Endeavour Foundation

2010

• Hosted national summit for disability services sector on topic of National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• Inaugural flagship social event Grand Highland Charity Ball was held.
• Endeavour Business College was setup in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE to provide training and qualifications for staff.
• Created links with cycling community – Brisbane Coot-tha Challenge, Tour of Toowoomba.

2009

• Endeavour initiates G8 coalition of Queensland’s eight largest disability services providers, highlighting its industry leadership.
• The Endeavour Foundation Endowment Challenge Fund, a capital-protected nest egg of donations, was initiated to fund research and special projects from interest earned.
• Work began to acquire insolvent Sydney disability enterprise Cumberland Industries, saving the jobs of more than 500 people with a disability.

2008

• Nationally accredited $250,000 packaging facility opens in Toowoomba.

2007

• Great Endeavour Rally celebrates its 20th Anniversary.
• Business Services gain large State Government contracts, packing water timer kits for the Queensland Water Commission and Eat Well/Be Active campaign packages for every Queensland household.
• Recycled Clothing Store at Graceville closes after 20 years.
• Endeavour’s Latch-On service is invited World Down Syndrome Congress in Canada.
• New accommodation service in Gympie, ‘Bishop House’, opens.
• Endeavour Patron and Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC presents awards to Endeavour photo competition winners.

2006

• Townsville ATSS client Eddie Humphries and Maroochydore Business Service supported employee Henry Evans proudly participated in the prestigious Melbourne 2006 Queens Baton Relay in February.
• On Tuesday 2 May Endeavour CEO Kelvin Spiller officially opened reSolutions Employment Service’s new office at 1/1 Russell Street Toowoomba. 
• Endeavour introduces Criminal History Screening to both existing and new employees within Endeavour from 1 July 2006. 
• Endeavour welcomed a $336,000 funding boost for its Bundaberg In Home Services from the Queensland Government. The recurrent funding, which is part of The Strengthening Non Government Organisation-Sector Capacity initiative, will provide a Drop In Support Service for up to 15 individuals in their own homes.
• Approximately 100 guests packed Schonell House on Tuesday 15 August to officially mark the closing of Endeavour Place, Bowen Hills - more commonly referred to as the Endeavour Head Office.
• Organisational Quality Management System introduced.
• Endeavour Patron and Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, officially opened Endeavour’s recently relocated Head Office premises, Endeavour House, at a ceremony held on 17 October 2006, with the cutting of a ribbon and the unveiling of the Endeavour Foundation Stone.
• On Sunday 3 December Lynxden Residential, a brand new purpose-built home on Wilmington Street, Ayr, was officially opened.
• On 9 December 2006 the new Innisfail Respite Service opened its doors and welcomed its first guests, who ranged in ages from 6 years to 65 years.

2005

• Business Services pass audit and achieve compliance with the Disability Employment Standards.
• Coopers Plains ATSS held a special event on Friday 17 June to farewell clients  who were transferring to their new service provider, Multicap.
• Official construction started at the new Caboolture ATSS building site on Hayes Street, Caboolture, with a sod-turning ceremony on 22 July.
• On 5 and 7 August Endeavour fare welled clients from  Dall House and Clark House in  Nambour, to their new service  provider, the Cerebral Palsy League.
• On 12 August Endeavour clients from  Jameson House transferred to their  new service provider, the Cerebral Palsy League.
• On 23 August Yeerongpilly ATSS stakeholders gathered to say goodbye to Endeavour in preparation for Centacare becoming their new service provider.
• Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor of Queensland and Patron of Endeavour, visited our Kingaroy Business Service on 24 August to launch Endeavour’s first ever Daisy for Disability Day.
• Waterford West Residential held a farewell party on 27 August in readiness for its transition to Centacare.
• Endeavour Annual General Meeting held on 25 November 2005
• On Friday 4 November approximately 175 guests attended the Endeavour Latch-On and Windsor Day Centre Official Opening at the adjoining premises of 72 Blackmore Street and 1 Lane Street in Windsor, Brisbane.
• On Thursday 1 December Caloundra ATSS held its farewell ceremony at the Caloundra Powerboat Club. 
• On Monday 12 December CEO Kelvin Spiller attended Wacol ATSS to farewell clients who were transferring to Centacare.

