Communications coordinator Trent Watkins said that while Casa Mia was purchased in 2006, Southhaven had a much longer history.
Christadelphian Homes was established in 1946 with the board members buying the ‘Woodstock’ home in Strathfield and caring for up to 16 residents, who each paid three pounds and three shillings a week.
One of Woodstock’s first, and longest serving, volunteers was Max Gilmore who sadly passed away last year and Mr Watkins said he also had a strong family connection to the Southhaven site.
“In 1969, the board decided to build further accommodation and acquired two properties in Padstow Heights,” Mr Watkins said.
“Number 11 Queensbury Road was owned by Marge and George Buchan, Max’s Aunt and Uncle.
“Before the bridge was built over Salt Pan Creek, houses along the creek were known as ‘Weekenders’ or holiday houses. Max spent a weekend with his Aunt at her Queensbury Road home, 24 years before Christadelphian Homes acquired the site; while the other Queensbury Road site was donated.”
Around 1974, plans were made to build four blocks of self-care units, as well as a hostel at 11 Queensbury Road. This was the first major step for Southhaven Aged Care.
“Throughout construction, Max organised Saturday ‘working bees’. Volunteers and Christadelphian community members spent these days at Southhaven carrying out a multitude of tasks,” Mr Watkins said.
“Max’s last years as a volunteer for Southhaven were spent helping tend to the gardens, leading Bible reading classes, and helping serve in the café.”
For more information, call 1800 246 637 or visit chomes.com.au.
