30/10/2026
As we celebrate the final day of our 50th anniversary, a lovely message from Eve Radford has taken us back to our humble beginnings.
Eve was part of the early management team, becoming supervisor of P.A.T.C.H. at the Proserpine Showgrounds in 1977. Her memories remind us how a small local initiative grew into a service that has supported so many people over the years.
One of the lovely photographs Eve shared is of the Centre's first car — a Ford station wagon with the P.A.T.C.H. sign on top (enhanced for better quality).
It was more than just a car. Eve remembers often picking clients up and taking them home, as well as taking them on outings and even holidays to Midge Point. A simple but important part of making the service available and creating opportunities for people to enjoy life together.
Eve shared memories of those early days: packing sugar samples for the mill, preparing vegetables for a local shop, pottery, swimming, cooking and growing plants. There was plenty of hard work involved in setting up a new service in a small town, but also wonderful support from the local community.
After leaving P.A.T.C.H. in 1979 to study in Townsville, Eve went on to have a long career in social work, retiring in 2024. She now works as an advocate at her local RSL. And she still took the time to send us her congratulations and best wishes for our 50th anniversary.
Thank you so much, Eve, for your service, for sharing these special memories and for reminding us how far we have come.
We also want to recognise Gordon Steele, the Centre's first manager, Wally Hinschen who followed him, and all the staff, volunteers, families, committee members and community supporters who helped establish, support and guide the Centre over the past 50 years.
Every contribution, big or small, has helped make WLAC what it is today.
50 years of care, connection and community. And what a journey it has been!
