The South Australian Baptist Association (now Baptist Churches SA&NT) was formed in 1863.  

1913

In 1913, the West End Baptist Church and West End City Mission was established to provide a safe place for people living on the streets. The church and the mission were built with the proceeds of the sale of the Bentham St Baptist Chapel. 

1920

In 1920, Robert Lavis, Superintendent of the West End Baptist Mission and his wife, Lucy, established a kindergarten in a California style bungalow, that accommodated 30 children. That site today houses the Westcare Baptist Church and Baptist Care SA’s WestCare Centre.

1949

In 1949, the South Australian Baptist Association established South Australian Baptist Homes for Aged. The first home to be opened was ‘Illoura’ in Norwood, which was a ‘rest home for aged people’. This was followed by homes Davoren Park in 1973 and 2004 and the Allan Tinsley Hostel in Morphett Vale in 1995.  

1956

In 1956, the South Australian Baptist Association opened the Mylor Baptist Camp in the Adelaide Hills as a place to provide camping experiences for school and church groups.

1998

In 1998, the West End City Mission and Mylor Baptist Camp joined to form Baptist Community Services SA. 

2008

In 2008, Baptist Community Services SA and South Australian Baptist Homes for Aged came together under the name Baptist Care SA. At this time, Baptist Care SA assumed responsibility for Mylor Baptist Camp, which became known as Mylor Adventure Camp. 

2013

In 2013, Baptist Care SA sold its homes for the aged and ceased providing service. The proceeds of the sales formed the Baptist Care SA Foundation, which exists to provide income for programs and services for which dependable funding may not be available. 

2020

In 2020, we acquired Tumbelin Farm—a working property and residential adventure therapy program for young people to overcome drug and alcohol related problems.  

2021

In 2021 we took over ownership and management of Wirraway Homestead, which was added to our suite of Adventure Camping services.

Today

Today, our services extend to out-of-home care, disability care, family wellbeing and support for young people who are refugees. With the support of local Elders and Leaders, we provide culturally appropriate specialist services to people who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. As an affiliated ministry of Baptist Churches of South Australia, Baptist Care SA also provides chaplaincy services for community settings and partners with local congregations to help churches build stronger relationships in their local communities.

About us

We have been expressing God’s love and compassion  since 1913.

Learn more

Board

Our volunteer board is made up of people who are part of the Baptist Movement. 

Learn more

Executive Team

Baptist Care SA’s Executive Team 

Learn more

Publications

Annual reports, strategies and frameworks 

Learn more

Strategic Ambitions

Aligned with our mission of expressing God’s love and compassion for people, especially those at risk by journeying with them towards their full potential.

Learn more

Get in touch
We’d love to hear from you!

Email us
Phone us

Acknowledgement of Country

Baptist Care SA acknowledges we work on the lands of the Kaurna, Peramangk and Boandik people. We respect the ongoing skilful custodianship of lands, skies and waters and the continuous deep cultural connection with Country. We pay respect to Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from all Countries, Nations and Mobs.

Ngadlu tampinthi Kaurna miyurna yaitya yarta-mathanya Wama. Tarntanyaku, ngadluku piipawarpulayi kuu Kaurna yartangka tikanthi.

(We acknowledge the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains as the traditional owners of the land on which our office sits.)

Ngathu putama nhu mraat, mraat Boandikat wulnuwitjara Berrinat ba mraatat mingru Berrin (I recognise this country (is) the country of the Boandik, the custodians of Mt Gambier and the country around Mt Gambier.)