two daughters here and a daughter and a son in Brisbane.
I was living in an apartment previously and although everybody there was very nice, I felt a bit isolated and lonely. I decided I’d like to be looked after for the rest of my life – thinking I was quite old and incapable, and then I came here and found out I was not so badly off after all.
I enjoy living at Salem. I have not regretted moving here for one moment. I have company when I need it. I have privacy when I need it. We’re encouraged to do what we’re able to do and enjoy doing. Without exception, the staff who look after us are pleasant and efficient.
I feel I’m in better health today than when I came to Salem – physically and mentally. Because I’m still mobile, I’m able to be of help to others in a small way, which I enjoy and am thankful for.
In a way, I’ve come home. My mother was born in Pittsworth. I had a grandaunt there who lived to be over 100. I am descendant of German immigrants who settled in the area in the mid 1800s. The surnames Hess, Balzer, Reibelt and Roehser led the way. They came here for a better life and to escape religious persecution.
I’ve moved home many times throughout my life. I’m just so pleased I’ll never have to move again.

I’ve been living at Salem for about five years. We’ve got a house just a stone’s throw from here. My husband John still lives there and I see him every week. My son Tom comes and picks me up every Sunday and we go home for a meal and family time. My daughter-in-law Kate is wonderful. She cooks for us and ensures that I am happy and safe.
Everyone at Salem is very caring. Lots of smiles. Besides what was home, there is no better place to be. Our family are made to feel welcome.
I became very good friends here with a lovely lady named Judy. Sadly, she’s passed now. We met here at Salem. Jude was here first. We shared a table in the dining room and quickly became friends. We’d read the paper together. Our friendship just grew and grew.
I’d see Jude three or four times a day. Our rooms weren’t close, but when I’d get up of a morning, I’d walk around to see her. I’d give her a kiss goodnight each night. It’s amazing the friendship you build. I met her son and family.
Everyone knew Jude. If they were passing her room, they stopped. She made lots of good friends here. She met the Elvis performer. He came and sang in her room. Jude thought that was wonderful. Everyone loved her and enjoyed her company. She was very gentle and quiet. An intelligent lady. A beautiful soul and friend.
I have a big photo of Jude. I wear a necklace she gave me. It has a message that says: One day, God sent an Angel to be my friend. And that Angel is you.
I miss her so much. I value the time we spent together.

Like many people in the area, my family has a multi-generation connection to Salem. My family is Lutheran, and we still live nearby.
My mother Janet Mirtschin worked at Salem as a registered nurse in the late 1980s – early 1990s. She enjoyed returning to nursing work after raising a family, even on the ‘graveyard shift’.
In the 1980s, my grandfather Pastor Len Mirtschin and his great friend Pastor Arthur Koehler were chaplains at Salem in their retirement. Grandpa would conduct chapel services and my grandma Alma Mirtschin would play the organ. I often attended too when I was staying over at their house.
In my youth, I would visit Salem with other congregational members to sing Christmas carols for the residents. They always enjoyed our visits – and so did I.
My father Lawrence Mirtschin was a resident at Salem briefly in 2022. He was not mobile anymore and the staff took good care of him. He even had a cake on his birthday!
So we have a strong family connection to Salem.

I was a member and treasurer of the Trinity Ladies’ Guild for over 60 years – until we closed in 2018. We would visit Salem to spend time with the residents. We baked biscuits to take along. All the ladies’ guilds were allocated a ‘biscuit month’ and a visit. We would visit the residents and take along our homemade biscuits for the month.
We also did catering to raise funds for the church and community. We paid for a lot of different things over the years. I helped with that for many years. It was hard work and a lot of late nights, but we had a lot of fun and it was a good fundraiser. We held concerts at Trinity. We had a ‘crazy café’ where the meals were all back-to-front – you’d get your dessert first or you’d get a fork to eat your ice cream. It was a lot of fun.
I still help out with the Good Samaritan Op Shop in Toowoomba. It’s been going for nearly 50 years now. I audited their books for more than 30 years. I’ve always loved figures and bookkeeping. That was my work.
My mum, Wilhelmina Heuschele, was a resident at Salem in 1982–83. Minny, as she was fondly known, was only there for a few months, but she enjoyed Salem while she was there. It was good for her to be in a place and community where she already knew people.
In the early days, there was a cake shop down the Main Street of Toowoomba called ‘Mum’s Cake Shop’. Anything they had left over on a Saturday would go to Salem Rest Home. Shops used to close at lunchtime on Saturday back then. My dad, Leslie Heuschele, would go down to Mum’s Cake Shop, often with my daughters Marilyn and Lenore in tow, and they’d pick up the cakes and take them to Salem.
Salem began in the 1920s as a furlough home for Lutheran missionaries from New Guinea. I remember the original house on the corner of Hume Street and the sisters Mrs Vetka and Miss Probst. That was the start of what became Salem Rest Home in the 1930s.
I was born in 1927. I turn 98 in 2025. I live down the road from Salem today and catch the bus into town from the bus stop opposite Salem.
[Betty’s granddaughter Gillian Reid became a chaplain at Salem in the early 2020s, and today is at Zion in Nundah. Gillian kindly recorded this reflection during one of her regular phone chats with Betty.]

