Our history
The Good Shepherd Home is a residential aged care provider with a long history in Townsville. Established in 1972, we have been proudly serving locals for 50 years. Today, we are a registered not for profit organization, jointly overseen by the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland and the Good Shepherd Benefactors – a group of volunteer, Townsville based professionals.
Prior to the 1970’s, Townsville was lacking support for the aged in our community. Members of the local Anglican Diocese – Barbara Rennie and Reverend John Clarkson took up the call, initiating a motion for a Hospice Feasibility Committee at the 1968 North Queensland Anglican Synod. And that was the beginning of The Good Shepherd Home.
The Good Shepherd Home’s first project was supported by nearly half a million dollars raised by local organisations. That facility was built on a former potato farm that had been sold back to council.
Townville’s need was growing fast. By 1978 a new campaign was underway to double the facility and add a day therapy centre. The expansion was completed in 1982.
In 1994, The Good Shepherd Home added a new facility and welcomed 33 new permanent residents.
Further expansion occurred in 1999 with the construction of George Roberts House, welcoming 64 new residents. This facility was named for Good Shepherd’s longstanding chairman, who nurtured and promoted The Good Shepherd Home for 22 years.
Riverview House — Townville’s first premium aged care suites — opened in 2006, with Pinnacles House following in 2015. Each offers outstanding views of the Ross River and Mount Stuart.
