St Laurence - Our History

Guest Speaker Helen Glover REGISTRATIONS WELCOMECome along to our World Cafe next Thursday to hear about what it means to be a consumer living with mental illness. Read More >

Conversations That Matter - FREE EVENTAddressing food insecurity,obesity and chronic disease; different perspectives on the relationships with food - brought to you by Deakin & St Laurence Read More >

Calling For Volunteers!Ever thought about volunteering? We have some vacancies and would love to have you come and join the team! Read More >

How to Capture Market Share In A Competitive, Consumer-Directed And Controlled WorldA presentation by Toby oConnor on 'Consumer Directed Approach' Read More >

LOCK IN THE DATE - Blue & White Ball @ Old Geelong Gaol!Friday June 21 will be this years Blue & White Ball. Key it into your calendars now! Read More >

Outdoor Cinema - a Valentine's Hit!St Laurence hosted the first Open Air Cinema @ The Geelong College on Valentine's Day with roaring success. Read More >

Event Volunteering - a day out of the office and onto the green!Feb 21-24 saw the Vic Open come to Geelong's own 13th Beach Golf Links and St Laurence was there to welcome the stars. Read More >

St Laurence Service Of The MonthEvery month, we will highlight one of our services that are doing outstanding work in the community - this month, Art Unlimited. Read More >

Free Corporate Challenge - Masters Games Tug of WarSt Laurence is supporting the Australian Masters Games later this year in October and to get warmed up we're calling for people to join the St Laurence Tug of War Teams! Read More >

Announcing St Laurence Brand Ambassadors 2013Gold medallists and Paralympians Kelly Cartwright & Richard Colman join forces with St Laurence. Read More >

101 Queen Street - WHAT A TRANSFORMATION!St Laurence has invested $1.3m of its own resources to redevelop the 101 Queen Street learning and community centre for people with disability, and what a result! Read More >

What Will 2013 Bring?It seems as though the traffic on the roads is getting busier and school starts again soon, meaning the end of the summer holidays and back to work. What will 2013 bring? Will it be lucky or unlucky 13? Read More >

Human Library To Take Front Of Stage @ Geelong Night MarketHuman Library - where the books are people and where reading consists of a conversation! Read More >

Local Business Uncovering Raw TalentMetropolis Gallery are opening their doors to host an exhibition of little-known artists in Geelong recognising talent in our community amongst those with disability. Read More >

St Laurence Open Air Cinema - Feb 14What better way to spend Valentine's Day than watching DIRTY DANCING under the stars with a loved one or group of friends. Read More >

Open Air Cinema FAQs and TermsSee below for all terms and conditions relating the the Feb 14 screening of Dirty Dancing at The Geelong College. All proceeds from the night going to St Laurence. Read More >

2012 Wrap Up - Social Inclusion @ St LaurenceFor over three years the Social Inclusion Unit has promoted the voice of the consumers using St Laurence’s Services. This year has been no different. Read More >

How will you make an impact this Christmas?Give a gift with meaning this Christmas and buy from one of our community's Social Enterprises. Read More >

Thank you for all your fundraising through 2012St Laurence has been able to use funds donated from events held throughout the year to help people with disability. Read More >

Drinks @ The Gaol - after work drinks a hit!Friday November 23 saw the first-time opening to the public of the studio space and outdoor garden that comprises Art Unlimited at the Old Geelong Gaol in the heart of Geelong. Read More >

Presentations from the Knowledge to Change Conference 2012If you missed out on attending the November 1st 'Knowledge to Change' conference, see links to presentations. Read More >

WHAT NDIS MEANS FOR ST LAURENCE AND OTHER NGOS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES. By Toby oConnor, St Laurence CEOThe Prime Minister announced the National Disability Insurance Scheme on 30 April 2012. That was 155 days ago. In 251 days, the NDIS will commence operations in the Barwon Region. I have been asked to consider two questions: How prepared are we as providers of some sort of service for this social insurance scheme? And, Will we be ready? Read More >

Annual Report now availableSt Laurence is pleased to advise that our Annual Report for the 2011-2012 year is now available. Read More >

Spark in the Park - oh what a night!On Friday 26 October St Laurence Community Services Inc held a Community Fair - "Spark in the Park" on the grounds of its retirement village at Lara from 4.30 pm - 8.00 pm. Read More >

St Laurence supports Anti-Poverty WeekAnti-Poverty Week is held in October every year. It is a time to reflect on the fact that not all Australians have access to all the goods and services we so often take for granted. Poverty affects over a million people Australia-wide. Read More >