I’ve lived in Toowoomba all my life. I grew up in Rome Street. I was confirmed at St Paul’s. I went to Sunday school at St John’s.
My maternal grandmother Emilie Briese was a resident at Salem in the 1960s. Grandma had a strong German Lutheran background. She spoke more German in her later years. I remember visiting grandma at Salem as a boy. She was happy there.
Salem was just a big old Queenslander in those days. There was a massive backyard and veggie garden. The house was at the front. That’s what it was like back then. Everybody had a big backyard and veggie patch. They all grew their own veggies. I have a photo of Grandma in the veggie garden at Salem. We were all potato kickers!
I remember Salem as a warm and welcoming place – like a big family home. I’ve seen the place grow over the years. Salem is at the heart of the Lutheran congregations in Toowoomba. It’s an important part of the Toowoomba community and our history.

I started serving as a chaplain at Salem in 1996. I also served as a chaplain at Martin Luther Primary School and as a pastor at Trinity and Highfields.
Chaplaincy at Salem at the time was just a part-time arrangement. Prior to 1996, the local Lutheran pastors would take turns to hold Sunday evening services and conduct a Lutheran communion service midweek. Any congregation member visits would also occur at this time.
I thought it would be valuable for Salem to have a permanent chaplain. I saw the need for spiritual care for the residents – whether Lutheran or otherwise. Over the coming years, I worked to achieve that aim. Salem was very supportive of this process. By 2001, I had finalised my other ministries and commenced chaplaincy full-time.
I would take three services at Salem on a Sunday and a Lutheran communion service midweek. My work as chaplain at Salem also involved the staff. The chaplain was an integral part of the Salem team. We worked closely together. I held a weekly staff devotion.
I have long valued the role of chaplaincy and the service of chaplains. I undertook two courses in chaplaincy training at St Paul’s Lutheran Seminary in America. I retired in 2011.

I was part of the visiting volunteer program helping the Salem lifestyle team for several years from the early 2000s.
I would visit weekly and spend time with several residents. We would talk, read, do activities and help with events.
I really enjoyed my time with the residents at Salem. I felt it was beneficial for them. We formed close bonds.

I’ve been working at Salem since we moved to Toowoomba in the mid 1990s – 29 years this year (2025). I started as a personal carer. Salem was the first place I looked for work. I started straight away. You did a lot of learning on the job in those days. I moved to a farm in Crows Nest when I married in the early 2000s – more than 40 kilometres from Toowoomba – but I’m happy to travel to work at Salem.
I enjoy working as a personal carer and interacting with the residents. It’s like a second family. You form relationships – with both the residents and the staff. When I started, it was a lot more formal. The registered nurses and director of nursing we called ‘Sister’. Some of the residents we called ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’.
I’m part of the Northern Downs Lutheran Parish congregation in Crows Nest today. I used to go to Trinity when I was in Toowoomba. Back when I first started, the different congregations around Toowoomba would provide homemade biscuits and things like that. Unfortunately food safety regulations put an end to that!
My father, Pastor Marcus Schultz, was the first full-time chaplain at Salem and played an important role in establishing dedicated chaplaincy for Salem in the mid 1990s. When dad and I were both working at Salem, some of the residents I cared for called me ‘Pastor’s daughter’ – they never called me by my name!
There are lots of staff who have been at Salem for a long time, in lots of different roles. We’ve had managers who started in maintenance or laundry. I’ve cared for several residents who worked at Salem previously. Salem is an important part of the local community, for both residents and staff.

