A parcel of land gifted by the Dart family more than half a century ago is now the site of Carinity Brookfield Green. The aged care home opened in 1972 on land donated to the Baptist Union of Queensland by the Dart family. More than 50 years later, Brookfield Green continues to operate on the site, with residents, including David Jones, calling it home.
Nobody from the immediate Dart family now lives in Brookfield, according to Carinity, but the family’s land gift remains part of the suburb’s history more than five decades later.
David, who has lived at Brookfield Green since 2022, said the fresh air, trees, birds and grounds were among the things he appreciated most about living there.
A new home after 67 years together
David moved to Brookfield Green with his wife, Glenda, after she suffered a fall and doctors advised that he would no longer be able to care for her at home. Their daughters arranged for both of them to move into the aged care home. After 67 years of marriage without being apart, David and Glenda were initially allocated two rooms.
An arrangement was made for them to keep both rooms, using one as a lounge and the other as a room where they could be together. The arrangement allowed David and Glenda to continue spending time together.
Brookfield Green later helped the couple mark their 70th wedding anniversary with a celebration attended by family, friends and fellow residents. Staff assisted with photography, food and music for the occasion.
Glenda died three weeks after the anniversary celebration. David said the support of staff, other residents and the surroundings at Brookfield Green helped him through the period that followed her death.
He also recalled the patience and care staff had shown Glenda during their time together at the home. Their treatment of the couple gave David and Glenda a strong sense of belonging within the community.
A flagpole becomes part of David’s routine
David also suggested to the home’s manager that Brookfield Green needed a flagpole.
A flagpole was eventually installed outside the building for an Australian flag. David raises the flag each day and lowers it again in the afternoon, a routine he associates with his pride in being Australian.
David also values the outdoor areas available to residents and their families. He said families could use the property’s gazebo and barbecue area to cook a barbecue while children played nearby.
For David, Brookfield Green became the place where he and Glenda spent their final years together and where staff and residents supported him after her death. More than 50 years after the Dart family donated the land, the site continues to serve as a home for older members of the community.
Published 31-Aug-2026
