Background

In the early days of the colony, New South Wales had a substantial floating population. The men found work wherever it was available and many illegitimate children were born. Mothers often had no support from either the father or from their own family and had nowhere to turn. Without help and unable to work, they often abandoned their young babies. Many of these children died but, even if they were found, they were often in an advanced state of malnutrition and the mortality rate was very high.

In 1873 a group of prominent Sydney women became concerned that little was being done at official levels to address the problem. Their concern led them to establish the Sydney Foundling Institution on May 15, 1874 in Paddington. When the service received its first government grant of 1,000 pounds and it caused a storm of protest from the public who considered that “The committee of The Infants’ Home was aiding fathers to escape their responsibilities”. The outcry continued when the committee decided to admit both mothers and babies. Prominent citizens, the church and many other groups mounted a strong campaign against continuation and expansion of The Home as it was alleged that this would encourage immorality and vice. Hundreds of letters were published in the Sydney Morning Herald, some in support but most condemning The Home. However, the demand was so great that another property, preferably in the country, was needed.

In April 1876 the committee had the opportunity to purchase the present Ashfield property, then known as Gorton. The Infants’ Home became the first and only home to cater for foundlings and to provide accommodation for unmarried mothers and their babies. The institution provided a safe place for infants and their desperate mothers who had nowhere else to turn.

The first Kindergarten was opened in 1897 when it was seen that the children between the ages of three to five were in need of stimulation and the mothers in residence needed help in learning how to care for small children.

It was incorporated under an Act of Parliament in 1924.