Phone
Phone:
(02) 4577 2800
Fax:
(02) 4577 2627
Address:
1 Rum Corp Lane
WINDSOR NSW 2756
A legacy of care in the Hawkesbury since 1818
For more than 200 years, Fitzgerald Aged Care has been part of the Hawkesbury community. Our story began with a group of local people who believed in supporting those who needed help, laying the foundations for the community-focused aged care service we know today.
The Hawkesbury Benevolent Society was formed in December 1818 to support people experiencing poverty, illness, age and hardship. Its work was built on community generosity, voluntary service and a commitment to helping those in need.
In 1819, Governor Macquarie granted land to the Society, helping establish a source of income to support its charitable work. Over the following decades, the Society expanded its services, providing food, clothing and accommodation before establishing an asylum for people in need.
In 1836, a two-storey brick building was erected in Brabyn Street as a home for the infirm. In 1846, the Society also received the former convict hospital in Macquarie Street, extending its ability to care for the sick and vulnerable.
As the needs of the community evolved, so did the Society's facilities. A major hospital redevelopment opened in 1909, followed by a new building in 1914.
In 1959, the hostel became known as Fitzgerald Memorial Hostel, honouring Richard Fitzgerald, a significant benefactor whose generosity helped support the Society's work.
Following the closure of the former hostel in 1989, the community worked to establish a new facility. Funding came from the sale of the previous site, a bequest from Mr and Mrs Wymark, and a Commonwealth Government grant.
The present Fitzgerald Memorial Hostel commenced operations in November 1994 and was officially opened in 1995, providing accommodation for 40 residents in individual rooms with ensuites and kitchenettes.
An important expansion added eight beds, additional office space, a new kitchen, more dining space, a larger sitting room, a quiet room and laundry facilities.
In 2009, the organisation transitioned from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee, becoming Fitzgerald Aged Care Facility Limited.
A major two-year refurbishment program was completed in 2017 at a cost of more than $2.8 million. The project upgraded resident rooms, bathrooms and shared spaces, with improvements to accessibility, lighting, ventilation, infection control, safety and resident independence.
The works also included a centrally located café, improved library facilities, upgraded security and enhancements to communal dining areas.
Today, Fitzgerald Aged Care remains a community-based, not-for-profit organisation with deep roots in the Hawkesbury. While our buildings and services have evolved over time, our commitment to caring for residents with dignity, respect and compassion remains at the heart of everything we do.
We are currently working on plans to expand and increase our beds and services to include high dependency care and memory care, these plans are reliant on successfully obtaining Government funding and grants.
