Our benefactor, Mr George Marchant
Coral Grimley, one of the earliest residents of Montrose Home
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In 1932, the world was in the grip of a Poliomyelitis epidemic. Those who survived the infection were often left with severe physical disabilities - requiring ongoing therapy and care. Brisbane Rotary arranged a public meeting in Brisbane City Hall to discuss the best possible means of assistance to address the requirements of children affected by the epidemic. From this meeting, The Queensland Society for Crippled Children was established in April 1933.
In the months following, a businessman and philanthropist named Mr George Marchant donated his own home at Taringa to the Society, as our first residence. When these premises became inadequate for the number of children seeking care, Mr Marchant purchased the present site at Consort Street, Corinda, which he gifted to the Society in 1937. Montrose Home was able to provide accommodation for 90 children, with multiple services available, including schooling, dental treatment and even a barber.
Thanks to advances in medical practice, the need for treatment of children with Polio waned, and in 1959 Montrose reviewed its focus and found that there was a great need for assistance for children with muscular disabilities, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and other debilitating conditions.
In the early 1980s, our service delivery changed to enable families to care for their children in their own homes, with Montrose staff providing services and support.
The MontroseAccess model of service delivery is a combination of centre based, outreach and community based support services to clients and their families, so clients can lead an independent life within the community. MontroseAccess is committed to best practice and refines its model of practice in response to changing community attitudes and evidence relating to care and support of people with disabilities. In 2001, Montrose changed its name to MontroseAccess.
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