The original Ferguson Lodge was open by the Hon. Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister, on 30 March 1979. Located on the grounds of the then, Lidcombe State Hospital, Ferguson Lodge had 42 beds either in single or double rooms with communal bathrooms and represented the best in specialist nursing care at the time. This building supported hundreds of residents until it was superseded in 2011 with the current building. The Lidcombe Hospital site was in continual use for over 100 years, initially providing care and shelter for destitute men, then evolving into an important State teaching hospital providing a comprehensive range of community health care facilities.
Opening in February 2011, the current Ferguson Lodge hosts 24 private rooms all with ensuites, lounge rooms, kitchen, dining room and gym as well as ten 2 bedroom villas for independent living.
Where Does Ferguson Lodge Get its Name From?
Ferguson Lodge gets its name from the first President of the Paraplegic Association of NSW, Mr John (Jack) Ferguson. Jack was a former Member of Parliament, President of NSW ALP and Federal ALP, Chairman of the Milk Board, and Director of Royal North Shore Hospital. He became the first president of the Association which is a position he held from 1961 to 1969. With a working class background and a strong commitment to fighting for the rights of the underprivileged, Mr Ferguson’s support for the disabled through the Association was a natural convergence. His expertise in political matters played a crucial role in the development of the Association and its long-term direction. Active until his death in 1969, Mr Ferguson was sorely missed.
Part of a larger organisation – Forward Ability Support
The Paraplegic Association of NSW was incorporated in 1961 to lobby for specialised spinal injuries units and to establish accommodation facilities for people with severe spinal cord injury. Dr John Grant of Royal North Shore hospital came together with families and friends of people living with spinal cord injury, to form the association with a mission to support people with SCI through their initial trauma and help them live with dignity and comfort in their own homes.
Throughout the years the focus has shifted. The benefit of new medical treatment, community support and a better understanding and insights allowed us to focus on helping people live a full and productive life after the injury.
In December 2021, ParaQuad NSW officially changed it’s name to Forward Ability Support.
1961 – The Paraplegic Association of NSW was incorporated
1979 -The Hon. Malcolm Fraser, Prime Minister officially opened Ferguson Lodge, the first support accommodation facility for those with spinal cord injury.
1988 – The Association established the Attendant Care Service to provide in-home care
2001 – The new Ferguson Lodge was officially opened at Lidcombe, NSW
2003 – The Association moved to its first ever purpose-built headquarters at Newington
2008 – BrightSky Australia was launched as the social enterprise of ParaQuad NSW
2013 – NDIS scheme first introduced, The Association was involved in initial trials
2017 – ParaQuad NT office and BrightSky distribution open in Darwin
2019 – Brisbane office opened
2021 – ParaQuad NSW changes its name to Forward Ability Support
