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Our History
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.
Highlights
1935
A Queensland Lutheran congregation opens Salem Lutheran Rest Home in Toowoomba.
Pictured: Salem’s first Matron, Mary Hanley with one of the first residents, Mr Henrickson.
1954
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.
1960s
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.
1970s
Congregations establish more aged care services across South East Queensland and central Queensland, and services for people with disabilities are also created:
- Orana Rest Home in Kingaroy
- Elizabeth Court in Nambour (later expanded and
named Graceville) - Trinity Workshop in Southport
- Keystone Disability Services in Woodridge.
Pictured: Newspaper clippings about the opening of the “Trinity Activity Centre”
1980s
A full-time Welfare Committee Coordinator is appointed to manage the growing number and types of services. More services are opened by congregations
- Mary & Martha’s refuge begins offering shelter
for families fleeing domestic violence. - Zion Aged Care at Nundah in Brisbane.
- The Biloela congregation combine with members of other local organisations such as Rotary, Quota, the Uniting Church and Presbyterian Church to build the Wahroonga Aged Care service.
- In 1988 Zion Gympie began its vision with four one- bedroom units built to accommodate aged and people with a disability.
Pictured: Zion Aged Care opening in 1988 in Nundah
1990s
The 1990s sees the fruition of years of work by congregations in various SEQ regions opening aged care and retirement living services.
- Immanuel Gardens Retirement Living and
Aged Care in Buderim in 1990. - Teviot Villas was opened in Boonah in 1992.
- St Paul’s Retirement Living and Aged Care
is opened in 1994. - St Andrews Retirement Living and Aged Care
is also opened in 1994. - The congregation in Caboolture enters a partnership
with the Regional Extended Family Service to help
young people and their families who are in need.
In 2007 this service is re-imagined and renamed
Intercept Youth and Family Services.
Pictured: Opening of Immanuel Gardens
1999
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.
2017
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.
2019
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.
2021
Lutheran Services acquires Cooinda Aged Care in Gympie, expanding our reach into regional Queensland.
Today and into the future
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.
Serving Queenslanders for 90 years
Lutheran Services has been serving our community since 1935. Since then, we have continued the Lutheran tradition of care, now providing services and support to over 6,000 people every year.