June 7 The Government allocates 6 acres to the Goodwin Centre Development Association in the suburb of Ainslie. Plans are drawn for cottages to house 30 single persons and 10 couples, which must be financed by Goodwin.

The Commonwealth agrees to build and maintain a central block catering to higher care needs and providing recreational facilities for residents
of the cottages.

The Government announces that it will subsidise one pound for every pound fundraised by the Goodwin Centre Development Association. With all building plans approved, all efforts are directed to raising the funds to commence construction.

The Canberra community comes together in spectacular fashion to support these fundraising efforts. Members of a local senior’s club open a very successful Saturday morning stall in Civic Centre, selling goods donated to help the cause.

The Government announces that they will increase their subsidy to 2 pounds for every 1 contributed by the Goodwin Centre Development Association.

The community continues to rally behind them, with businesses and many everyday people hosting events to contribute what they can. The newspapers report truly remarkable efforts by the public to bring the project to life, and the Thursday Club’s Saturday stall continues its success

Newspapers report on the ‘most successful fair ever held in Canberra’, planned as a fundraiser for the homes. Over 2400 pounds is raised.

April 4 Goodwin Village Ainslie (named Goodwin Homes for the Aged) is officially opened by Her Excellency Lady Slim. It comprises 6 units, each fit to house a married couple. Further construction is planned for the coming months.

Construction commences on more cottages along with the government-owned central block that will house aged people with higher care needs.

July 22 Goodwin House, the first aged care facility in Canberra, is officially opened by Prime Minister Robert Menzies next to the retirement village already located on the Ainslie block. The concept allows for Canberra residents to ‘age in place’, transitioning easily from retirement living across to residential care when needed. 

Eight more units are built at ‘Goodwin Centre’, a collective name for Goodwin House and its’ surrounding cottages.

Twenty more units are built at Goodwin Centre, and a further twenty are planned to be built.

The Goodwin Centre Stall continues to provide consistent funding for extensions, along with community fundraisers.

The Goodwin Centre Development Association apply for land in the southern side of Canberra to develop more homes. The National Capital Development Commission approves a seven acre block in Farrer, and plans are drafted for more cottages and another aged care facility. The government agrees to finance the aged facility, as was done with Goodwin House, providing Goodwin can build the cottages.

All extensions to Ainslie are announced to have been completed, and the complex now boasts 62 self-contained cottage units and 68 Goodwin House rooms.

Architectural drawings for Farrer development are submitted to the government for approval. Fundraising efforts are increased as finances cannot yet permit construction to begin.  

Goodwin Centre Development Association is renamed Goodwin Homes for the Aged Inc. 

Architectural drawings for Farrer development are accepted and President George Sautelle announces that finances to commence the project have been secured. Unfortunately, tenders for construction exceed costs expected, and the project is stalled.

Construction finally begins on a second Goodwin retirement village and residential care facility in Farrer.

Construction on the first 22 cottages at Farrer is competed, and first residents are welcomed later in the year as construction on further elements of the site continues. 

September 6 Goodwin Village Farrer and George Sautelle House are officially opened by Hon R. J. Ellicott Q.C. M.P., Minister for the ACT.

On 5 July, an official permanent ‘Goodwin Op Shoppe’ is opened in Ainslie. It continues to sell donated goods and relies on volunteer workers to operate.

Land is approved for development in Monash and site plans are drawn up for a new retirement living village. 

The popular Goodwin Civic Centre Stall closes, having run for almost 35 years.

Construction on a third village in Monash commences, completing the first stage later that year. It is officially opened 24 October by Senator Margaret Reid. 

Goodwin House and George Sautelle House are handed over to Goodwin ownership. Previously, the government had owned the buildings while Goodwin had managed the operations.

Construction of a residential care facility at Monash commences. The first ‘turning of the sod’ is performed by ACT Chief Minister Kate Carnell.

Construction is completed on a new residential aged care facility in Monash. It is named Ralph Cartwright Centre in honour of the most recent president. It is opened officially on 30 August by Hon. Bronwyn Bishop MP, Commonwealth Minister for Aged Care.

Ralph Cartwright Centre, Monash, recieves an extension and occupancy increases by 20 beds. 

A new logo is introduced, the Goodwin purple swan. Its’ grace, dignity and wisdom emphasise Goodwin’s core values. 

On May 12, Goodwin House is fully redeveloped along with most of Goodwin Village Ainslie.

Construction commences on David Harper House July 30, an aged care facility next to Goodwin Village Monash.

13 September the Monash Clubhouse opens. 

Goodwin Community Day Club Gowrie, the first Day Club, is formed from an old ACT Health program. The building undergoes renovations and opens in December. Goodwin purchases land in Crace, with a view to develop another retirement living village.

The Central (Goodwin Village Crace) commences building. 

David Harper House completes construction and is officially opened. 

The Central (Goodwin Village Crace) completes stage one of building in September.

Queanbeyan Day Club begins fitout and the first Wellness Centre is opened in Monash by ACT Minister for Ageing, Mick Gentleman.

Goodwin opens a Day Club in Belconnen, taking over former ACT Health Directorate service Belconnen Aged Day Care.

Queanbeyan Day Club completes development and commences operation. 

Goodwin’s Belconnen Day Club is moved to be onsite at Goodwin Village Crace, where construction is now finalised. 

Construction commences on a Day Club for Monash. 

February 22 plans to redevelop George Sautelle House and Goodwin Village Farrer are approved and construction commences later in the year. 

August 15 Goodwin’s Day Club in Gowrie moves onsite to Monash and is officially opened. 

Following a highly successful pilot program that partnered with the University of Canberra, Goodwin employs Australia’s first onsite pharmacist. 

Goodwin Village Farrer’s redevelopment completes.  

Goodwin Village Crace open a Wellness Centre. 

Goodwin acquires 2.1 h in Downer with a view to develop another retirement living village. 

Goodwin acquires The Manor, a retirement living village in Batemans Bay. 

Redevelopment of George Sautelle House is completed.

Goodwin acquires residential care facility The Glen, located in Batemans Bay. 

Queanbeyan Day Club is planned to relocate to a new building.  

The new Queanbeyan Day Club building is opened and welcomes back clients.