2004

• New CEO Kelvin Spiller joins Endeavour.
• Latch-On® delivered by Endeavour for the first time, after entering into an agreement with University of Queensland to licence the program. 
• Endeavour begins to focus on aged care, with a workshop for staff to explore the issues and gain an understanding of ageing and how best to meet the needs of ageing clients. 
• A Prime Minister’s Award is received for ‘Excellence in Community Business Partnerships’, recognising the partnership between Northgate Business Service and Bluescope Steel. 
• An Endeavour Model of the Year competition is held, with more than 100 entrants participating. 
• Farming ceases at KJJ Dorney Farm in Townsville. 
• Toowomba farm and nursery closes. 
• Endeavour ceases services in Mt Isa. 
• CEO Kelvin Spiller and Chair Peter Short meet with Minister Warren Pitt MP, Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, to discuss financial viability of Endeavour, with the Minister promising that no clients in unfunded services would lose services.

2003

• Queensland’s Governor, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, accepts invitation to become Endeavour’s patron for her term in office.
• 50th Endeavour Annual General Meeting held on 28 November 2003.
• Mackay Business Service receives a Mackay Industry Tourism Award for ‘Excellence in Manufacturing’.
• Endeavour Rally voted ‘Best Queensland Fundraising Event’ by the Fundraising Institute of Australia.
• Development of award-winning client accessibility website Jackson.
• CHAP (Comprehensive Health Assessment Program) introduced after participating in a trial of the program in conjunction with the Disability Developmental Unit at UQ.

2002

2001

• Centre Based Respite in North Brisbane and case management statewide ceases.
• Endeavour recognised as the biggest manufacturer in Queensland by the Queensland Book of Lists.
• Endeavour Rally voted ‘Best Queensland Fundraising Event’ by the Fundraising Institute of Australia.

2000

• Lobbying from the Bundaberg Local Parent Consultative group impacted in the cancellation of the final increase in ATSS fees proposed for April this year.
• Endeavour to receive an additional 30% of government funding.
• Decision to remove Respite rooms in residentials and Case Management as a service.
• Specialist Services introduced- providing staff training and support.
• Launch of new retail campaign ‘Endo’s smart shopping by Endeavour’.
• Statewide Endeavour Doorknock Appeal – as held during the 1980’s and 1990’s

1999

• A new structure for Disability Services is introduced which reduced 24 Endeavour branches to eight Areas.  Eight Area managers to form the new disability services team.
• Revised abuse policy and procedures by providing Physical Assault Response Training (PART).
• Endeavour bedroom furniture in Toowoomba was awarded a Furniture Industry Association of Australia Award for excellence of design and manufacture. 
• Government introduces a quality assurance program to ensure business services compliance with disability service standards 
• Creation of 'Parent Liaison Officer', furthering the relationship between the organisation, parents and families.

1998

• Gained status as an aged care provider.
• Gerard Menses appointed Chief Executive Officer.
• New Horizons program- changes to operations.
• Gladstone office ran its first Sibling workshop.
• Endeavour website launched.

1997

• Continuing reduction in real terms of State Government funding.
• Introduction of Governance Policy.
• An increase of 345 people supported.
• Commencement of holiday care programs in four branches.
• Commencement of competency based training for staff. 
• Implementation of case management state-wide.

1996

• Board decision to re-enter services for children.
• An extra 345 people supported through the Board's Waiting List Reduction strategy.
• Two new ATSS's and seven new residentials established under a Waiting list Reduction Strategy.
• Appointment of three General Managers.

1995

• Noted increase in Accommodation Support, Open Employment and the achievement of new service places.
• Darling Downs Branch commenced the Foundation's first Competitive Employment Training and Placement (CETP) Service.
• ATSS day services were implemented in a number of Branches to specifically meet the needs of people who are aged or ageing.
• Each branch is now linked via e-mail.
• From May 1996 business has returned to near previous levels.  However, since the end of the financial year, the Federal Department of Health and Family Services has announced a budget measure of a 3% efficiency dividend.

1994

• Achievement of 210 new service places.
• Activity Therapy Centres and Training Centres were amalgamated under the new name of Adult Training Support Services (ATSS).
• Client and Parent Advocacy were incorporated in most branch strategic plans.
• Endeavour’s Certificate of Developmental Care received National accreditation.
• Endeavour was divided operationally into five regions and each region was appointed a Regional Manager.

1993

• Introduction of computer based skills development in a number of non vocational day services known as Training Centres.
• Further expansion in open employment through additional contracts with CETAP agencies.
• Acceptance of a Code of Practice for attracting, supporting and retaining volunteers.
• Implementation of the Certificate of Developmental Care state-wide, to provide skills and competency based training to direct care staff.
• Mr W.G. Jameson retires as Chairman of the Board of Directors and is replaced by Mr L.O. Edwards.

