Wongaburra Society, which administers Wongaburra Aged Care and Home Care, acknowledged a belated milestone when their 50 year anniversary was held last month.
Celebrations were delayed for three years due to covid, but Board Members, staff, residents and volunteers made up for it with two gala events.
Wongaburra Society was formed at a public meeting in June 1965, called by the Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce.
The facility was developed through donations, including over four acres of land from the Hopkins and Little families and significant monetary donations from the community.
In August 1970 the first hostel unit for 12 residents was officially opened.
In 1982, a public meeting was held to consider building a nursing home at Wongaburra. This resulted in the formation of the Wongaburra Appeals Committee who worked tirelessly for two years to raise over $206,000.
Over the ensuing years additional facilities were added and today Wongaburra has over 100 beds and also offers home care services.
At the 50th anniversary celebrations, several volunteers and staff members were acknowledged.
Mike Steindl, Alf and Delma Day were admitted to the Wongaburra Society as honorary life members.
Steindl was a Board member for 22 years, from 1992 – 2014. Alf and Delma Day have been volunteers since 2004.
Long-serving staff members were also recognised, including Rosanne Schumacher (40 years in Support Services), Joan Hawkins (27 years in administration and education), Donna Budd (35 years in support services) and Carmel Arthy(35 years in support services) and Heather La Budde who has been a Carer Assistant in Nursing for 35 years.
Wongaburra is about to commence work on a new building to upgrade facilities and expand the number of places available.
Work is expected to commence early 2024.
