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Wesley Mission Queensland Wheller Gardens Celebrates 80 Years of Care

on Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, last week attended the re-enactment of the original opening day ceremony of Wesley Mission Queensland's The Garden Settlement for the aged in Chermside which opened on 23rd November 1936. A plaque was unveiled to commemorate the opening of The Betty Smith Heritage Precinct. 

These cottages have become a ‘living history’ of The Garden Settlement (now known as Wheller Gardens) and contain distinctive information panels, photos, and old household items.

settlement-day


‘Betty’ Smith MBE (Miss Ann Elizabeth Smith) was a dedicated church member of the Albert Street Uniting Church. She left a significant bequest to Wesley Mission Queensland.

The heritage precinct has been named to honour her charitable work and generous contribution. The re-enactment of the Settlement Day ceremony to welcome the elderly new occupants of the 20 original cottages also involved honouring the two men vital to the establishment of The Garden Settlement: Rev Harold Manuel Wheller OBE, who at that time was in charge of the Albert Street Church and Central Methodist Mission, and Mr George Marchant, a generous Brisbane philanthropist.

settlement-day


Rev Wheller and Mr Marchant’s dedication to helping elderly folk in need changed many lives, and began a far-reaching process of compassionate community assistance continued today by Wesley Mission Queensland. The purpose-built development included Marchant House, a large central dining hall, and another double-storey building with single men's accommodation and laundry facilities.

Before leaving, the Governor inspected the restored cottages in The Betty Smith Heritage Precinct to learn more about the history of this first aged care community in Queensland. A large crowd including members of the Wheller family, relatives of the original occupants, church members, people from other Wesley Mission Queensland aged care communities, friends, staff, volunteers, supporters, local residents and interested members of the community all enjoyed the ceremony.

Click here to find out more about Wesley Mission Queensland's residential aged care homes and home care services.

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