- In 1910, Fred French bought land at Gravelly Beach on the West Tamar, where he established apple orchards and tea rooms. After he retired from his family business in 1924, he donated the land in Penquite Road and, after providing for his wife, the residue of his estate was used to establish the Fred French Masonic Nursing Home.
- The Fred French Masonic Nursing Home was opened on 4 Aug 1962, as the first Masonic Home in Launceston under the Trust of the Fred French Estate (Fred French has passed away 16 years earlier). Initially, it began as an 18 bed “rest home” for the care of local Freemasons, their wives and unmarried daughters
- Through tremendous community and volunteer support, Fred French was gradually extended and, in coming decades, grew to a size which cared for 48 residents.
- In 1993, a new wing was added to the building and the number of places went to 82 (this included accommodation for 62 high-care residents and 20 low-care residents). This new part of the home was partly funded with the assistance of the Fred French Trustees.
- Before the establishment of the Masonic Garden Village, the Board of Management also built and operated small independent living units at Ashlar and Docking Court. These villages have been continually updated and 18 new units were built in 2000.
- In 2016, Masonic Care Tasmania (MCT) was officially formed by merging Fred French and Masonic Peace Memorial Haven of Northern Tasmania Inc (together previously known as Masonic Homes of Northern Tasmania) with Freemasons Home (based in Lindisfarne and now currently named Derwent Views).
- In 2022, MCT merged with Respect, with the latter taking on management of its operations across Tasmania, including the Fred French.
- Today, Fred French stands as a leading provider of aged care services in Tasmania. Its rich history is a testament to MCT’s commitment to the wellbeing of older Australians, and Respect is proud to continue that tradition.
History of Fred French Home1962
Fred French is proud to share its name with the renowned local Freemason whose altruism and generosity led to its establishment and service to the local community – a tradition of selflessness, care and support that the home is committed to continuing today.