Our History

The Xavier Society purchased a weather board house, with a view to turning it into a home for children who had suffered from polio in the early post-war years.

Archbishop Duhig officially opened Xavier Home in front of Premier Hanlon on 15 May 1949.

The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary became responsible for the home and all of its services.

Another weatherboard building was acquired, the sisters were trained as nurses, physiotherapists and teachers to take care of the children.

Plans were in place for a new brick hospital and fundraising started.

The first brick extension was completed. One of the original wooden buildings was demolished, the other used as a convent.

The hospital become known as “Xavier Hospital for Children” and an Advisory Board was established.

Xavier Hospital Special School opened with two teachers and 28 students. Classes were held in rooms of the hospital building.

Hospital facilities were extended with a kindergarten and teenage apartment.

A library and indoor swimming pool, additional classrooms and a physiotherapy area became operational.

Xavier moved towards establishing a range of community and respite services for children.

Xavier adopted a new philosophy and mission based on a flexible, individualised community model. We provided accommodation and respite support services to children with multiple disabilities and their families.

Xavier relocated to Pine Mountain Road, Mt Gravatt East a location more fitting to the new community model.

Office opened in Aspley to provide more localised services to families based in Brisbane’s Northside.

Xavier ran a high tech program providing care for children with tracheostomies and ventilators.

Xavier became an agency of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Xavier Children’s Support Network launched new trading name InFocus Disability Services.

InFocus became a registered provider under the new NDIS.

InFocus rebranded as Xavier, to reflect our heritage and commitment to enabling families. Our multi-disciplinary team grows to expand our services to better support families.

We opened new Therapy Clinics in Springfield Lakes, Wooloowin, North Lakes and Eight Mile Plains to support more children and young people in our communities.

Xavier Place opened in Yeerongpilly, providing short-term respite for children and young people with staff trained by RNs and OTs and on-site nursing.

Xavier services continue to evolve to support children and young people to live their best lives. Allied Health services include Art Therapy and Music Therapy and a Creative Arts therapy program is launched at Xavier Place.