What’s happening?
The Carinity Brownesholme seniors’ community in Highfields is celebrating 30 years since its first resident moved in. This milestone marks the realisation of the late Isobel ‘Molly’ Browne’s vision to create a retirement village and nursing home on her family’s farmland.
Why it matters
Before her death in 1985, former school teacher Molly Browne was regularly approached with offers to sell her land in Highfields. Yet she remained firm in her desire that the 120-acre property be used to care for older people. In her will, she bequeathed the land to the Baptist Union of Queensland with instructions that it be developed into a retirement village and aged care facility.
Today, Carinity Brownesholme stands as a living legacy of that wish, providing a peaceful and caring home for older Queenslanders.
Local impact
The transformation of the Browne family’s former dairy farm into a thriving community for seniors began in 1992. At that time, the only remaining structures on the property were a house, two sheds, a bore, windmill, and cattle trough.
The old farmhouse, then in near disrepair, was sold to Barry and Joan Barwick. The couple relocated it to Cabarlah and spent two decades restoring the 145-year-old home, returning it to a condition close to its original state.
In 1995, the first part of Molly’s dream was realised when Gloria Phillips became the first resident to move into an independent living unit at Brownesholme retirement village.
A few years later, Ruth Baxter relocated from her hobby farm near Clifton. Today, she is the longest residing current member of the village. “I heard about this place before it was even built. There were cattle across the road when I first came here,” Ruth said. “I love being here, it’s so nice and peaceful. I love the birds, the wildlife and the gardens. If anything goes wrong, it gets sorted out. I’m very lucky.”
Another resident, Ian Grey, reflected on the changes around the village over the years. “I have seen enormous growth in Highfields, and I’m still amazed at how it’s booming now,” he said. “It’s ideally situated, this village, and I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else. What I enjoy most is the friendship and the companionship of all the people here, and the kindness they show to me.”
By the numbers:
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Molly Browne donated 120 acres of farmland to be used for seniors’ care
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In 1995, Brownesholme retirement village welcomed its first resident
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In 2021, Carinity Brownesholme aged care opened, completing Molly’s vision
Zoom In
The final stage of Molly’s vision came true in 2021 when the Carinity Brownesholme aged care facility opened near the retirement village. This gave residents an option to receive more support while remaining in the same familiar community.
Joyce Larkens, who moved into Brownesholme 25 years ago, is one such resident. When she needed higher care two years ago, she moved into the new aged care home and stayed close to her community and friends.
“I am very grateful to the lovely, kind and efficient staff. They all look after us very well,” Joyce said. “The food is very good, and the entertainment keeps us busy and happy.”
Some of Joyce’s neighbours from the retirement village have also since moved into the aged care facility. They continue to enjoy their cherished friendships in the same connected environment that Brownesholme offers.
Zoom Out
Molly Browne’s commitment to helping others over personal profit has made a lasting difference in Highfields. Her 120-acre donation, made through her will in 1985, laid the groundwork for what would become one of the region’s most valued seniors’ communities. From a dairy farm with just a house and windmill to a full-service retirement and aged care village, the development of Brownesholme reflects the community spirit and foresight Molly embodied.
Even the farmhouse that once stood on her land lives on. Barry and Joan Barwick relocated and restored the 145-year-old structure in Cabarlah over 20 years, preserving a piece of local history.
What to look for next
With the retirement village and aged care home now thriving, Brownesholme is well placed to continue serving the Highfields community for generations. Molly Browne’s dream, a place where seniors are cared for and stay connected, remains strong and deeply valued.