1992

• Commonwealth - State Disability Agreement comes into effect in July splitting Disability Program responsibility between Commonwealth (employment services) and State (accommodation and non-employment services).
• State Disability Services Act (1992) proclaimed.
• Mr W.G. Woolcock, MBE retires as Chairman of the Board of Directors and is replaced by Mr W.G. Jameson, OAM.

1991

• Establishment of National Technical Assistance Unit to examine obstacles and methods of change in employment services.
• Endeavour establishes "Minimum Outcomes" policies and principles to protect the rights of service users.
• Five Residentials opened - Charles Street (Cairns), Carinya (Lower Burdekin), Andrew Fordyce Lodge(Mackay), Ron McCamley House (Rockhampton), Highworth House (Sunshine Coast).
• Sunshine Coast "Independent Support" accommodation service established.

1990

• Six Residentials opened - Eyles House (Cairns), Blake Street and Tugun (Gold Coast), Riverside Lodge (Ipswich), Davidson Street (Sunshine Coast), Townsend House (Darling Downs).
• Four Training Centres established - Gladstone, Logan, Rockhampton and Townsville.
• Introduction of Jackpot Art Union.
• Client Information System and Client Income Supplement system implemented.

1989

• Three Activity Therapy Centres opened - Sunshine Coast, Gympie and Toowoomba.
• Federal Government review team investigation of Brisbane North Branch found very acceptable standards in the branch and its facilities.
• Three residentials opened - Ron Deguara Home (Mackay), Sam Milful House (Redcliffe and Northern Districts), and Koala Park (Gold Coast).
• Establishment of two Training Centres - Bowen Hills and Lawnton.

1988

• Parent Consultation Seminars.
• Apex involved in sport for people with intellectual disabilities.
• Branch "Shield of Excellence'' awards introduced.
• Significant growth in volunteer numbers, Grand Art Union and op-shops.
• Mr N.A. Collins announces retirement, Mr T.A. Barry appointed Executive Director.

1987

• Introduction of Individual Program Plans for clients.
• Increase in adult hostels by ten (six new and four Family Group Home conversions).
• Four additional Adult Therapy Centres opened in Cairns, Caboolture, Kingaroy and Roma.
• Introduction of Bride of the Year Quest state-wide.
• Endeavour responds to implementation of new Disability Services Legislation.
• "Endeavour Family" strengthens in community with 3650 active members and 3168 volunteers.

1986

• First State-wide Client Conference held.
• Record results for Tiny Tot Quest and State-wide Telethon.
• Aquaculture planning and construction.
• New Hostels in Paddington, Toowoomba, Southport and Townsville.
• Demonstration project - purchase of four flats in Rockhampton.
• Activity Therapy Centres established in all major Queensland centres.
• Integration of Endeavour schools into State education system.

1985

• "Intellectually Handicapped Citizens" Bill enacted in Queensland.
• Agreement with Queensland Government to integrate Endeavour schools with Department of Education schools Redlands/Bayside and Logan Branches formed.
• New Workshops at Bowen and Gladstone; Activity Therapy Centre’s at Gold Coast, Coorparoo, Wacol and Townsville.
• Endeavour has 19 workshops and seven farms, 1253 workers.
• New Branches formed at Logan and The Whitsunday.
• Endeavour Sports is a significant activity.  Competitions; many now train with local athletics clubs.  Northern Endeavour Sports held at Slade Point near Mackay.

1984

• Gladstone Branch established.
• New curriculum guide introduced to Endeavour schools.
• $6 million capital works program commenced.
• The Foundation's third Telethon raised $538,642.
• Support provided for more than 3,500 people with intellectual disability through 152 facilities.  
• Preliminary discussions held between Endeavour and the Department of Education regarding the future of Endeavour schools.

1983

• Clinical services decentralised throughout Queensland.
• Number of Members: 2760
  Branches: 16
  Sub-Branches: 43
• Endeavour provided services to 3440 people with intellectual disability through 19 Activity Therapy Centres, 25 Schools, 12 Sheltered Workshops, 6 Farms, 34 Adult Residentials, 24 Family Group homes, 13 Clinics (total 133 facilities).

1982

• The 'Queensland Sub-Normal Children's Welfare Association' changed name to 'Endeavour Foundation'.
• New logo adopted.
• Endeavour Sports became an annual event.
• Endeavour provided residential accommodation for more than 400 adults. 
• Kingaroy Sub-Branch became part of Gympie Branch.