Conversations That MatterSt Laurence has partnered with Deakin University to hold the inaugural 'Conversations That Matter' twilight seminar, bringing people of our community together to talk about the tough issues. Read More >

Support Anti Poverty Week - buy a swag todayAnti Poverty week is a national event aimed at creating awareness, and/or improving the lives of Australians touched by poverty. Read More >

Knowledge to Change Seminar - Register NOWUnpacking Federal and State legislation in the Charities and Not-For-Profit sector. Read More >

Notice of MeetingYou are invited to the 16th Annual General Meeting of St Laurence Community Services Inc. Read More >

Helping our Avalon NeighboursSt Laurence is getting behind the petition to bring Tiger back to Avalon. Read More >

The Final Session of St Laurence Supercats After a partnership spanning more than a decade, the St Laurence Supercats will conclude their named sponsorship at the end of the 2012 season. Read More >

Call Out For Employee Mentors!St Laurence Community Services Inc. - Battling the growing unemployment rate in Geelong with an all new mentoring initiative. Read More >

September Tea Parties Raising Funds Across VictoriaHave you registered to host a Tea Party yet? Read More >

STAR helps umpire achieve his goalSt Laurence client Jeremy Lang has a new found confidence after umpiring his first game of football. Read More >

Geelong wins $140 million National Disability Scheme (NDIS) boostIt is very pleasing to be able to announce that the offer placed by the Victorian Government for an NDIS trial in the Barwon Region has been accepted by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. This is great news for the people of Geelong. Read More >

Don’t look back….Luke Beavis is a St Laurence Community Services Inc. supported employee whom works at Paper Services in North Geelong, a complete paper recycling service for business of all sizes. Luke has endured mental illness all his life and this has affected his confidence and ability to find open employment. But with a positive attitude and determination, Luke is turning his life around and bringing music to the people. Read More >

Social Inclusion - Inclusive growth what does it mean?When Kevin Rudd became Prime Minister he established the Social Inclusion Advisory Board in 2009. This was in line with European and British social policy thinking, which since the 1970s, have been using this terminology and putting it into practice. Social Inclusion in practice is often done through employment. For some obtaining employment is more difficult than for others. It is important in an inclusive community that everyone has the right to housing, food, a safe environment and employment opportunities. Further to this is the notion of inclusive growth. But what does it mean? Read More >

Disability Enterprise Opened by Colac Otway Shire MayorColac Otway Shire Mayor, Stephen Hart, re-opens 'Kui Nursery' as the first stage in the massive redevelopment of St Laurence's disability services in Colac. Read More >

Bare Rooted Tree Sale! Direct from Kui Nursery, bare rooted trees are now available for those wishing to purchase in Geelong. Read More >

The Struggle of 'Affordable Housing'Census data released last week indicates that rents have doubled in the last decade. Data from the recent Census is backed up by the Australia–wide Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot St Laurence participated in earlier this year. St Laurence found they there has been a decrease in the availability and affordability of rentals in region. But what does it mean? Read More >

Ironing out the issues and back into employment!What a great news story! After being unemployed for ten years Claire has found a new job! St Laurence Ironing Service based in Colac has employed her. Read More >

A Gift Can Change a LifeWatch this YouTube clip to view the life changing affect the St Laurence Donation Fund can have on individuals in our community. Read More >

St Laurence Is Evolving!St Laurence has undergone a reinvigoration of its brand image to give it a new burst of energy! Read More >

Volunteers – Everyone CountsOn 18 May 2012 St Laurence thanked volunteers from the Geelong Community and celebrated International Volunteer Week which was held from: 14 – 20 May 2012. Read More >

Art Unlimited Exhibition – Limited Time Only @ The Geelong GalleryArt Unlimited is an access studio for practicing artists with a disability. It provides professional studio facilities and is staffed by qualified, practicing artists. The Art Unlimited artists have the opportunity to work across a wide range of medium including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and electronic media. Read More >

St Laurence Needs Your HelpThe Project St Laurence Community Services Inc. has committed $1.2M to undertake a comprehensive renovation of its Queen Street, Colac property. The project will deliver a state of the art learning and community facility for people with a disability. Read More >

Blue & White Ball - All that Jazz a success!‘All That Jazz – 1920’s New York Glamour’ ball hosted by St Laurence was held on 6 July 2012 at The Pier Geelong. Read More >

