In 1948 a small group of Christians had a vision – to establish a home in Brisbane to offer care to the elderly.
The call for help went out to Baptist churches throughout Queensland. To assist the formation of the Baptist Union of Queensland’s social service ministry, a public appeal was launched to raise funds to refurbish “Farrington House” at Alderley.
Two-hundred money boxes were donated in anticipation of producing “a good sum” of donations. Benefit concerts and a refreshment stand at the Royal Queensland Exhibition also contributed to the fundraising.
There was a growing realisation that far more could be achieved by a family of churches working together than working as individual churches.
The home was renamed Clifford House and became Carinity’s first aged care site. It welcomed its first three residents in 1949 and would later accommodate 16 people.
Carinity, an outreach of Queensland Baptists, celebrates its 70th anniversary one month from today, on August 15.
Carinity Aged Care Executive Manager Valmae Dunlea and Clifford House Residential Manager Afshan Alwani go back to where Carinity started 70 years ago.
As the organisation evolved – from Queensland Baptist Care to Carinity – so too did the range of services we provide to Queenslanders.
What started as a small regional service for the elderly developed into a state-wide mission that last year helped more than 16,000 people in 15 communities across Queensland.
Over 70 years Carinity has grown to include 11 residential aged care communities, five retirement villages, five schools and services catering to young people, families and those living with a disability.
Carinity provides in-home care to seniors in eight cities and towns while our chaplains offer guidance, encouragement and spiritual care to people in hospitals, prisons and aged care communities from Townsville to the Gold Coast.
“We continue to make significant strides in delivering our mission: to make a real difference to people in need and to create communities where people are loved, accepted and supported,” Carinity CEO Jon Campbell says.
“We never lose sight of our guiding purpose to follow the example of Jesus Christ and reflect God’s love to people in need.
“From a handful of dedicated people seven decades ago, we now employ more than 1,300 people who are supporting Queenslanders of all ages. We can all be proud of that.”
