Eliza Purton’s Historic 60th Anniversary

Respect recently celebrated a very special birthday – with our Eliza Purton aged care home in West Ulverstone, Tasmania, turning 60 years old!

To mark the milestone anniversary, our staff and residents, as well as guests from the local community, came together for a memorable morning tea (which included all the fun, colour and music befitting its groovy 60s theme!) 

The event was also a chance to hear from some of our leaders, including CEO Jason Binder and Board Chair John de Jong, about the home’s unique history and connection with Respect’s own beginnings and story. 

We at Respect are extremely proud of Eliza Purton and its wonderful history. The home was officially opened on 30 October 1964, thanks to the philanthropic vision of Mr William Purton, a local farmer who was passionate about ensuring aged care support was available for families across Ulverstone. 

During the home’s inauguration and community launch, which united local leaders with countless families from across the region, his Excellency the Governor Lieutenant General Sir Charles Gairdner formally dedicated the building to the memory of Eliza Purton, William’s mother. 

As our first aged care home, Eliza Purton’s origins are intertwined with the beginnings of Respect’s main organisation – a motivated group of community members who worked selflessly to ensure Purton’s vision became a reality. And in the six decades which have followed, we have proudly grown our commitment to provide exceptional care to older people from a local perspective to a national level – all while remaining not-for-profit and community-focused. 

October’s morning tea at the home was a fitting celebration to recognise the proud role Eliza Purton has played in the lives of so many across West Ulverstone and beyond – now for more than 60 years! 

And to top off the festivities, our Eliza Purton community was honoured to have resident Murray Applebee (who recently celebrated his 97th birthday!) officially cut their special anniversary cake. A much-loved resident with one of the longest tenures at the home, how fantastic to have Murray, front and centre, leading our Eliza Purton family in the wonderful celebrations!