Montrose

In 1932, the world was in the grip of a Poliomyelitis epidemic. Those who survived the infection were often left with severe physical disabilities – requiring ongoing therapy and care. Brisbane Rotary arranged a public meeting in Brisbane City Hall to discuss the best possible means of assistance to address the requirements for children affected by the epidemic. From this meeting, The Queensland Society for Crippled Children was registered in April 1933 and the first Directors of the Society were elected.

A philanthropist named Mr George Marchant gifted his home at Taringa to the society. He donated land and property to many organisations throughout his life and he maintained continuous interest in the Society until his death.

The Montrose Home at Taringa was officially opened on 3rd December 1933. Its facilities soon became inadequate because of the unexpectedly large extent of the Poliomyelitis epidemic and especially because of the high needs of the children from the country.

Mr Marchant purchased the present site at Corinda, formerly known as “Ardoyne”, which he generously gifted to the Society in 1937. Montrose Home was able to provide accommodation for 90 children (including long-term), together with a suite of services including schooling, dental treatment and even a barber.