Our Story, Values & Heritage
Our Story
Founded in 1969, Martin Luther Homes began with a vision to create a safe, caring, and faith-driven environment for seniors. Today, we are proud to support hundreds of residents and families through our aged care, retirement living, and community programs.
Our Values
“Our vision shows us where we are going and our values tell us how to get there.” – Birgit Goetz, CEO.
Vision
For Martin Luther Homes to be a leader of Seniors’ Housing and integrated aged care services for the community, with an emphasis on German culture and providing spiritual care for its residents and professional support and training for all its staff.
Mission
Martin Luther Homes is dedicated to its residents and staff, and within a Lutheran Christian environment will continuously strive to improve standards of living and care, while aiming to provide a safe working environment for its employees.
Values
Christian principles (respect, dignity, spiritual care); Professionalism (integrity, ethics, quality); Teamwork (cooperation, openness, transparency); Adaptability (innovative, energetic, flexible); Accountability (efficient, customer-focused, results-focused); Protecting our community (staff, residents, volunteers, visitors and friends, from external harm while respecting consumer choice).
The man behind our name
Martin Luther’s teachings helped spark the Protestant Reformation; he translated the Bible into German and influenced the modern German language.
The meaning of our logo
The logo reflects the Luther Rose with rose petals and a heart formed by the MLH initials, capturing the organisation’s roots, ideals and spirit.
More information about our story can be found here.
Compassion
Caring with empathy and respect.
Excellence
Delivering high-quality, professional services.
Faith
Guided by Christian principles of love and dignity.
Community
Fostering belonging for residents, families, and staff.
Our Heritage
Martin Luther Homes is a community open to the world, nestled at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. Founded over 55 years ago by members of the community, MLH preserves its village feel and not-for-profit principles.
In 2019, MLH celebrated its 50th anniversary with a large open-air festival.
Origins trace back to 1945 within the German-Lutheran Church community. Through fundraising, government support, and donations, land in Boronia was purchased in 1967. Building began in 1969, leading to a functioning retirement village in the early 1970s.
The Lutheran chapel, opened in 1972, remains the heart of the village for services, cultural life, celebrations and education sessions. The chapel and community hall have been extended and modernised over time, and the property now features independent living units and beautiful gardens enjoyed by residents today.s.