History of Toogoolawa Schools Limited

In 1990 John Fitzgerald enlisted the assistance of clinical psychologists Dr Ron and Suwanti Farmer to establish a registered charity, Toogoolawa Children's Home Ltd, providing residential care to young teenagers 'at risk' before they slipped further into a 'street kids' living mode.

Recognising the need for specialised schooling for such children the first Toogoolawa School was established in February 1998 in Ormeau, QLD. By June 2000 it was clear that the Education in Human Values program (Educare) in the School was producing outstanding results, and John Fitzgerald shared his vision with Suwanti and Ron Farmer for Toogoolawa Schools to be established firstly in New South Wales and Victoria, and later in other states.

In January 2001 the Toogoolawa Children's Home in Queensland was closed so that increased effort could be focused on developing the Toogoolawa Schools Project.

By 2003 there were three Toogoolawa Schools in QLD, NSW and VIC. However in December 2011 it was decided that instead of having 60 students across three Schools requiring significant ongoing financial support from John, the aim would be to have just the one School in QLD with 60 students. Since an enrolment of 55 to 60 students brings with it enough recurrent funding from government resources for a School to become financially self-sufficient, the strategic plan is for all future Toogoolawa Schools to be of this size.

Toogoolawa Schools founder and primary benefactor- John Fitzgerald

 A successful businessman with a social conscience,  John has generously provided the major financial resources to establish and run the Toogoolawa Schools.

By age 26 he was wealthy enough to retire but instead decided that his skill in making money could be used in service to society.

John continues his successful business enterprises (see JLF WEB SITES ) and has chosen to share the secrets of his success via the publication of the book Seven Steps To Wealth (already a bestseller), a series of motivational CDs and motivational packages. Much of the profits from these enterprises are directed towards the running of The Toogoolawa Schools. (for more details on products and how to purchase them - see the 'How You Can Help' section of the website.

John Fitzgerald will continue to provide start-up funds for the Toogoolawa School at and for future Schools in other states, as well as covering all of the administrative costs for what is now Toogoolawa Schools Limited.