70 Years of History: 1954 – 2024
Francis of Assisi Home is dedicated to living up to our Vision, making us a preferred choice in aged care. Our approach to aged care makes our residents feel valued and cared for. This can be seen in our everyday actions and in the care provided by our dedicated staff. At Francis of Assisi, staff and residents are like family – from the moment you enter our doors, you will feel welcomed, loved and cared for.
Our History
Francis of Assisi Home was founded from a vision of compassion and care for elderly people in the Mackay community who had nowhere to go after leaving hospital.
In the late 1940s, Parish Priest Fr Andrew Healion recognised the growing need for aged care support and worked alongside local community members and the Catholic Church to establish a Home dedicated to caring for the elderly with dignity and compassion.
Land in Dupuy Street was purchased in the early 1950s, and the original building was relocated to the site in 1953. The Home officially welcomed its first residents on 19 September 1954, becoming the first aged care home established in North Queensland.
Soon after, the Franciscan Sisters from Malta arrived in Mackay to care for residents and help guide the Home’s mission and values. Their dedication and service played an important role in shaping the caring community that continues today.
Over the decades, the Home has continued to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of residents and families. New wings, care sections, a Chapel, dining areas, kitchen facilities, and specialised care areas — including a Memory Support Unit — have all been added through ongoing redevelopment and expansion projects.
Major renovations and rebuilding works were completed in 2005 and again in 2016, creating modern living spaces and improved facilities for residents.
Today, Francis of Assisi Home continues to provide compassionate residential aged care in a welcoming and faith-filled environment, while embracing modern systems and high standards of care.
Our mission remains at the heart of everything we do:
“Serving with compassionate and generous love, those we care for.”
History of The Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus
Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus were the first female religious congregation founded in the Maltese Islands.
The Congregation began in 1877 in Gozo, Malta, when a young woman named Maria Carmela Xerri formed a small prayer group devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Guided by Fr Joseph Diacono, the group grew through a strong focus on prayer, humility, charity, and caring for those in need.
In 1880, the group officially became a religious congregation known as the Franciscan Tertiaries, later renamed the Franciscan Sisters of Malta, and eventually the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus.
One of the Congregation’s most influential early members was Mother Margherita of the Heart of Jesus, whose leadership, faith, and spirit of compassionate love helped shape the identity and mission of the Sisters for generations to come.
Despite humble beginnings and many challenges, the Congregation continued to grow and expand its mission throughout the world. Today, the Franciscan Sisters serve communities across several countries including Malta, Italy, Australia, Brazil, Pakistan, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Mozambique.
In 1954, Mother Luisa Busuttil, then Mother General of the Franciscan Sisters of Malta, agreed to establish a foundation in Mackay, Queensland. Six Sisters arrived in Mackay that same year to begin caring for the elderly and establish what was then known as St Vincent de Paul Home.
In 1997, the Home was officially renamed Francis of Assisi Home.
Today, the spirit and values of the Franciscan Sisters continue to guide the Home’s mission of compassionate, respectful, and faith-filled care.
Life of St Francis of Assisi – our Patron Saint
St Francis of Assisi was born in Assisi, Italy, around 1181. Born into a wealthy family, Francis enjoyed a comfortable and carefree life as a young man.
After experiencing illness, war, and a deep spiritual awakening, Francis chose to leave behind his wealth and dedicate his life to God, prayer, and caring for the poor and vulnerable.
Francis became known for living a simple life of humility, peace, and compassion. He founded the Franciscan Order in 1210, encouraging his followers to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ through poverty, service, obedience, and love for others.
He is traditionally portrayed wearing a simple brown robe tied with a rope featuring three knots, symbolising the Franciscan vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
St Francis also had a deep love and respect for nature and all living creatures. He often referred to animals, the earth, and all creation as his “brothers” and “sisters,” believing that all creation reflected the goodness of God. Because of this, he is recognised as the patron saint of animals and the environment.
In 1212, alongside Saint Clare of Assisi, Francis helped establish the Order of Poor Clares for women devoted to prayer and simple living.
St Francis died on 3 October 1226 and was declared a saint by Pope Gregory IX in 1228.
His feast day is celebrated each year on 4 October.
Today, the values of St Francis — compassion, humility, simplicity, peace, and care for others — continue to inspire the mission and spirit of Francis of Assisi Home.