Trinity

When a Lutheran Pastor by the name of Martin Prenzler came to the Gold Coast in 1972, as part of his service within the Trinity Southport parish, he encouraged congregation members to serve the community by reaching out in mercy to people in need and those less fortunate – in particular, individuals and families living with disability. Just a few years earlier, Pastor Prenzler had inspired and led the St Luke’s Lutheran congregation in Nambour in establishing Queensland’s first community-based care and support for people living with mental health concerns.

Pastor Prenzler had been dismayed by the lack of social engagement and physical support – not to mention emotional and spiritual support – provided to individuals and families living with disability or mental health concerns. At the same time, the government and health sector were eager to see more community-based organisations provide support services and development programs – to deliver a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to disability and mental health care and support.

While the Trinity Lutheran congregation in Southport warmly welcomed and supported Pastor Prenzler’s good intentions, many felt such a venture was beyond the scope and financial capacity of their church. Pastor Prenzler however was a man of considerable and inspirational faith, goodwill and determination. If you lead with your heart – as he had done in Nambour – the rest will surely follow.

As many remember Pastor Prenzler, he was a man of unbridled energy and enthusiasm. The fondness with which Martin Prenzler is remembered is echoed throughout this Trinity Community Services Origin Story.

The origins of a Gold Coast disability support service delivered by the Trinity Lutheran Church Southport officially begin in 1975 with the establishment of the Trinity Activity Centre. However, these beginnings can be traced further back to 1972 and the opening of the Trinity Workshop in Johnston Street Southport.

The workshop built community connections, social engagement and valuable skills for six to eight young men with various special needs, restoring furniture and doing odd handyman jobs. Although the Trinity Workshop was relatively short-lived, the seeds had been sown and the potential had been demonstrated.

Early in 1975, the Trinity Council held a special meeting to discuss establishing an “activity centre” for people with disability. Although many still doubted the financial viability of such an endeavour, Pastor Prenzler’s faith and power of persuasion prevailed, and the congregation cautiously agreed to underwrite the project for eight weeks.

For Pastor Prenzler, persistence was everything. As many fondly recall, the good pastor could talk for hours – and hours! – about his hopes and visions for the region and local community. Meetings often ran well into the evening, severely testing the endurance of most – particularly the many dairy farmers present, who had to be up before dawn. Some say Pastor Prenzler’s power of persuasion had as much to do with exhaustion as inspiration!

The Trinity Activity Centre opened at 15 Cougal Street Southport shortly thereafter. Some 10 people with various special needs were supported by a volunteer supervisor/teacher and team of assistants and helpers, all guided by a dedicated committee. These first participants and trainees were referred by community and allied health providers, Southport Special School and Karakan Hostel. The centre was open from 9 am to midday weekdays. Participants developed skills in home economics, art and craft, reading and writing.

Despite a welcome reception from the community and encouraging progress for participants and families, without long-term funding the endeavour was plagued by financial and resourcing challenges. Although staff were volunteers, the centre still needed to pay for rent, equipment and supplies. Funding appeals were held. Government grants were sought. A thrift shop was opened underneath the centre, welcoming donations from the congregation and community. The Trinity Bargain Shop provided a valuable revenue stream for the centre.

One year on, the Trinity Activity Centre was serving a growing number of participants and trainees – and clearly meeting a need in the local community and lives of individuals and families living with disability. A dedicated supervisor/teacher was sought to work in a voluntary capacity. Guenther and Lyra Nembach from South Australia responded to the call and relocated to the Gold Coast. The Nembachs served the centre and committee for many years.

Regular outings and social activities were conducted. Operating hours were increased to 9 am to 3 pm. The popular Bargain Shop relocated to Chirn Park, and the Activity Centre expanded into the vacant space downstairs.

In 1977, congregation member Neville Knopke commenced as supervisor, teacher and treasurer. A builder and jack-of-all-trades, Nev came highly recommended by Pastor Prenzler! Nev and Jenny Knopke played an important role working and volunteering for the centre and committee for many years.

The scope of the centre grew. Participants were busy making popular toys and kindergarten equipment. Engaging, fun and challenging leisure activities – such as tenpin bowling and a government-subsidised horse riding program – were developed to strengthen social and physical skills. First aid was added to the curriculum, and many participants earned their certificate.

Some government grants had been secured. Shortfalls were bridged with enterprising fundraising endeavours, such as trips to the farms of Lutherans at Mt Cotton and Redland Bay, where fruit and vegetables were picked, packed and sold to the local community. Regular appeals were made to the congregation and local community for donations of funds, equipment and saleable clothing and homewares.