Corporate Social Responsibility – What’s The Point?We all hear constantly of the “benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility” – so much so that it’s all getting a bit tiresome. We’ve all been told that being corporately responsible is essential for employee recruitment & retention, managing our reputations, competiveness, marketplace positioning and optimal financial performance. Read More >

Goodwill Wine Gets Recognition It DeservesGoodwill Wine receives accolades for 'paying it forward'. Read More >

Your Invitation to the BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR!It’s finally here! Your invitation to the inaugural Blue & White Ball hosted by St Laurence. Read More >

The Cats, St Laurence and the Rotary Club join forcesThe Geelong Rotary Club teamed up with St Laurence Community Services Inc. to answer a simple call from a remote school, located in far north Kimberley in Western Australia, for AFL footballs. Read More >

WINNER of $100 Coles/Myer Gift Card Announced!Congratulations to Kelly Arndt – the winner of the $100 Coles/Myer Gift Card competition! Read More >

Get Your Entertainment Books HEREChoose what you want to do and when you want to do it with hundreds of valuable offers. Receive up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers. Valid now until June 1st 2013! Read More >

Art Unlimited Exhibition LaunchArt Unlimited artists will be holding an exhibition of their work at the Geelong Gallery from 12 May - 17 June, with a celebratory launch to kick start the event. Read More >

MyPATH Has LaunchedAfter two years of planning and development at St Laurence, Mr David Koch, MP, Member for Western Victorian Region, officially launched MyPATH; the new program for people with a disability, on April 26. Read More >

Got Feedback?Contact us with your comments and suggestions. Read More >

Art Unlimited & Goodwill Wine Join ForcesPurchasing your wine has never been so fulfilling! This year, Art Unlimited has partnered with Goodwill Wine to generate some much needed awareness and donations into the arts program... Read More >

How "Doing Good" Can Make a DifferenceCorporate Social Responsibility pays off. Businesses who participate in Corporate Social Responsibility often reap significant benefits from “doing good”. Corporate Social Responsibility can take many forms including volunteering to complete a community project... Read More >

St Laurence Corporate Golf Fundraiser Raises Over $4000 for Disability ServicesThe St Laurence Corporate Golf Challenge was more than an excuse to take time off work... Read More >

Mother’s Day Special at The Pickle GalleryGetting Mum a gift she’ll love has never been so easy! Until Mother’s Day, receive $5 off your online order when you spend $20 or more... Read More >

LBW Chartered Accountants embrace Corporate Social ResponsibilityOn Wednesday 14th March, 2012 a group of fifty staff from LBW Chartered Accountants left their suits and calculators at the office, put on some casual attire and picked up some gardening tools to spend half a day at St Laurence Park in Lara to assist in giving the Park a ‘facelift’. Read More >

St Laurence Human Library 2012DO YOU KNOW A LIVING BOOK? A Living book is any person with a story to tell. St Laurence is recruiting NOW for a Human Library to be launched at Blokes Day Out in Geelong on 1 April 2012. Closing date for refferals fast approaching! Read More >

Music as therapy - Music was the first painkillerEvery Friday the band Not Quiet Right from Ballarat make music to clear their minds and help heal their heads; however it's more than teen angst or rebellion that drives this band's urge for rock and roll salvation. Read More >

The Pickle Gallery now online!The Pickle Gallery is an Australian Disability Enterprise of St Laurence, located in Colac Victoria, uses local produce to create some of the region’s finest jams, preserves and pickles. The Pickle Gallery now has a website that products produced can be purchased from. Visit www.thepicklegallery.com.au Read More >

St Laurence 2011 Annual Report now available The St Laurence Annual Report 2011 is now available for download. If you would like a hard copy please contact Honnie Strachan on 5246 4504. Read More >

Every Australian Counts - National Disability Insurance SchemePlease use the link below to support the 'Every Australian Counts' campaign. This campaign needs 250,000 people signed up to ensure the scheme is funded federally. Read More >

Social Inclusion Conference PresentationsSt Laurence in partnership with G21 hosted a Social Inclusion Conference on 16 April 2010 at the Four Points Sheraton. Guest speakers included: Professorial Fellow Paul Smyth (University of Melbourne and Brotherhood of St Laurence), Anne Somerville (G21 Director Health and Well Being) and Gavin Dufty (Research and Policy Manager St Vincent de Paul). This presentation material is now availble for download. Read More >

