Ipswich Road Tramways Crippled Childrens Fund was established in 1951 by employees of the Ipswich Road Tram Depot, primarily for outings for the Crippled Children of the Montrose Home and the Childrens Hospital. Due to continued rapid progress the Fund was changed in 1953 to enable members to not only aid crippled children, but under-priveleged children as well, from every home, hospital and institution in Brisbane, consequently the Ipswich Road Tramway Crippled Children & Orphans' Entertainment Fund (as it was then known). In 1964 it was decided to again change the name of the organisation to Brisbane Tram and Bus Employees Crippled Children and Orphans’ Fund, in order to further consolidate the Fund and open the way for all employees of the Brisbane City Council Transport Department to become members. Various functions of the fund were and still are administered entirely for the benefit of special children from many homes in Brisbane and surrounding districts; The Fund sponsored 3 children requiring delicate heart surgery in Sydney and Melbourne, and all 3 operations were successful. 26 buses transported children and nursing staff to 2 or more all-day picnics annually. To continue with tradition, buses transport special children to the annual RNA Show in Brisbane. An Annual Art Competition is held for special needs children with the culmination of presentation of prizes held at the Mount Cootha Auditorium in November, 800 – 1000 children participate in this competiton.
In 1971 the ‘House of Happiness’ was established; A sea-side holiday facility at Woorim, Bribie Island for children with special needs, maintained by ‘Brisbane Tram and Bus Special Children’s Association Inc’ (initially ‘ Ipswich Road Tramways Crippled Childrens Fund’) and proudly sponsored by Brisbane Transport Bus Drivers. Community Groups are also invited to stay at the Facility.
The House of Happiness is a wonderful place to stay. It caters for up to 88 children / adults. The fully landscaped grounds are spacious and the centre is wheelchair friendly. The beach can be accessed by beach wheel chairs. This facility is totally furnished and contains a large dining room together with a fully equipped commercial kitchen including cutlery and crockery. Laundry and ironing facilities are also available. Included is a full-sized swimming pool together with a covered Barbeque area as well as a playground, soccer field, volleyball, cricket and basketball play areas.
In 1971 the ‘House of Happiness’ was established; A sea-side holiday facility at Woorim, Bribie Island for children with special needs, maintained by ‘Brisbane Tram and Bus Special Children’s Association Inc’ (initially ‘ Ipswich Road Tramways Crippled Childrens Fund’) and proudly sponsored by Brisbane Transport Bus Drivers. Community Groups are also invited to stay at the Facility.
The House of Happiness is a wonderful place to stay. It caters for up to 88 children / adults. The fully landscaped grounds are spacious and the centre is wheelchair friendly. The beach can be accessed by beach wheel chairs. This facility is totally furnished and contains a large dining room together with a fully equipped commercial kitchen including cutlery and crockery. Laundry and ironing facilities are also available. Included is a full-sized swimming pool together with a covered Barbeque area as well as a playground, soccer field, volleyball, cricket and basketball play areas.