General News
24 June, 2025
Havilah reaches 30 year anniversary
This week marks a major milestone for Havilah Hostel Inc, marking 30 years since opening its Harkness Street site.
This year Havilah Hostel will be proudly celebrating three decades of dedicated service to the Maryborough community and surrounding regions.
Havilah CEO Tracey Saunders shared her pride in the milestone.
“Reaching 30 years is a wonderful achievement and testament to the hard work, vision and commitment of our staff, volunteers, board and the broader community,” she said.
“From the very beginning, Havilah has remained focused on delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Today, we reflect on our history while also looking forward to the future of aged care with confidence.”
Havilah started its operations on Harkness Street on June 25, 1995, after it was built on land donated by a local family.
Starting at 30 rooms at the time, Havilah has now extended to over 120.
At the time of its opening, The Advertiser reported the milestone “ended a long struggle to build the hostel which would provide accommodation for 27 residents”.
The Advertiser also said “the opening was welcomed by Maryborough’s business community and the biggest boost for the city since the opening of Allen’s and Australian Print Group in the 1960s ... The Havilah development will mean that many people who previously had to move out of Maryborough after losing their independence can be accommodated here, close to family and friends.”
Over time, the organisation has expanded to meet the needs of Maryborough’s aging population.
In 2013, Havilah expanded and constructed their first aged care independent living units in Palmerston Street.
In 2022, Havilah acquired the old Maryborough high school building, and the site became the Terrace facilities, offering thirty beds and a number of independent units.
This year, Havilah is constructing Boronia House, the $14 million facilities next to its original Harkness Street site.
The project is expected to be completed in early 2026.
To commemorate its 30th birthday, Havilah will be hosting a celebratory event later in the year with presentations honouring long-service staff, volunteers and supporters.
The event will also acknowledge the pivotal role played by the founding board and community members whose efforts brought Havilah to life.
“This milestone belongs to everyone who has walked through our doors, residents, families, staff and supporters. We thank the community for their unwavering support over the past 30 years,” Ms Saunders said.
From its beginnings as a small care facility to becoming a corner-stone of Maryborough’s health and community services, Havilah’s purpose remains unchanged, to provide a place where people feel valued, supported, and at home.
Havilah continues its mission to provide residents with the opportunity to grow, learn and enjoy life in their community, with various programs and events.
As aged care continues to evolve, Havilah remains committed to upholding its core values, respect, compassion, and excellence, while embracing innovation to meet the needs of future generations.