Our History

1946

Following World War II, there was a significant need for affordable accommodation for older people in Western Australia. The Social Services Committee of Churches of Christ in WA (COCWA), a group of people from various churches affiliated with COCWA, discussed the provision of such services for several years.

In 1946, the Committee played a key role in helping COCWA acquire two acres of land on Somerset Street in Victoria Park. They initially planned to build duplex cottages on the site, but due to a post-war shortage of building materials, those plans had to be postponed.

1951

In early 1950, a Churches of Christ member offered their seven-room house on Rutland Avenue, Carlisle, to the Social Services Committee, along with additional land in Victoria Park that included a small cottage. COCWA decided to sell the piece of land but keep the Carlisle property and lease it while making plans to raise funds to use the property for aged care.

Towards the end of 1953, Miss Rose Sharpe offered the Social Services Committee her property at 2-9 Osborne Street, Joondanna, which included the land and two large houses. This also included a concrete building constructed by the Perth Bible Institute for use as their chapel.

1954

The 1954 annual COCWA Conference announced the opportunity to purchase the Joondanna property and the plans to use it as a Home for the Aged.

With some trepidation, the COCWA congregation agreed to sell the Carlisle property and buy the Joondanna property for £20,100 (approximately the price of six homes today; making it a very brave decision by the COCWA congregation to proceed).

1956

In January COCWA received a grant of £5,250 from the Federal Government, becoming the first funded aged accommodation service in WA under the Aged Persons Homes Act 1954.

1962

Adjacent land at Joondanna was purchased and 15 residential units built. Simultaneously, 11 units were constructed in Subiaco in collaboration with the Subiaco Church of Christ.

These units were subsequently sold, and the proceeds were used for future developments.

1967

After being allocated 4.5 acres of land at Bunbury, the Board constructed Bethanie Elanora Aged Care Home. Twelve home units were completed and occupied.

1968

A 41-bed nursing home and seven units were completed at Carinya, which is now known as Bethanie on the Park.

1974

Churches of Christ WA purchased four acres of land from BankWest. This is the land upon which Bethanie Warwick Retirement Village stands today.

1978

The newly formed Churches of Christ Homes Incorporated held its inaugural meeting on 15 May 1978. As the association expanded its range of services, it changed its name to Churches of Christ Homes & Community Services Inc.

1980

On 31 May 1980 the Menora Day Centre opened, providing rehabilitation facilities along with a new 17 bed hostel, storerooms, and administration offices. 

Additionally, in 1980, the first 30 home units were constructed in Warwick, and Churches of Christ Homes Inc. appointed its first Chaplain.

1984

Churches of Christ Homes Inc. took over the Geneff Centre for Elderly People, acquiring a property that included six acres of land, 41 home units, a community hall and an old family building.

1987

29 home units and a 39-bed hostel were completed at Illawong Village in Hamilton Hill. The project was a joint venture with Homes West.

Today, Bethanie Illawong still has 29 home units and a 39-bed hostel.

1990

By 1990 Churches of Christ Homes Inc. owned and operated 544 home units, 283 hostel rooms and 150 nursing beds, accommodating a total of 977 residents. Additionally, they provided day care services for an average of 50 individuals.

This year a 37-bed hostel at Kingsley Aged Care Home was also completed.

1997

The 50-bed hostel at Peel Lodge, Mandurah was completed.

2004

In June 2004 the first of the Bethanie 160-bed Aged Care Home was opened at Bethanie Fields in Eaton.

By November 2004, just five months after the opening of Bethanie Fields, another 160-bed Aged Care Home was completed at Bethanie Waters in Port Kennedy.

2006

The organisation operated facilities in 21 different locations, including Day Centres, Nursing Homes, Hostels, Apartments and Villas.

Bethanie also expanded its services to include those delivered to clients still living in their own homes.

2007

Churches of Christ Homes & Community Services Inc changed its name to Bethanie. This new name not only honoured the organisation’s heritage, but also provided the expanding aged care provider a unique brand within the Western Australian community.

Bethanie completed construction of its third 160-bed Aged Care Home at Bethanie Beachside, Yanchep.

From this point onward, Bethanie’s service lines were known as Aged Care Homes (ACH), Retirement Villages, Home Care, Social Centres and Community Housing.

2011

In August 2011 Bethanie completed construction of Bethanie Peel. The project attracted a Federal Government grant of $20m and provides 96 community housing apartments in Mandurah. That same month, Bethanie completed construction of Bethanie Dalyellup, which consists of 104 community housing apartments at Dalyellup, just south of Bunbury. This project also attracted Federal Government funding of $22m.

By the end of 2011 Bethanie had constructed 51 villas at Bethanie Esprit Retirement Village in Eaton. A clubhouse was completed at the site in 2012. Additionally, in 2012, Bethanie completed the construction of the Cancer Respite Centre for St John of God on a portion of its Dalyellup land.

2018

Gwelup Building Construction completed including a 112-bed Aged Care Home and 68 Apartments. Lake Gwelup Christian Church construction was completed at the same time.

2020

The acquisition of Bethanie Subiaco and Como Aged Care Home resulted in combined  additional  200 aged care beds.

2022

Completed acquisition of Bethanie Bert England Lodge, a 44 Aged Care Home.

2023

Bethanie opened the Bethanie Dalyellup Aged Care Home, providing 120 aged care beds.

2024

Bethanie has grown over 70 years to provide person-centered care for some 3,000 customers across aged care services. Our Mission focus has ensured growth from a small house to 20+ locations has been guided by the love of God. Through this dedication we can continue to  positively support ageing West Australians in our community.

• Aged Care Homes, 14 locations 
• Retirement Villages, 10 locations
• Home Care, from Mid-West, to Perth Metro and the South West
• Social Centres, 4 locations
•  Community Housing, 3 locations