Founded in 1954, Goodwin Aged Care Services turns 70 this year. Goodwin is the largest aged care provider in the ACT. A member-based not-for-profit benevolent organisation, Goodwin is not affiliated with any other businesses, organisations, property developers, political, or religious entities. Goodwin simply exists to provide excellent services and accommodation to seniors.
Today, Goodwin operates five retirement living villages, four residential aged care facilities, three-day clubs and three wellness centres in and around the ACT region.
Comprising:
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724 employees
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52 active volunteers
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768 retirement living apartments and villas
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401 residential aged care bed capacity
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1,178 home care and day club clients
Initially influenced the aged care and retirement living sector in the Canberra region and beyond by leading an innovative approach to holistic care for seniors.
Today, with Canberra boasting over 130 suburbs, Goodwin continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of aged care and retirement living, both locally and further afield.
Early Days
Seventy years ago, there were no specialised accommodations or support services for seniors. Government- allocated homes were only available to working residents, leaving retired citizens without easy access to housing.
In 1951, the National Council of Women launched the ‘Thursday Club’, Canberra’s first pioneering seniors club, aimed to combat social isolation among older citizens. This initiative illuminated seniors’ challenges, prompting advocacy for improved living conditions.
The council recognised that providing the best possible housing would replicate life at home as closely as possible and enable occupants to seek support as required, aligning profoundly with Goodwin’s present-day service objectives.
This vision led to the formation of the Goodwin Centre Development Association in 1954, honouring Lt-Col. John Thomas Goodwin, a tireless advocate for the Canberra community and strong commitment to seniors’ welfare. The Canberra Times saying, “He was a well-known figure in both the Commonwealth Public Service and Canberra generally. He had formed a deep and lasting attachment for the National Capital. He had a vital interest in everything, which contributed to the welfare of Canberra”.
In June 1955, the government allocated six acres in Ainslie for seniors’ housing, contingent upon the association raising £5,000, an immense sum of money for the time. This spurred extensive community engagement, including fundraisers and contributions from businesses and organisations, facilitating the construction of the inaugural ‘Goodwin Cottages’ in Ainslie.
Current Day
Over time, Goodwin has expanded across seven locations across Canberra, Queanbeyan and Batemans Bay, incorporating three Day Clubs, three Wellness Centres, five Retirement Living villages, and four Residential Care facilities, as well as an extensive home care program.
Founded by dedicated individuals from the Canberra community, Goodwin has stayed true to its purpose ever since.
Goodwin continues to honour its legacy and uphold its trusted position in the community.
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First in Australia in-house pharmacist in 2018 – a service now recognised by the government as being integral to holistic care for seniors.
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The first in Canberra to employ an aged care nurse practitioner services to increase clinical service capabilities.
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First in Australia to use TytoCare to facilitate virtual GP examinations, solving the issue of travel and access difficulties.
