Our History
Having been founded on 13th December, 1937, St Giles is about to celebrate 70 years of achievement.
We will soon announce a program of activities and we hope you will join with us to celebrate our anniversary offering an opportunity to thank the many organisations and individuals who have supported us over the past 70 years.
At our AGM on 24th October, 2007, we launched a booklet on our 70 year history. You can download the booklet or contact us if you would like to order a copy.
1930s
City of Launceston, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Apex and Service Clubs meet and form
St Giles
Funds raised for equipment and purchase of the Waterworth Property in Newstead
St Giles Home opened
1950s
New outbreak of polio
Several building expansions including George Record Wing
Hydrotherapy service introduced
Parents and Friends formed
St Giles assists formation of ACROD
1960s
Jo Cook Memorial Fund established
Occupational Therapy introduced
St Giles assists formation of Self Help Business Services
1970s
First electric wheelchair purchased
Therapy Centre and Independent Living Units constructed
1980s
Additional Independent Living Units constructed
Newstead Heights School established
Adult Supported Accommodation and In Home Support Services set up
Weekend and Holiday Childrens Respite Services introduced
Adult Independent Living program established
St Giles services expanded statewide
1990s
Supported Accommodation program expanded across Northern Tasmania
Holiday Home developed
Seating and Equipment Clinic service introduced
Government Northern Tasmania Paediatric Therapy Services transferred to St Giles
Deinstitutionalistion of childrens services completed
Supported Accommodation program expanded
In Home personal support services introduced for children
2000s
New Respite Centre for Launceston
Seating and Equipment Clinic relocated to new premises & mobile seating service introduced
Childrens In Home Support services expanded
Amy Road Building redevelopment completed including therapy services
Ability First Australia formed
New respite service opened in Hobart
Ability First Australia and St Giles affiliate with Easter Seals - Disability Services - USA
New Seating Clinic Complex established "The Margaret Mack Centre"
New Children's Respite Centre established in Launceston as a duplex facility to the exisiting Respite Centre
Tasmania's largest fully accessible playground being developed at our Launceston Respite Centres
St Giles wins the CGU Launceston Chamber of Commerce 2008 Business Excellence Award in the Bendigo Bank sponsored Not for Profit scetion.