I worked with Salem and Northridge Salem for 21 years until I retired. My Salem journey began in 1994 when I was 44 – imagine how nervous I was going to an interview at the tender age of 44! But I was already a frequent visitor to Salem.
As a child, I would accompany my grandparents when they would visit friends there. As a Sunday school student and later teacher, we visited to sing and entertain the residents. So I felt at home from the start and knew my way around. Well I thought I did!
I began working as a ‘domestic’ in the kitchen at Salem. When Northridge opened in 1996, I was employed as one of two cooks there. I stayed at Northridge for 10 years. I went back to Salem as Assistant Cook when ‘cook chill’ was introduced – food was cooked, chilled, then transported to Northridge. This has since changed and cooking today is done on-site at both places.
I later became Assistant Chef. I was then given the opportunity to do my Chef’s Apprenticeship at 55 years of age – thanks to Salem’s very switched-on General Manager, Terry Arthur.
In the 21 years I spent at Salem and Northridge, I was given so many opportunities to further my education in lots of areas. That’s just what Salem did – they gave us all amazing opportunities to improve our skills.
For many years, there was a Committee of Management made up of representatives from the Lutheran churches in Toowoomba. I am a former member of St Paul’s in Phillip Street, which was closely involved with the running of Salem for many years – from doing up the pays to mending residents’ clothing. A women’s group would play card games every month.
The women’s guilds of the Darling Downs would bake biscuits for the residents. They would also visit to entertain the residents and bring afternoon tea. I vividly remember the ice cream containers and cereal boxes full of the most amazing homemade biscuits! This continued for many years.
Concerts were put on by the staff for the residents at Christmas time. The residents loved to see the staff having fun and being a bit silly. The staff loved making the residents smile and laugh.
Salem has always had a great name in the community. I was proud to work there and be part of the Salem family. There have been many changes over the years, but the signature Salem care and support for all involved remain the same. Salem was always first to try new and better ways of working.
I loved my time at Salem – from the first day I went to work there, till the day I left. Many friendships remain to this day. God blessed me by giving me this wonderful opportunity all those years ago.

I worked at Salem as a personal carer for 20 years. I was a bit nervous when I first started. But the staff were wonderful and welcomed me aboard, so I settled in straight away.
Four members of my family have come to live at Salem. They’ve been very well cared for.
It was wonderful working at Salem. The 20 years went by quickly! I felt a strong connection with the residents and loved spending time with them. It was a joy to come to work.
My time at Salem will always have a special warm place in my heart. I miss the place and people. I pop in sometimes to say hello. I live just around the corner, so I’m always going past. Salem is always in my thoughts.

I have had several family members come to Salem, including my mother, Fay Wessling. I know she was well cared for, treated with dignity, respected and loved. It was a hard time for us as a family as we had nearly lost mum several times from June to September 2022 and we had also lost our father at the end of July 2022, her husband of nearly 60 years, Ken.
We needed to know that mum was going to be well looked after and reassured. I knew in my heart Salem was the right choice. Mum moved to Salem in September 2022 where she settled as best she could, missing her soulmate of course. Mum always spoke highly of the staff and even had her favourites. Sadly, mum’s heart was too broken for her soulmate and she rejoined with him in December 2022.
Now my grandmother (by marriage) is a resident. I look forward to being able to spend time with her. I also have an uncle at Salem and an aunty at Northridge. I wouldn’t recommend Salem to my own family if I didn’t believe it was a truly great place.
Some people think aged care is only about ageing and endings, but to me it’s about connection, humanity and life at its most honest. I’m proud to be part of this industry, and even prouder to be part of the Salem team.
I never imagined how deeply I’d come to love working in aged care. What began as a job quickly turned into a calling. Now it’s hard to imagine doing anything else.
Every day, I know that I’m making a real difference – not in a distant, abstract way, but in the small and meaningful moments that happen between people. Whether it’s sharing a warm cup of tea, listening to stories from decades past, or simply holding someone’s hand in silence, I’ve learned that care goes far beyond tasks or routines. It’s about presence. It’s about dignity.
There’s something profoundly humbling about being part of the final chapters in someone’s life. In aged care, you don’t just care for people – you learn from them. The wisdom, humour, strength and resilience I see in our residents is something I carry with me every day.
I’ve grown so much personally and professionally since I started working at Salem in 2018. The aged care industry teaches patience, empathy and compassion in ways no textbook ever could. I work alongside incredible colleagues who go over and beyond their duties, show up with big hearts and open arms. Together, we celebrate small victories, support each other during tough moments and always remember why we’re here.
Our creative programs team and volunteers play such important roles in the lives of our residents. We encourage our residents to do what they enjoy and what they can. They’re not here because they’re not capable. They’re welcome to join in and engage however they like.
Salem is part of the Toowoomba community. As staff and residents, we are part of the Salem family. It’s a privilege to work in such a wonderful place with such wonderful people.

