At Xavier, we have a long, proud and interesting history. From humble beginnings, we have been supporting children with complex disabilities and their families in Brisbane for over 70 years. Here’s our journey so far.
Our History
At Xavier, we have a long, proud and interesting history. From humble beginnings, we have been supporting children with complex disabilities and their families in Brisbane for over 70 years. Here’s our journey so far.
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 revert to the name Xavier, reflecting our heritage and commitment to enabling families. Our multi-disciplinary team grows as we expand our services to better support families.