From Mission to Profession

At the time of Federation in 1901, there was a small group of Deaf people living in and around Brisbane who met regularly for social activities, religious services and Bible reading classes. In 1902, this group formed themselves into an Association called the Queensland Deaf and Dumb Association.  Through this Association, Sunday Services continued, a lending library was established and social meetings held more regularly.

In September of 1902, Mr Samuel Showell was appointed as a Missionary and Collector. Mr Showell, himself Deaf, was the first of a team of Collectors who travelled throughout Queensland to raise funds and to make contact with previously isolated Deaf people.

The local Deaf population warmly welcomed Mr Showell. Under his care and supervision membership in the Association grew and work flourished. Appeals for help to the general community were so successful that a meeting room was obtained in Darraghs Building, 331 Queen Street Brisbane.

Members soon realised they needed to formalise operations to provide accountability to the public.  On 13 March 1903, subscribers came together to establish a Mission for the Deaf to be called the Queensland Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission.

Mr Showell spent much of his time visiting the sick and those in need and several cases of real hardship had been alleviated. Important work was undertaken assisting young Deaf school leavers from the Deaf and Dumb Institution find employment.

In December 1903, Mr Showell attended the Australian Conference of Deaf Mutes in Melbourne.  Resolutions passed at the conference asking State Governments to provide compulsory education for deaf children and calling for the removal of the prohibition on deaf people moving freely from one State to another.

Deaf people in the country areas were encouraged to maintain a correspondence with the Central Mission.  To maintain connection, a monthly circular letter was sent out to Deaf people to help reduce their isolation.

During 1906 and 1907 the Queensland Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission started farming on land rented in South Brisbane and in Redbank. These farms assisted in providing useful employment for the deaf. The cotton grown was of such excellent quality that it won first prize at the National Exhibition.

Invaluable support was provided by the general community to help the Mission. Many establishments provided free board and lodging to Collectors.  Train and tram passes as well as coach tickets were often donated. In country towns, local people provided the use of horse and trap or a bicycle. In the city, Brisbane newspapers provided weekly copies of Queenslander for the Mission room.

Largely due to the generous support shown by the public, the Queensland Adult Deaf and Dumb Mission was able to establish itself quickly and favourably. In 1918, after nearly 16 years, the Mission finally had a permanent home with the completion of a building on the corner of Turbot Street and North Quay in Brisbane.

In the early 1920’s, the education of Deaf children was a subject close to the hearts and minds of all those at the Mission.  Any opportunity was taken to advocate and increase awareness of the Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution to achieve compulsory education for Deaf children.  In 1924, the Public Institutions Act was successfully accomplished with the result of compulsory education of Deaf children.

As time marched on and the need increased for Deaf and hard of hearing Queenslanders, so did the fundraising efforts of the Mission. In 1952 the Queensland government introduced legislation requiring the registration of all charities that solicited funds from the public. Under the Charitable Collections Act 1952, the Mission was registered as a charity on 11 August 1953. At this time the Mission Council was considering a name change as the term ‘Mission’ was no longer considered appropriate as the aims of the organisation was to encourage independence and not to dole out charity. At a special meeting in February 1954 a resolution adopted, “that the Mission name be changed to Queensland Adult Deaf and Dumb Society”.

During 1967, again the issue of the Society’s name was given much thought and debate. It was thought the term ‘Dumb’ should be removed from the name because in changed times it was considered demeaning and might give offence to many in both the deaf and hearing worlds.  Despite the pressures for change, it wasn’t until 1972 that the name change to Queensland Deaf Society officially occurred.

2006 marked a big step forward in the history of our organisation. A partnership was formed with Deaf Children Australia to share expertise and resources. In April 2006 the name of the organisation was changed to Deaf Services Queensland to reflect the contemporary direction of professionalism in servicing the Deaf community. Deaf Services Queensland has stood the test of time and has tracked an adventurous journey from Mission to Profession. In doing so we remain dedicated to the values of the original objectives over 104 years ago – to provide services and resources enabling people who are deaf or hard of hearing achieve access and equity in their lives.

Excerpt are taken from the History of the Queensland Deaf Society, From Mission to Profession 1903-2002 by Sue Wilson. Published by the Queensland Deaf Society 2003.

For a comprehensive history of Deaf Services Queensland please contact our office to purchase a copy of the book History of the Queensland Deaf Society, From Mission to Profession 1903 – 2003 by Sue Wilson. Cost $10.00

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