I’ve worked at Salem for 23 years – more than 21 of those as a personal carer. I originally came to Salem because of its reputation as the best place to work in aged care in Toowoomba. When I first arrived, everyone made me feel welcome and part of the team.
I moved to the creative programs team two years ago when I hurt my knee (outside of work) and couldn’t continue in the caring role. I feel very fortunate to be able to continue working with Salem. I enjoy being part of the creative programs team and working with the residents in new ways.
It’s a pleasure to have worked at Salem for so many years as both a carer and in my new role. To work closely with the residents and hear their amazing life stories and the challenges they’ve been through is a real privilege.

As a child I attended Toowoomba South Primary School, in the era when we had regular religious instruction classes. There were lots of Lutheran pupils and while most denominations, like the Church of Christ where I attended Sunday school, were combined in one room, the Lutheran pupils had their own religious instruction class.
Later when I joined the workforce, I became great friends with a Lutheran co-worker, Marie. She and I were always together doing something. We went to dances – everyone would come to ours as we had the best sandwiches – and I also attended bible study sessions with her on a regular basis.
Through this friendship, I met Pastor Gutekunst whose engaging perspectives and discussion of bible teachings helped consolidate my faith and emotional connection. I respected him sharing his knowledge and experiences, which helped reinforce my own beliefs.
Salem was always more to me than just a name. It was a familiar sight, a place woven into the fabric of my daily life, and I can still remember the original house on the corner. I passed by its doors countless times, watching it change and expand over the years.
My stepmother, Jan, was a resident at Salem and I visited her often. Partly due to this familiarity and partly because of my friendship with Marie, I could envisage that one day I might step inside, not as a visitor, but as a resident. Eventually in July 2024, I became a Salem resident too and I am content to call it my home now.
By happy coincidence, one of the staff here was a student of mine years ago when I was teaching art classes. I remembered her and she recognised me! That was a nice reconnection.
I value Salem’s place in the community, the work being done here and the care provided.

I started at Salem in 2001 working in the kitchen. I worked in a variety of roles over the years and ended up as Service Manager. Apart from a few years at Tabeel in Laidley, I was here for 21 years when I retired in the early 2020s.
From the day I walked through the door at Salem, I felt welcome. It was a warm place. Wonderful people. Great teams. Beautiful residents.
I loved my time at Salem. I’m enjoying my retirement, but I think of Salem every day. I drive past and wonder what’s happening, how things are going. And I know for a fact that it continues the way it always has been – wonderful people working together, for the glory of God, to make sure the elderly are well cared for.
I saw a lot of change at Salem in 21 years, but that care and commitment never changed. I was part of several major upgrades over that time. I was here when they started the new building in the early 2000s. That was a big time that saw major improvement – residents got their own more personal, private space.
I did a lot of things at Salem. I started as a kitchen hand. I did cleaning and laundry. I love gardening, so when a job came up in maintenance, I thought I’d give that a go. I spent seven years in maintenance before I moved into quality, then workplace health and safety (WHS).
WHS has come a long way from the time I saw a colleague clinging to a gutter after their ladder slipped! Staff still go to great lengths for the place and its people, but today the safety and facilities are as paramount as the warm welcome and wonderful care.
I was asked to go to Tabeel at Laidley to work in management, so I spent several years there. Then when the Salem manager left, I was asked if I’d consider the position and come back. I’m so glad I did.
People often comment when they first visit Salem what a warm and welcoming place it is. You feel the love of the community from the moment you arrive. That’s so important for a place like this. I remember feeling the same when I first walked through the door looking for a job. I knew this was where I wanted to work.
I’m so grateful to have had that opportunity – to be part of the Salem journey and have Salem part of mine. Salem is an important employer for the region. And aged care offers great career opportunity and the most rewarding work. We always grew our own great people at Salem. And if you needed training and support, it was there.
So my life has been truly blessed by coming to look for a job at Salem. I don’t think I could have had a better place to work than with Salem and Lutheran Services.

I started at Salem 28 years ago in hotel services and did that for 10 years or so. Then I was given the opportunity to work in admin at Northridge Salem where I spent the next 10 years. And then I was blessed to get the opportunity to work in payroll and rostering back at Salem.
I feel fortunate to have worked here for so long, to meet so many residents and staff, and see the places grow and change. I’ve had several very different roles. I certainly haven’t done the same thing for 28 years!
My maternal grandmother was a resident at Salem long before I started work here. She had a beautiful sunny room. I remember it well. She loved her plants – you couldn’t move in her room for all the plants! Nanna loved it here. Several other family members have also been residents at Salem, so I felt like I knew the place before I started working here.
Noel Janetzki was the manager for quite a few years when I started. He later became a resident at Northridge Salem. In those days, you’d bring in your resume one day and start work the next. Things are a little more complicated now, but I’m pleased to say our staffing levels have improved considerably!
Salem is a lovely place to work. It’s like a family. Many staff have been here for a long time. You build strong friendships. There’s a strong connection. It’s more than a job or a place of work. We’re thankful to have such a good place to work. And Salem does good work for the local community.

