Media Centre
Celebrating 65 years of ‘bringing care to life’
Publish Date: 04/03/2010
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.
Where it all began
In the 1940s, a group of courageous Baptist women saw the need for a home for older people and joined together to raise £4,000 – in a time of war. The funds were used to open Strathalan Community, Australia’s first Baptist nursing home for nine frail older people in 1945.
As the needs of the community have grown and changed, so have Baptcare’s services. Today, over 1,000 employees and 650 volunteers work together to ‘bring care to life’ for over 2,000 people per day in over 30 locations across Victoria and Tasmania.
Although Baptcare has experienced significant growth over the last 65 years, the passion and commitment of our original founding women remains.
This idea is expressed through Baptcare’s logo, which symbolises the flame of human vitality that exists in each person Baptcare cares for. The ‘spark’ that ignites this innate human vitality is nurtured through Baptcare’s passion, strength and commitment.
65th celebrations
To celebrate Baptcare’s achievements over the past 65 years, a range of events will be held to share the Baptcare story and thank all the people who make up the Baptcare community (both past and present).
Between February and May, seven commemorative events will be held where staff, clients, residents, donors, volunteers and Baptist churches will have the opportunity to come together to reflect on their role in ‘bringing care to life’. Each event will include a screening of the new Baptcare DVD, food, entertainment and of course, a birthday cake.
A candle in a glass bowl will be lit at each event, symbolising Baptcare’s purpose – to ignite and nurture the flame of human vitality – and representing the spirit of all the people Baptcare has cared for over the past 65 years.
Each Baptcare site will receive a replica of the ‘flame of vitality’ glass bowl for display at their site as a reminder that all Baptcare services are united in a common goal.
Other celebrations, including a 65th Church service and a staff ball will be held over the second half of 2010.
Download Baptcare’s 65th anniversary booklet (PDF, 1.5MB)
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