Next stops in the Origin Stories Project

Next stops in the Origin Stories Project: Toowoomba and the Gold Coast

For 90 years, Lutheran Services has supported individuals, families, and communities across Queensland. Established through the vision and dedication of its founding congregations, Lutheran Services now serves over 6,000 people and employs more than 2,200 staff across 25 locations, providing aged care, home care, retirement living, and community services.

To celebrate these beginnings, Lutheran Services has launched the Origin Stories Project in collaboration with the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District. This initiative highlights the organisation’s shared history, acknowledges both achievements and challenges, and honours the services founded by Lutheran congregations.

What are Origin Stories?

Origin Stories are personal accounts, memories, and experiences from those who have been part of the journey—whether as congregational members and friends, staff, residents, or community members. By collecting and sharing these stories, the project aims to preserve history for future generations and strengthen the connection between past, present, and future.

Salem Aged Care’s first Matron, Mary Hanley with one of the first residents, Mr. Henrickson.

Upcoming Storytelling Sessions

Congregational and community members are invited to contribute to the history of Salem Aged Care and St Andrews Aged Care & Retirement Living by participating in upcoming storytelling sessions.

Salem Aged Care, Toowoomba

• Wednesday, 19 March 2025
• 10am-12pm (morning tea provided)
• Salem Aged Care, 280 Hume Street, Toowoomba QLD

St Andrews Aged Care & Retirement Living

• Sunday, 30 March 2025
• 12pm-2pm (afternoon tea provided)
• St Andrews Lutheran Church, 175 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Tallebudgera Valley QLD

Contributions of historic photos or memorabilia are also welcome to enrich the storytelling experience.

Attendance can be confirmed by contacting Zambella at zambella.anosa@lutheranservices.org.au. For those unable to attend but still wishing to share a story, writers Alan and Natalie can be reached at alan.james@lutheranservices.org.au or natalie.macedo@lutheranservices.org.au.

Discover the Stories

To explore previously gathered Origin Stories, visit the website..

Image at top: Lutheran Services’ Tabeel Aged Care staff, LCAQD representatives, local congregation members, and friends engaged in discussion during a story-sharing circle in Laidley, Queensland.