In 1938 Charles Inman left the Red Cross his home and property ‘Airlee’ on the Esplanade at Point Vernon to provide accommodation for elderly ladies.
The deeds of the home were handed over by Cecil Inman, son of Charles Inman to Lady Wilson, wife of the Governor of Queensland, Sir Leslie Wilson. She accepted them on behalf of the Red Cross. By 1974 the Inman Home was operating at a loss and the Red Cross had to close it and the elderly lady residents were forced to find alternative accommodation. Only two found accommodation in the district and the rest were forced to move elsewhere.
Don McBain and his wife Valerie had worked as volunteers in the Inman Home and called a meeting of concerned residents to see what they could do to prevent this happening again. They decided that there should be a permanent home for seniors in Hervey Bay to provide secure accommodation and to meet their ongoing needs. This concern and dedication still drives the organisation today.
Following the first meeting, they launched an appeal for funds and had an overwhelming response. Mr Walter Burton, a blind pensioner, donated 10 acres of land adjoining his residence in Exeter Street Torquay.
In 1981 the Committee changed the organisation to a company called the Hervey Bay Retirement Village Limited. This name continued until 2007. Hervey Bay Retirement Village Limited was constituted as a company limited by guarantee.
In 2000 the company built its first nursing home. The building was called Shawhaven in recognition of the work done for the organisation by Reg and Betty Shaw. This was the start of a complete re-development of the whole site which ended in 2005.
In 2007 the company changed its name to Torbay Lifestyles & Care Limited but is still a company limited by guarantee.
In May 2011 we commenced a building division called Torbay Constructions to do our own building and to generate additional funds for the aged care facilities by undertaking external work. This division was changed to a company in November 2012. The new company is called Torbay Constructions Pty Ltd.
