10/08/2026
✨ Celebrating 50 Years of Lifelong Supports ✨
Our story began in 1975, when a determined group of local parents and families came together because there were very few services available for children and adults with disability. When government assistance was difficult to obtain and they were told their group was too small, they refused to give up.
In 1976, Handicap House opened its doors three mornings a week. Those early years were built on an enormous community effort. Families, volunteers, local organisations who gave their time, raised funds, maintained facilities and helped purchase the equipment and vehicles needed to provide local services.
One of the biggest victories came in 1981. After five years of advocacy and more than 2,000 letters to politicians and government departments, Ingham’s first Special Education Unit opened.
Over the years, services continued to grow. In home respite commenced with government assistance in 1987, we started our first supported accommodation program in 1993, and we opened a purpose-built Respite centre in 1995.
From those beginnings, our organisation continued to grow and evolve - more accommodation, community and in home supports, transitioning into the NDIS, providing Allied Health services, introducing Aged Care services and the opening of our new Respite house.
Today, Lifelong Supports has grown to more than 120 support staff and provides services to over 100 NDIS clients and 94 aged care clients.
Last month we had the opportunity to bring together our clients, parents and staff members to celebrate our incredible 50-year milestone. 🥂✨
A big thank you to our MC, Nathan Henderson, and to everyone who shared throughout the evening; our CEO Elizabeth Sutton, our Committee President Helen Shoubridge, Elisha Roveglia who spoke on behalf of her grandmother (one of our original members) Anne Lino, original members Sam and Lorraine Di Bartolo, one of our long term past employees Grace Patane and Rachel Bonassi, who reflected on letters from some of the original families.
We would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation, preparation, running of and packing up of our event. A special thank you to our CEO Elizabeth Sutton; as well as to Shari and Rachel. There was an enormous amount of work completed behind the scenes to bring the evening together.
We would also like to thank all of the wonderful businesses who helped make our celebration fantastic:
🍸 The Vintage Bar Co Townsville – Ben & Ashleigh for keeping everyone refreshed throughout the evening.
🥁 Antdrumz through Heartsongsau, for the incredible music and vibes.
🍽️ Michels Catering and Events for their amazing food and professional service.
🍩 Rise Doughnut Co for the delicious doughnuts.
🎂 The Cake Co by Erin for our beautiful 50th Anniversary cake.
✨ Luxe Laser Creative Co for our lovely welcome sign.
📰 Hinchinbrook and Cassowary Coast Life for joining us and helping to capture and share our special milestone.
Finally, thank you to all of our amazing staff, clients and their families, past & present, and to our volunteers, committee members, local business’s and community members who have contributed to our organisation throughout the past five decades.
What began with a small group of local families determined to create better services for people with disability, has grown into the Lifelong Supports we know today.
We are incredibly proud of how far we have come and look forward to continuing to support our clients, their families and our community for the next 50 years and beyond.