Sufficient funds were being raised to pay some staff a small wage. An army of volunteers in tandem with the dedicated committee continued to keep the Trinity Activity Centre afloat and on course. Everyone was building valuable knowledge, skills and connections – participants, trainees, staff, volunteers and committee members alike.

The committee ambitiously sought to purchase a property that would provide a central, stable and adaptable platform and base for serving people with special needs. After much searching, sights were eventually set on purchasing a house in High Street Southport for $40,000. Donations were widely sought from the congregation, network and community, with matching deposit loan funding provided by the Lutheran Laypeople’s League.
After a lengthy fundraising and application process, the necessary funds were raised and approvals granted by the church and Gold Coast City Council. In mid 1978, the new Trinity Activity Therapy Centre opened in dedicated premises at 146 High Street.

An ever-growing range of fundraising activities evolved to support the new venture in its own home and headquarters. Monthly street stalls were held. The Trinity Fair in Baden Powell Park became an annual event. Numerous functions were conducted. Centre participants were active and enthusiastic contributors, developing valuable skills and earning a modest income.

Staff and volunteers were recruited to fill newly formed roles. Carolyn McLeod and Helen Craig were appointed to jointly supervise the running of the centre, as always with the help of many volunteers.

As the centre grew, more specialised staff were required. In the early 1980s, Carl and Josie Heinrich relocated from South Australia to serve as supervisors. They brought with them valuable experience in working with people with special needs.

Judy Gaffney was subsequently appointed supervisor, assisted by Sylvia Cambridge who had been a longstanding volunteer. Judy remained with the centre for many years. Alan “Big Al” Tepper commenced supervising and teaching, and remained a valued employee and volunteer for many years.

By the mid 1980s, ongoing government subsidies were secured to help pay staff and expenses. Until this time, all costs had been met through donations, fundraising, earnings and grants. Commonwealth Government funding brought new opportunities and responsibilities.

Trinity was building a strong reputation and following. As word of the centre’s work spread within the local community and services sector, the centre’s activities, program and participants grew.

By the late 1980s, the Trinity Activity Therapy Centre was hosting some 22 participants and trainees. The training and development programs were meeting the needs and goals of participants, enabling them to build independence and lead fuller, richer lives. Many were living in supported share homes, while some were supported to live independently.

Trinity participants continued to build knowledge, skills, independence, confidence and community connections. They regularly won prizes at the Gold Coast and Beenleigh Shows for horse riding events, craft and cooking. The centre won a perpetual trophy at the Gold Coast Show for community service.

While continuing to develop programs and training to build skills and connections, Trinity expanded into supported accommodation. A major milestone and growth opportunity was achieved with funding secured to purchase three home units in Southport and Labrador to provide supported accommodation. This was funded by a government grant, bank loan and cash reserves. A home skills hub was set up at Vernon Street Southport to further supplement independent living skills.

The “activity therapy centre” model was eventually overhauled as the focus of the centre shifted to providing specialised training based on particular needs and interests. This saw participants being more active in the wider community and making valuable contributions by volunteering for community organisations and worthy causes, such as wildlife protection and pet rescue. They proved to be very capable and dependable workers. The name was changed to “Trinity Training Centre”. Julie Watson was appointed coordinator.

In the early 1990s, government funding and staffing fluctuated as priorities shifted. With Commonwealth Government support, Trinity helped build an independent supported employment service for people living with disability, guiding the development and initial administration of the Gold Coast Employment Support Service. The service helped individuals obtain and retain employment, delivering great results for employers and employees alike.

With this new entity taking responsibility for employment support, Trinity could concentrate on supported independent living and accommodation. The name was subsequently changed to “Trinity Accommodation Support Service”. Trinity was among the 10% of Australian service providers accredited under the new Disability Services Act. Coordinator Julie Watson was appointed to the Queensland Disability Services Advisory Committee.
By the mid 1990s, Trinity had secured additional funding to extend its living support to assist people with high needs. A planned approach to support individual requirements was developed in consultation with families.

As there was less demand for an “activity centre”, and 146 High Street had sadly suffered several break-ins, Trinity relocated to more suitable and secure premises at the Seabank Building in Short Street Southport. Further funding was secured to employ a teacher to provide community literacy and numeracy classes.
Trinity encouraged and supported clients to be active members of the community, building life and work skills. Clients became an integral part of the management committee, participating in monthly meetings. By focusing on personal goals, purpose and the big picture, Trinity clients were better connected with their community, achieving remarkable new things and making valuable contributions.