UPA was founded in Grafton NSW, during a turbulent period of Australias history. Still a young nation, in 1938 Australia was recovering from the Great Depression and was also suffering the aftershocks of a massive loss of life caused by WWI. It was within such a setting that the Founder of UPA, Thomas Agst developed his notion of practical Christianity, providing functional assistance to those who needed it, beginning with children in need that he and his wife, Rosetta cared for.

Today, UPA is a leader in quality affordable services for the Aged and has 71 centres and facilities throughout NSW. The centres and facilities operate across 7 regions in total " all united under one mission and structure.