Fifty years ago on 24 November 1974, Araluen Lower Plenty opened its doors with a vision of a brighter future: to create a unique and permanent place where individuals with disabilities could flourish and find belonging outside their home or institutionalised care. Starting from humble beginnings in a suburban backyard, the move to our own 5-acre semi-rural site stands as testament to the vision of our founders who wanted a better life of inclusion and fulfilment for their children than would have been impossible without their determination.  

Our name, derived from an indigenous term for 'place of the water lilies’ and 'running water,' perfectly captures our founding ethos. Our waterlily emblem symbolises a wellspring of sustenance and nurture, reflecting hope that Araluen would become a place of growth, opportunity, and enduring support for generations. This vision continues to guide and inspire us today.

Join us!

As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we do more than recount our achievements; we reaffirm our commitment to evolve and empower. We invite you to join us in a series of reflective and celebratory events. We will release our schedule of exciting events very soon!

How your donation helps

Your support will help us capture and share our collective history and personal stories in a range of ways, ensuring our legacy remains vibrant and relevant, and that our events can be accessible for everyone in our community. Together, let’s honour this significant milestone, drawing inspiration from our past of determination, resilience, and inclusion to inspire a thriving future. Thank you!