DONATE TODAY: SUPPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY IN QUEENSLAND

A lifelong impact

For over 90 years, tens of thousands of children and their families have come to Montrose to receive vital services in allied health, social work and short term respite. These supports have had a life changing impact for generations of Queensland families.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, we re-connected with former clients. They told us some amazing and inspiring stories.

David

David became a resident at Montrose in Corinda in 1943. He even remembers the day he arrived!

Paul

Paul was a resident at the Montrose Home in Corinda for over ten years.

Graeme

Graeme tells us about his time with Montrose at Corinda in the 1960s.

Nhon

Nhon has received support from Montrose for much of his life. He spends a great deal of his time giving back to the community.

Our History

In 1932, the world was in the grip of a Polio epidemic. Those who survived were often left with severe physical disabilities, requiring ongoing care. Brisbane Rotary arranged a public meeting at Brisbane City Hall to discuss how assistance for children could be provided. From this meeting the Queensland Society for Crippled Children was formed. Brisbane Rotary spearheaded fundraising and Mr George Marchant donated his home at Taringa to The Society.

A black and white photo of Mr George Marchant

George Marchant was a philanthropist who donated land and property to many organisations and he maintained a lifetime interest in The Society. The Montrose Home at Taringa was officially opened on 3 December 1933 but its facilities soon became inadequate.

Mr Marchant responded to this need by purchasing a larger site in Corinda in 1937. This property was donated to the Society and retained the original property name – Montrose. Over a period of years the site at Corinda was developed and at one stage 100 children could be accommodated as services offered then were centre based.

Thanks to advances in medical practice, the need for treatment of children with polio waned. In 1959, the Medical Panel of The Society found that there was a great need for assistance for children with diverse muscular disabilities, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and other conditions. Many of the children still lived at Montrose and were offered a broad range of services, including therapy services. By the 1970’s, The Society operated four homes – Montrose Home at Corinda, McPherson for Senior Girls at Norman Park, Pamela Roles Home and Sheltered Workshop for Senior Boys at Manly and Dumbarton Seaside Home at Margate.

A black and white photo of the Montrose home at Corinda

In the early 1980’s, policies changed to include services which enable families to care for their children in their own homes. By this time, the organisation was focused on therapy and homecare services. In 2001 Montrose Home changed its name to MontroseAccess and new offices were opened on the Gold Coast (2005) and Brisbane North (2007). Also in 2007, for the first time, young adults were assisted through the introduction of the Lifestyle and Leisure Program.

In 2014, after 76 years, the Corinda site was sold and Montrose Therapy & Respite Services (as we are now known) moved to new premises at Darra to better meet the changing needs of clients and families. Recent years have seen continued change as we respond to the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). New offices have been established in Toowoomba, Slacks Creek and Ipswich.

The organisation continues to innovate and is well placed to continue to provide high quality services to Queenslanders for many years to come.

Montrose Timeline

1932

World in the grip of a Polio epidemic. Brisbane Rotary arranged a public meeting to discuss best way of assisting children affected. The Queensland Society for Crippled Children is constituted.

1933

On 3 December 1933, “Montrose” the beautiful Queenslander house in Swann Rd, Taringa donated by Mr George Marchant is opened

NDIS Provider

1937

Mr Marchant donates the Corinda site with accommodation for 90 children

A black and white photo of a nurse

1958

Matron Jessie Peters retires after 25 years at Montrose – being the first Matron and greeting the first group of children to Montrose in 1933

1959

Advances in medical treatment reduce the impact of Polio. Montrose focuses on children with muscular disabilities, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and other debilitating conditions

Children look at a building site

1974

Construction of buildings at Corinda site as it transformed into a special needs school with new dormitories

LATE 1990’S

The final residental clients leave Montrose at Corinda as the transformation to community based and in-home support services is completed

A therapist reads with two young boys

2000

Montrose opens a Sunshine Coast office

2001

Montrose changes its name to MontroseAccess

NDIS Provider Queensland

2005

Montrose Gold Coast office is opened

2007

Montrose opens a new office at Strathpine on Brisbane’s Northside. Young adults are helped by the introduction of a Lifestyle and Leisure Program.

2014

After 76yrs at Corinda, Montrose completes the sale of the site and moves to new premises at Darra to better meet the changing needs of clients and families.

Montrose Headquarters at Darra
NDIS Resources

2016

Our Getaway Gold Coast opens and first guests enjoy a holiday in accessible accommodation

Montrose staff and girl

2017

New offices opened in Ipswich and Toowoomba. Client numbers increase to over 1300

2018

Our Getaway on the Gold Coast transitions to become Short Stay Accommodation with 24 hour staffing and support.

Guests Shorth Stay playing cards
Exterior of new Montrose Sunshine Coast Office

2019

Our Sunshine Coast and Brisbane North Centres were relocated to larger, more modern premises and a new centre was opened at Slacks Creek to service the Logan area.

2020

Montrose moves quickly to offer TeleTherapy to clients as COVID-19 disrupts services.

A therapist talks with a child on an ipad video meeting
A Montrose therapist laughs with a young child

2021

Montrose invests in significant expansion of our Ipswich and Sunshine Coast facilities. Read more in our 2021 Annual Review.

Northcott logo in a purple circle

2022

Montrose becomes part of The Northcott Society.