History and Development

RCWA Board inspects site and
plans for the proposed building development

Oakdale Services Tasmania has its roots in an organisation formed in 1952, the Retarded Children's Welfare Association (RCWA). As part of the commitment to helping young people attending special education services in Hobart, the Yalambee Hostel was established in 1956 to provide accommodation for out of town children.

In Hobart during the 1950's, young people with an intellectual disability, on reaching the school leaving age of 16 years remained at home or in state care due to the lack of opportunity for employment. This situation led to concerned parents of the Hobart Branch of the RCWA visiting other states in 1959 to inspect and report back on the Sheltered Workshop idea which was in its infancy at that time.

Oakdale Lodge 1997

In 1961 the branch purchased 267 acres of land at Warrane, with the intention of sub-dividing to provide means for the construction of a Sheltered Workshop and later on a residential section. The Oakdale workshop opened in 1964 with an initial intake of 14 young people.

The residential facility, Oakdale Lodge, opened in 1970 enabling those employed at the workshop to live nearby.

Building extensions occurred in 1978 and 1980 to provide further accommodation in the "Geeves" and "Dunkley" Wings and leisure facilities in the "Gigney Room".This increased total accommodation to 36.

In 1992 Oakdale Services Tasmania was formed as a separate company limited by guarantee to assume responsibility for the Lodge and it's now-defunct sister organization, Yalambee Hostel.

The Community Living Program commenced in 1994 when the eleven people who were living together at Yalambee Hostel were given the opportunity to move into smaller homes in the community.

Oakdale's Youth Services started operating in 1997 after a successfully tender with Disability Services.

The first of three Independent Living Units was built on the Lodge site in 1999. A further two were constructed in 2002.

Barnard family representatives with the Premier of Tasmania, The Hon. Paul Lennon, at the official opening
of the new Lodge facilities in 2005

On the Lodge site, redevelopment of the old "Ladies wing" in 2005 provided updated resident bedrooms, renamed to the "Pecats Wing", added the Acorn High Care Unit and incorporated the Ruth Barnard Memorial Garden.

Total client capacity at the Lodge is now 38 and there are also staff facilities.

The Company is committed to expand the range of services offered and properties owned or managed. Services offered to people with disabilities now include Acquired Brain Injury, Ageing in Place, Community Access Services, Community Living Program, and Youth Services.