1981

• Association has 118 facilities in operation.
• Currently 25 schools caring for over 1000 children.
• Pilot project at Toowoomba established for the accommodation of adults with severe intellectual disability.
• Endeavour Sports for adults with intellectual disability held for the first time.
• Association participated in the International Year of Disabled Persons, and the Severely Handicapped Educational Programs and Resource Development(SHEPARD).

1980

• 'Pathways Group 'and 'Queensland Sub-Normal Children's Welfare Association' amalgamated.
• Workshop opened at Burleigh Heads.
• Curriculum and Evaluation Review Committee established.

1979

• Brisbane Branch separated into Brisbane North and Brisbane South Branches.
• R.H. Kirkley Education Centre opened at Geebung.

1978

• R.J. Andrews Education Centre opened at Sunnybank.
• Twenty-seven sheltered employment facilities in operation.
  
• Infant Stimulation Teams set up (Speech Therapist, Physiotherapist and Pre-school Home Counsellor)

1977

• Mr. H.B. Green retired; Mr. W.G. Woolcock elected State President.
• Construction began on Sunnybank school. 
• Association established "Diploma Course in Mental Retardation".

1976

• Association purchased "Spring Valley Farm" at Gympie.

1975

• Twenty-one Schools, 18 Family Group homes and 9 Adult Hostels in operation.
• Pre-school Home Counsellors employed for Early Intervention Program.

1974

• Fourteen Workshops and five farms in operation.
• Mr. A.G. Brayne retired as President. Mr. H.B. Green elected State President.
• The 'Handicapped Person's Assistance Act' amended 
• Activity Therapy Centres commenced.

1973

• Association had nine Family Group Homes, eight Hostels in operation; Adult Hostel built on the Northern Farm.
• Operations commenced at the Clive William Taylor Farm, Home Hill.
• New Sheltered Workshops built at Bundaberg and Maroochydore.
• Extensions added to the Workshops at Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.
• Family Group Homes obtained at Stanthorpe and Roma.

1972

• National 'Tiny Tots Quest' held in conjunction with the 'Australian Association for the Mentally Retarded'.
• Mr. W.M. Shaw, Vice-President succeeded to Presidency.
• Sheltered workshop provisions continued to expand with facilities at Redcliffe and Maryborough.
• New family group homes built at Ayr, Nambour and Dalby.
• Mr. Shaw retires as President. Mr. A.G. Brayne, OBE, elected State President

1971

• Parkhaven Residential officially opened.
• Family Group Homes were expanded with homes operational at Kingaroy, Bundaberg, Townsville, Cairns and Mackay.
• School opened at Stanthorpe.
• Death of Mr. M.J.R. Anderson, OBE

1970

• First state-wide 'Tiny Tots Quest' held.
• Nambour re-named Sunshine Coast Branch.
• After considerable effort, farming activities progressed in Townsville and Toowoomba. 
• Centralised accounting incorporated.

1969

• Mrs T.S. McConnel retired.
• Association's first purpose-built family group home designed on 'an ordinary home in an ordinary street' concept opened in Cairns.
• Grand Art Union operations were computerised.
• State was divided into four zones.
• February - Death of Professor Sir Fred Schonell.

1968

• First regional clinic opened at Townsville.
• Gympie Branch formed.
• First adult hostel "Parkhaven" built in Brisbane.
• Toowoomba workshop the first in Australia to receive subsidy under the Handicapped Person's Assistance Act

1967

• Professor Sir Fred Schonell retired as Association President.
• Mr. M.J.R. Anderson succeeded as President.
• Redcliffe Branch formed.

1966

• Association cared for more than 750 Clients.
• Central Management Committee approved formation of Brisbane Branch.
• Mr. N.A. Collins appointed as association's first State Director.
• Sheltered Workshop activities expanded in Brisbane, Townsville and Toowoomba. 
• Henderson House at Mackay converted for use as the Association's first family group home.

1965

• Association cared for more than 700 Clients.
• Radford House extended.
• Further school extensions in Bundaberg, Cairns, Gold Coast and Rockhampton.
• Nambour has opened school, Sylvania, near the Nambour hospital.
• After period of very rapid growth, State Planning Committee began planning and rationalising facilities on state-wide basis.

1964

• Bowen Hills Sheltered Workshop opened.
• First State-wide Art Union drawn.
• New school opened at Maryborough.
•  The first boarding establishment opened at Hamewith, Toowoomba.
• Nambour branch formed.
• Southport re-named Gold Coast Branch
• Started physical training because they were concerned with children’s posture; have sports at Perry Park.

