The Freemasons’ Homes of Southern Tasmania originated to celebrate the end of World War II and to commemorate this happy event it was suggested that a suitable memorial, a Masonic Peace Memorial, be established.
This idea was pursued by the various organisations within Freemasonry and a report adopted by the Grand Lodge of Tasmania led to the establishment of a provisional committee of 1945-46 Masters. Many meetings later it was agreed that homes for the aged should be built.
An appeal for funds was made to Freemasons in Southern Tasmania and after considerable time and the investigation of numerous sites in the greater Hobart area, the current site at Ballawinne Road, Lindisfarne was selected.
This site comprising of more than five acres and costing £2,700 was purchased in 1951 and the Freemasons Homes of Southern Tasmania was established.
The first cottage on the site was built by Tasmanian Operative Lodge No. 1 and officially handed over in December, 1953. Two more cottages were built, one in 1955 and the other in 1957. These original cottages were demolished in 2006 and replaced with seven 2 bedroom villa units and 2 serviced apartments.
The need for further low care accommodation had already become clear. An appeal to Lodges and individuals for support for the project was launched.
With Federal Government subsidy of two pounds for one, the first section of the low care accommodation for eighteen persons was erected at the cost of £45,283 and officially opened in February, 1959. At this stage there was accommodation in the low care and cottages for twenty-eight residents - seven double and fourteen single.
It was also becoming apparent that facilities were required to support administration, laundry and catering services, nursing, dining and communal lounge areas. These facilities and others were included in extensions to the low care accommodation of thirty-four beds.
The official opening of that new development was in February 1965. Griffiths, Voss and Waring & Quigley Wings were later added.
After the self-contained units at the Masonic Centre Kingston, opened in December 1983, the Bowditch Hostel opened in December 1991, and the Masonic Gardens Village in June 2000, the total accommodation provided by Freemasons in Southern Tasmania reached 200.
The Masonic Gardens Residential Care facility at Ballawinne Road was completely redeveloped during 2004 and 2005 at a cost of $11 million and now provides for 130 residents.
Bowditch on the Bay was extended by 10 additional rooms and 3 Independent Living Units between 2004 and 2006. The Hostel now provides for 34 Low Care residents.
The Freemasons Homes of Southern Tasmania remains a leading provider of aged care services in Tasmania. Our Residential Care facilities provide quality care, accommodation and services to 164 residents who are cared for by 190 professional members of staff.
Freemasons’ Homes
of Southern Tasmania Inc
7 Ballawinne Road
Lindisfarne 7015
Tasmania
t: 03 6243 8600
f: 03 6243 6667
w: www.fmhtas.com.au
e: admin@fmhtas.com.au
