History

The property at Emu Park known as 'The Haven' was purchased by the Sisters of St Joseph in November 1946.  At the time of purchase what has been described as a 'fine old Queenslander' stood on the property. In this house the large room facing the sea became a chapel. The rest of the house, apart from the side verandah and a room towards the back of the building, was used as sleeping quarters. Meals were prepared in the back room and served on the verandah. In 1947 the Sisters purchased an 'army hut' and had it erected next to the house. Thus a new dormitory was ready for the 1948 Christmas vacation. It was also possible for the sisters' annual retreat to be conducted at the Haven that year because a cottage had been erected to house a resident priest.

Ten years were to pass before the next building - a chapel—was erected, and in December 1958 it was blessed and the first Mass was offered by Fr K. Schmidt, the resident chaplain for the holidays.  In October 1962, building commenced on a new dining room and kitchen. This building, next to the original house was completed in time for the Christmas holidays.

During 1965 the 'army hut' and the house were demolished and replaced by a new two-storey building. Some interesting features were incorporated into the work built-in cupboards and bedsteads, the ceiling of the sleeping areas was curved to give the impression of the cabin of a ship. Care was taken to see that the building could withstand a cyclone, and the ventilation was such to allow for the maximum flow of sea breeze. A new cottage for a resident chaplain was also part of the project. The Sisters took up residence in this new building in December 1965.

Over the years when the Sisters were not using the accommodation, other groups made use of 'The Haven' for retreats, school camps and prayer days. The first recorded group to do so was the senior boys from the Christian Brother College in July 1962.  On 30 November 1972, Bishop Rush of Rockhampton proposed that the Haven be open to priests, parish groups and school groups for retreats and other gatherings. During that year over twenty groups used The Haven and over the following years the calls for its use multiplied. This prompted the Sisters to provide for a resident community of Josephites to facilitate its use and to care for the buildings and grounds. In 1985 plans were set afoot for the building of a four bed-roomed house on the property and in June 1986 two Sisters took up residence.

In 1996, fifty years had passed since the  Sisters of St Joseph had purchased 'The Haven'. To mark this jubilee the Sisters erected a small cottage, named 'Jubilee Cottage' near the front gate. This, together with the original small house used as a priest's residence was offered as a place where needy families could have a low-cost holiday by the sea.

The year 2007 marks another milestone in the development of 'The Haven' as a place of refreshment, prayer, education and a place for sharing friendship. This year is the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the ordination of the co-founder of the Josephites, Fr Julian Tenison Woods. It is fitting that the redevelopment has made ecology a primary focus both in the structure and fittings of the buildings, in the education programme being offered, and in the landscaping of the grounds.

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