Last Next

2009	October 3rd marked the 50th anniversary of the official opening by the Governor of the State of Victoria, Sir Dallas Brookes of St Laurence Park. A celebratory luncheon was held and a resident of the Park, Diana Daly produced a history book which was presented at the event.
2009	This year marked the 120th Anniversary of the opening of Austin Hall. On 25th May 1889, Mrs. Austin formally presented the Clock and Buildings to the people of Geelong. A celebratory afternoon tea event was held.
2009	A grant was announced by Peter Garrett - Minister for Environment, Heritage and The Arts for the restoration of Austin Homes, Geelong.
2009	Chief Executive Officer Michelle Plane resigns and Toby Connor commences.
2008	The St Laurence Care Farm is created at Costa House Residential Aged Care at St Laurence Park, Lara and is the first of its kind in Australia which supports dementia sufferer needs. The Care Farm was officially opened by the Federal Minister for Ageing The Hon Justine Elliot MP.
2008	New enterprise St Laurence Paper Services was officially opened by the Hon. Bill Shorten MP Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services.
2008	The Percy Baxter Charitable Trust and the Marion EH Flack Trust provided grants totalling $100,000 which allowed the major renovations of the Tucker Court apartments at St Laurence Park Retirement Village in Lara.
2007	Disability Services, Cox Road site Corio was redeveloped. Geelong Football Club broke its 44 year premiership drought by winning the AFL Grand Final.
2007	St Laurence Lodge, a retreat offering significant opportunities for people with dementia, people with disabilities and carers of both client groups was purchased and launched.
2006	St Laurence celebrates ten years as an independent organisation after the Brotherhood of St Laurence divested its Geelong region operations.
2006	Expansion of Employment Services opening new branches of Job Network services in Horsham, Ararat and Stawell. New services established to provide Community Work Coordinator services in Geelong, Colac and Warrnambool. Further support services provided to people with a disability seeking open employment, in Geelong, Colac and Warrnambool.
2006	A Special General Meeting is held and the word Barwon is removed to form a name change to now be St Laurence Community Services Inc.
2005	The redevelopment of an aged care centre into a Centre of Excellence for Vocational Education and Training for young people with disabilities is completed and opened at Pakington Street, West Geelong.
2005	The Eric Hart Centre celebrates its 20th year of operation, a celebratory afternoon tea is held.
2004	St Laurence wins Geelong Advertiser Business Excellence Award for Government Funded Services.
2003	Tucker Court stage one beautification project in conjunction with Lions Club of Lara commences as part of 40th Anniversary of Tucker Court celebrations. In 2004 Tucker Court beautification project stage two is completed incorporating relocation of the resident's games room and updated outdoor area.
2003	Inaugural St Laurence Week is held, February 23 to March 2, celebrating the role of Community Organisations in our community, with a theme of " your community ... our community"
2002	St Laurence's first CEO, Graeme Bound, retires being replaced by Michelle Plane

2002	St Laurence introduces new logo
2002	St Laurence is handed over trusteeship and management of the Austin and Baxter Homes from the Geelong and Western District Woman's Benevolent Association
2002	St Laurence holds Inaugural Annual Dinner with Guest Speaker Ann Sherry, CEO Bank of Melbourne
2001	St Laurence undertakes it's first major restructure Costa House is officially opened
2000	St Laurence opens Employment Services in Warrnambool Lions Adult Services, Colac, merges with St Laurence
1999	Corilong Inc. merges with St Laurence
1998	St Laurence wins major employment service contract in the newly formed "Job Network" in Geelong and Colac
1996	St Laurence Community Services (Barwon) Inc. commences operations taking over the Brotherhood of St Laurence's Barwon operations.
1993	Labour Market Programs commences operations in the Barwon region delivering services to the unemployed

1992	Family Services commence operations providing services to families including no interest loans
1988	St Laurence House opened providing a place where "confused people"* could be cared for on a daily or overnight basis
1985	Eric Hart Activities Centre, St Laurence Park, opened
1982	Flinders Lodge, St Laurence Park, opened providing nursing home accommodation and care for the elderly
1974	Death of the founder of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Father Gerard Tucker
1973	Hume Court, St Laurence Park, opened providing hostel accommodation for the elderly
1968	Tucker Court, St Laurence Park, opened providing self contained flats for the elderly First St Laurence Park Fair held
1962	"Avalon", Corio, given to the Brotherhood of St Laurence for use as a conference centre
1959	St Laurence Park, Lara opens with 4 cottages St Laurence Op Shop Auxiliary formed First Geelong BSL Op Shop opened

1958	The Brotherhood of St Laurence purchases land in Lara for a settlement for the elderly in the Geelong Region

About Us

Our History