I started working in the kitchen at Salem in 1958. My grandparents lived nearby, so I knew of Salem and went there looking for a job. I worked there for three years.
I worked with Ida, Meryl and Shirley. These ladies worked in serving food, cleaning and even delivering medication at times. We worked hard and were good friends. We had a lot of fun. I’m still friends with some of them today. Marcia was the cook. Sheena worked in the laundry. We all wore a green straight through dress. The Matron, Phyllis, wore a white dress. Many of the staff lived onsite. Marcia was a resident a few years ago.
There were about 26 residents at the time. The ladies were in the main house – 10 on the Cranley Street side and 10 in the middle – and there were six men in a separate house on the corner. We called the residents Mr and Mrs – not by their first names.
I would bring the men over for tea. I remember one of the ladies most days after lunch would have her bag packed and try to take off up Cranley Street. I was the one chosen to go after her because I could get her to come back – though I did get hit with her walking stick one day!
The kitchen and dining room were along the front of Salem, near where the Tulip dining room/servery is now. There were white tablecloths in the dining room and we had to polish the silver. Fresh fruit and veggies were delivered every Saturday.
I loved working at Salem. It was a lovely place to work. I enjoyed my time there. I still smile when I think about the place.

My grandmother Edith was a Salem resident in the 1970s. I remember visiting grandma to introduce her to my fiancé, Ian – now my husband of 49 years. Grandma held his hand very tightly. Ian’s aunty Alice was in the same room. Grandma was a lovely lady. We lived together for many years as mum and dad cared for her before she went to Salem.
Ian’s father Arnold was a resident at Salem in the 1990s, and his mother Louisa in the 2010s. My mother Irene was a resident at Northridge Salem in the 2020s.
I visited mum often. I will always remember the last day we spent together. We went to a church service and had a special time together. We said our goodbyes and she seemed well and happy. She passed away suddenly that night. A blessing to have not suffered long. Mum was always a happy, outgoing person and remained so until her prayers were answered to be with her Lord and Saviour.
Both our mums enjoyed congregational and guild member visits to Salem. Louisa from Toowoomba Redeemer and my mum from Oakey Lutheran Church and Toowoomba Redeemer. Mum was a guild member of Oakey parish and would bake biscuits and do guild visits to Oakey and Salem rest homes.
Our ancestors were loving, caring people. So we were very grateful for the care and support Salem and Northridge Salem provided after we cared for them for as long as we could as a family. We all felt blessed to have the Salem and Northridge Salem staff.
Our extended family would visit regularly and sometimes also sing and entertain the residents. The staff were always so obliging in letting us use their facilities to celebrate special occasions there. We are very grateful for our Lutheran rest homes in Toowoomba and the wonderful staff, Christian community and pastoral care that Salem and Northridge Salem provide.

Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District
It is a privilege to hear the reflections of those with connections to Salem, both historical and current. It is these connections, and the work of the congregations over generations, that have helped build Salem and Lutheran Services to what they are today.

My mother-in-law, Valma, has been a Salem resident since 2024 when she was 96. Having her meals brought to her makes her feel like a queen! As a family, we can relax knowing she has wonderful care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are very grateful to the Salem staff for taking such good care of Valma.
I have been part of the Salem family for seven years as a member of the creative programs team. We create experiences that spark smiles, stir memories and encourage social connection – through music, art, games, storytelling, events and more. Our residents have rich life stories and unique talents. It’s a privilege to get to know them.
The work environment at Salem is very collaborative and supportive. I feel very blessed to be part of Salem.

When I was around 19 years old, I was working as an electrical mechanic. I got asked to complete the wiring and electrical circuits throughout Salem. This started off as a small job. Salem at the time was just a cottage.
Before I knew it, Salem had built another wing and I was back to work there.
I was part of Trinity Lutheran Church Toowoomba and was elected Congregation Chairman. I got the lucky job of caring for Salem! I’m now with St Paul’s.
I’m very fortunate to have seen Salem’s early days and be part of the Salem community today.