The Sargood story is one of vision, community and a belief in what is possible.
Sargood on Collaroy
Sargood on Collaroy was created as a world-first Centre for Holistic Wellness, purpose-built for people living with spinal cord injury, along with their families and carers.
The Sargood Story
This is the story of a community coming together to build something extraordinary
— something that continues to change lives every day.
— something that continues to change lives every day.
1916
Businessman Frederick Sargood purchases a magnificent block of waterfront land at Collaroy and builds a sandstone beach house.
1918
Mr Sargood donates his beach house and all furniture to The War Chest as a place of recuperation for returning servicemen. He stipulates that when it is no longer needed for this purpose, it should be transferred to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children.
1920 - 1922
The remainder of the current site is gifted to the Hospital.
1923 - 1959
With the help and support of volunteers from the community, thousands of children suffering from Tuberculosis (TB) and polio are nursed back to health. Donations enable the Collaroy Children’s Convalescent Home Annexe to be expanded.
1960 - 1998
After a vaccination for Polio and TB is successfully introduced, the site is declared ‘surplus to requirements’ by the Hospital. NSW Disability Services use the site to run a day centre for people with intellectual disabilities. Successive governments attempt to rezone the land for sale as a high-rise development.
1999 - 2010
The Collaroy Community Group (now the Sargood Foundation) is formed. Its vision is to continue the land’s original purpose as a place of healing. The Foundation organises in excess of $20 million funding for the design and construction of the facility.
2011
The land is transferred to the NSW Lifetime Care and Support Authority (now iCare) for the sole use of Sargood on Collaroy, to be governed via a unique partnership between iCare (50%), and Private Benefactor (25%) and the Sargood Foundation (25%).
2014
Construction begins and Royal Rehab is appointed as the operator of the facility, with mutually agreed objectives for achieving world first outcomes.
2016 - 2017
On March, 1 2017 the first guests arrive at Sargood on Collaroy. The Foundation continues to raise funds to finance guest stays, upgrade equipment and create education programs encouraging the pathway to independence.
2017 - PRESENT
Initiated and supported by the Sargood Foundation, Sargood on Collaroy brings to life the vision of the Collaroy Community Group to provide a place of healing. Sargood on Collaroy has evolved through partnerships with donors to become a one-of-a-kind hub for people living with spinal cord injury.
