Our Story

Brodribb Home was established in 1898 by the Toowoomba Ladies Benevolent Society. The Home was named after F.C. Brodribb, who donated the original parcel of land and contributed funds towards its establishment. The original buildings, which now include the main entrance in Goggs Street and the administration offices, still stand today.

At the time Brodribb Home was founded, there were very limited options for aged care in regional Queensland. For many people, the only available accommodation was at Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island, which meant leaving their local community and familiar surroundings. In response to this need, the Ladies Benevolent Society of Toowoomba worked to establish a local aged care facility for the people of their area. Their efforts laid the foundation for what Brodribb Home is today.

Over the years, Brodribb Home has continued to grow and change alongside the needs of the community. New wings have been added, existing areas have been redeveloped, and services have expanded beyond residential aged care.

Located in Toowoomba, close to the CBD, Laurel Bank Park, shopping centres, and medical services, Brodribb Home has remained closely connected to the local community for well over a century. Today, it continues to be one of the few aged care providers within short walking distance of central Toowoomba.

In 1996, Brodribb Home began providing community-based care services through Community Aged Care Packages. These services are now known as Support At Home Packages and are now provided through Brodribb At Home, supporting older people to remain living in their own homes with the care they need. In 1998, during its centenary year, Brodribb opened the Brodribb Retirement Village, further expanding the range of services available on site.

Brodribb Home is a registered charity and is not affiliated with any religious order. All profits are reinvested directly into Brodribb Home’s facilities and services for the benefit of the people we support.

Today, Brodribb continues to provide retirement living, residential aged care, and home care services to the Toowoomba community, while remaining grounded in the history and purpose that shaped its beginning.

Our History at a Glance

1898

Brodribb Home was established on Goggs Street on land gifted by the Brodribb family to the Toowoomba Ladies Benevolent Society. The original front section of the Home, which still stands today, was built at a cost of £740.

1908

The Home received its first government recognition, and a Girls Shelter was established.

1928

Support payments for pensioners in Homes increased from 4/- to 5/6 per week, during a period of increasing welfare demand leading into the Depression era.

1938

Demand for welfare assistance remained high in the years before World War II, and considerable aid was extended to itinerant workers. The government grant was reduced to £200.

1948

Building maintenance issues throughout the 1940s led to discussion about relocation. A public appeal in the 1950s raised £2,500 for required works.

1962

Two new wings were opened at a cost of £75,000.

1970

The Home had 48 residents, including 32 in hostel accommodation and 16 in infirmary care.

1973

The government approved additional hostel accommodation and provided a subsidy of $7,820 per bed, plus $250 per unit for furnishings.

1975

A new wing, now known as Rose Wing, was built at a cost of $106,000.

1988

A new hostel area, Lavender Wing, was built, followed by the rebuilding of areas now known as Maple Wing, Jacaranda Wing, and Magnolia Wing.

1992

The high care facility, Banksia Wing, was built and commissioned.

1994

A full refurbishment of Brodribb Home was completed, and adjoining properties were acquired for future expansion.

1996

Brodribb Home commenced community-based care services through Community Aged Care Packages, now known as home care services.

1998

During Brodribb Home’s centenary year, the Brodribb Retirement Village was opened. In the years that followed, the village reached its capacity of 34 retirement units.

2008

Gardenia Wing opened, accommodating an additional 14 residents in privately ensuited rooms, along with a dedicated staff training facility on the lower level.

2014

A double-storey building was opened. The upper floor, Camellia Wing, includes 20 single ensuited rooms for residents with high care needs. The lower floor, Azalea Wing, includes one single ensuited room and nine suites, including two suitable for couples. Each suite includes a private lounge, kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom, with direct access to courtyard areas.

2017

The Memory Support Unit, also known as Banksia Wing, was opened to provide specialist accommodation and care for residents living with dementia and other cognitive impairments.