MARIAN GROVE
OUR HISTORY
In 1992, the first resident moved into a 15 unit complex, stage one of Marian Grove. This came about as the result of a vision of Mary Help of Christians Parish Sawtell, to provide care and support for their ageing community. A group of ‘good catholic men’ pooled their skills and knowledge to make the “Sawtell Catholic Care of the Aged” vision a reality.
Today, what a community we’ve grown into! 231 plus independent living villas, units and apartments in retirement village Marian Grove, 101 beds in residential care facility Mater Christi, as well as Our Lady of the Way Chapel, The Grove Café and our Recreation Hall and Workshop.
The future needs of our community continue to inspire us to expand, innovate and grow. Our name has changed to Sawtell Catholic Care as a result of projects that reach out in new ways. But one thing will never change; our commitment to that original vision of an inclusive community of Christian care and the words which have become our touchstone - “We Care.”
Sawtell Catholic Care, it’s been a great story so far, with the best yet to come.
In 1992 our first resident moved into the 15 unit Stage One of Marian Grove, as the result of a vision of Mary Help of Christians Parish Sawtell, to provide care and support for their ageing community. A group of ‘good Catholic men’, amongst whom were names that many will remember such as Fr. Kelly, John Moran, John Plunkett and Austin Sheath, pooled their skills and knowledge to make the vision a reality.
Right from the beginning, the residents of Marian Grove with the involvement of the Parish Care Group were active and community minded. The Care Group held a morning tea to welcome new residents where they supplied the food and waited on tables. This soon expanded to include Mother’s Day luncheons, Father’s Day BBQ’s and Christmas luncheons. The Care Group also organised many outings for Marian Grove residents. The Craft Group has been a going concern, raising hundreds of dollars for charities for twenty years, as has The Workshop, truly giving back.
FROM A FEW SHELVES TO A MULTIMEDIA PURPOSE DESIGNED LIBRARY
to the wider community. Names like Jim Glover, Pat and Ray Roberts and Hannah and Bert Harris, great examples of people who contributed to make the Marian Grove lifestyle what it is today, will bring back many memories. There are so many other wonderful groups and people who have and continue to run activities, trips and classes, not to mention the Residents Committee who give their time to advocate for the population of Marian Grove.
And speaking of population, what a community we’ve grown into. 180 plus units, a 101 bed Residential Care Facility, Chapel, Café, Recreation Hall and Workshop are the buildings which house the many people who now live and work here, providing places for us to connect, support each other and enjoy life.
The future needs of our community continue to inspire SCC to expand, innovate and grow. But one thing will never change; the commitment to that original vision and mission which has become our touchstone - “We Care.”
SCC, it’s been a great story so far, with the best yet to come.
Thanks to Trish Plunkett for this contribution taken from our "InTouch" monthly newsletter, when Marian Grove turned 25.
In February 2019, we came together to celebrate Mater Christi’s twentieth birthday.
From the beginning of his ministry in Sawtell, founding Parish Priest John Kelly expressed his concern for the older members of the community and the need to provide for
their care. In 1990, a decision was taken to prepare an overall concept plan to address this matter. The plan included 54 self-care units, a 40 Bed hostel and a 40 Bed nursing home.
On 19 February 1999 after years of planning and work, Mater Christi, SCCA’s ‘Jewel in
the Crown’ opened its doors, and the vision of that early community was realized.
Since that day the needs of our residents have required Mater Christi to expand and grow, but the words that were spoken at the opening of Mater Christi in 1999 are as true today as they were then. “Mater Christi is a special place. The Mother of Christ is our patroness. Her guiding spirit is behind all that we strive for. On this special day we re- commit ourselves to her care, with the prayer that she will continue to watch over and bless our endeavours and will walk gently with our resident guests and those who care for them.”
