Insightful Service Celebrates Juniper’s 75th Birthday
A heartfelt church service in Noranda to recognise Juniper’s 75th birthday has celebrated the aged care provider’s strong ties to the Uniting Church.
Article by Michael Gill, Juniper
The origins of Juniper aged care started with Hardey Lodge in Mount Lawley in 1949 and grew over the years with more homes being built through to 1977 when three denominations formed the Uniting Church in Australia.
Later, Uniting Church Homes was established as a not-for-profit aged care organisation to manage the homes and was subsequently re-branded as Juniper in 2012.
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell said the recent church service held at the Noranda Uniting Church was important to acknowledge the vital role of the Uniting Church in making Juniper such a compassionate organisation.
“The Uniting Church of Western Australia is essential to Juniper reaching its 75-year milestone, and our values of welcome, respect, compassion, hope and courage reflect the church’s vision to seek unity among people,” Mr Bricknell said. “It was an honour to attend the service and share in an even deeper meaning of why we support and care for older Western Australians.”
Delivered by Moderator Rev Dr Ian Tozer and Retired Minister of the Word Rev Chris Crause, the recent service gave thanks to customers, their families and the communities Juniper serves.
Proud to be part of the service, Rev Chris Crause said it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an amazing milestone that highlighted the legacy of the Uniting Church’s involvement in caring for those who need compassion and love.
“It has and will be a practical demonstration of the love of Christ in action,” Rev Crause said.
A blessing shared during the service wished Juniper staff good will to continue to passionately care for customers as well as continue to feel strength in their kindness and support of each other.
Rev Dr Alison Longworth – who coincidently turned 75 this year – was at the service and served as a chaplain with Juniper for many years. Inducted as a chaplain at Juniper Ella Williams Residential Aged Care Home in 2002, which sits alongside the Noranda Uniting Church, Rev Longworth said the location for the 75th birthday service brought back a lot of fond memories about the church and
Juniper.
“I thought the Moderator gave a fine sermon – I thought he shared his theology, knowledge and his skill to make it relevant to ageing and Juniper,” Rev Longworth said.
Thanks to Michael Gill from Juniper for contributing this story, and to all who were involved in the service which took place on 27 November 2024 at Noranda Uniting Church. Happy 75th Birthday Juniper!
