Blue Care's 70th Anniversary Service

Blue Care is one of Queensland’s biggest, not-for-profit aged care and retirement living providers, and for that there are so many people who share in my commendations today.

I applaud the fact that Blue Care is a ‘heart-led’ organisation – one that puts the people it serves at the heart of everything it does. Such an approach ensures success for both those delivering services and for those receiving them.

As a passionate advocate for improving the health and wellbeing of all Queenslanders, I thank you for the wonderful work you do in supporting our older generation to live their best possible lives.

It is often said that from little things, big things grow, and that is so true of Blue Care.

Formerly known as the Blue Nursing Service, with its Angels in Blue, Blue Care came under the Uniting Church Australia, Queensland Synod, in 1977, and although the name may have changed over time, the services on offer continued to grow and develop and enrich the lives of those who needed them most.

In August 1953, the first Blue Nursing Service in Queensland was established by the then Superintendent Minister, Reverend Arthur Preston of the West End Methodist Mission in South Brisbane, with the appointment of Sister Olive Crombie as the first Blue Nurse. The service could not have hoped for a better advocate and active carer for older people in the local community.

Sister Olive’s deep compassion and selfless nature saw her grow the service to a 24-7 provider with additional nurses assisting her. Today, Blue Care continues to perform Sister Olive’s great work, having transformed those humble beginnings into one of Queensland’s most trusted services.

For all the vital work provided by those in Blue Care – and particularly on behalf of the more than three million Queenslanders you serve each year - thank you.

You certainly hold a special place in the hearts of so many people throughout Queensland.