1963

• Maryborough branch formed.
• Construction began on workshop at rear of Schonell House.
• New school opened at Cairns, Lower Burdekin, Mount Isa.  Mt Isa branch using old Presbyterian Church lent to them by Mt Isa Mines Ltd.  The Barlow house school started on 25 March 1963 with 10 pupils. Mt Isa Mines Ltd given land on highway for school.
• November - Radford House officially opened with 33 children enrolled. 
• 42 acres at Wacol leased for 30 years to be used as a residence for teenagers to work in small crop farming, including the cultivation of citrus and lettuce and raising chickens.

1962

• Lower Burdekin and Mount Isa branches formed.
• Association caring for nearly 600 children.
• New classrooms built at Hamewith, Toowoomba.
• March - Mackay Centre opened by Professor Fred Schonell.
• April - Townsville Centre opened by Professor Fred Schonell.
• June - Professor Fred Schonell knighted in recognition of his services to the education of disabled children.
• Daniel Cummins Memorial Building for Domestic Science and Manual Arts in Townsville opened.
• Townsville boys making kite reels despatched all over Australia for sale; many other toys will be on sale for Christmas.

1961

• Radford House School purchased at Buranda.
• Cairns and Mackay Branches formed.
• March - Bright Horizons School opened at Bundaberg.
• Cooinda School opened at Southport.
• October - Parent-Child Guidance Centre at Schonell House officially opened by the Premier, Hon. G.F.R. Nicklin.

1960

• Bundaberg Branch formed.
• October - Queensland's first telethon appeal conducted with proceeds donated to the Association. 
• October – National Conference held in Brisbane.
• Senior boys at Bowen House now have articles for sale including wooden forms for the assembly room, teaching aids, containers for pot plants, clothes horses and bread boards; girls made table mats and serviettes, jams and preserves.
• Two older girls placed in jobs, one in a chain manufacturing plant and the other in a kitchen.
• 2 April 1960, new Townsville building; 4 classrooms, and admin block opened; cost ₤23,000 and already almost paid for.

1959

• Parent-child guidance clinic established at Schonell House.
• Association cared for over 200 children and adults between the ages of 6-20.

1958

• Townsville and Southport branches formed.
• Hillview School in Rockhampton opened.
• Bought property, Jordan House, which adjoins Bowen House for ₤14,000 to use as parent guidance and research centre.

1957

• Rockhampton Sub-Branch formed and purchased the property ‘Hillview’.
• First psychologist appointed.
• Amendments to Constitution passed providing for the formation of branches.
• ‘Hamewith’ at Toowoomba with 4 ½ acres of land purchased by the Association to be a day and boarding school

1956

• Bowen House Centre officially opened.
• University of Queensland inaugurated a Certificate Course for Training and Teaching Sub-Normal Children. 
• Under-four service started with diagnostic service and parent guidance for country parents who have no schooling facilities and who can set up their own ‘School in the Home’.
• Group for young people over school age started and meets once each month for a social evening.

1955

• February - Toowoomba Sub-Branch opened training centre.
• March - association had 350 members.
• May - 11 children attending Coorparoo centre transferred to Bowen House Centre.
• September - Mrs T.S. McConnel appointed Principal of Bowen House.
• Enrolment rose rapidly to 88 pupils.

1954

• April - Toowoomba Sub-Branch, the first branch outside Brisbane, formed.
• May - First issue of 'News and Views' published.
• September - Ipswich Sub-Branch formed.
• December - Queensland Government granted pound-for-pound subsidy.

1953

• Formation of association sub-committees - Medical and Educational, Survey, Finance and Appeals.
• Names of 300 children registered with association.
• August - opening of the association's first facility, an occupation centre on the verandah of Mr and Mrs R C Hooper's home at Coorparoo in which ten children enrolled. 
• December - Bowen House at Bowen Hills was purchased for 5,500 pounds.

1952

• Association involved in preparing register of children and adults with intellectual disability in Brisbane. The project was later extended to encompass all Queensland areas.
• July - association has 140 members.

1951

• March - preliminary meetings to form an association.
• Reverend E.C. Bowen – chairman
•  Mrs T. Pribberow - honorary secretary.
• June - 'The Queensland Sub-Normal Children's Welfare Association' is inaugurated.
• Founding president is Professor Fred Schonell, Professor of Education at the University of Queensland.