Samarinda's history began in the early 1960's when a local Ashburton group started work to create a Senior Citizens Centre in Ashburton. Their actions led to the development of ‘The Ashy' Op Shop and in late 1967 the Centre opened at its current site and the Ashburton & District Senior Citizens Welfare Association was formed.

From this point in time, the Ashburton & District Senior Citizens Welfare Association (which became known as Ashburton Support Services in 1998) became involved in many projects and services including Meals on Wheels, Social Support Services including Planned Activity Group (PAG) services, assisting and acquiring a 10% share in the Stocks Village Independent Living Units Development, involvement in the funding and development of Elsie Salter House, and assisting in paying for the Craig Family Centre Playground. In short, Ashburton Support Services played a significant role in the building and development of the community fabric within the region, and has assisted in providing many services to people who are ageing and who have a disability.