150 Years of The Infants’ Home: A Brief History

Sydney was a harsh and unforgiving city in its early years, especially for unmarried and deserted mothers. Desperate, with nowhere else to turn, they often abandoned their babies or turned to infanticide or suicide.

A group of forward-thinking women united to create a home for abandoned infants and unmarried mothers and their children. On 15 May 1874, the Sydney Foundling Institute was established in Victoria Street, Darlinghurst. It was the first home in Australia to cater for abandoned children and to provide accommodation for unmarried mothers and their babies. Modelled on the Foundling Hospital in Britain, the Sydney Foundling Institute believed that mothers and babies must be kept together in the first instance.

The first ‘foundling’ was left on the steps of the Institute on 3 June 1874. The tiny three-week old baby was christened Sydney Hope by the committee, named after the city in which he was born and for the hope he inspired. Hope grew up to become a successful businessman and a lifelong supporter of The Infants’ Home.

After two difficult years in the city, the Sydney Foundling Institute needed to move to larger, healthier premises. Philanthropist Thomas Walker purchased ‘Gorton’, a house and land on Henry Street in Ashfield, which was then a rural location. Walker paid £3,000 for the property and donated it to the charity, which was called ‘The Infants’ Home’ from this time on.

Since 1876, The Infants’ Home has evolved and innovated to meet the ever-changing needs of children and families, always focussing on helping those facing complex and challenging circumstances.

Recognising the need for early childhood education, the first kindergarten was opened in 1897. Mothers living at The Infants’ Home also received training in essential childcare skills, supporting their future independence.

In 1972 The Infants’ Home was the first organisation in NSW to move from operating as a residential facility to become a Commonwealth-funded long daycare centre. In 1974 it was among a handful of organisations piloting family day care. The Infants’ Home Family Day Care Sydney Wide service celebrated 50 years of operation in 2024.

In the mid-2000s, The Infants’ Home expanded its services to include speech pathology and occupational therapy for children with additional needs. A new early education and care centre was opened in 2013 to meet increasing demand, and the Family Day Care service was rebranded as Family Day Care Sydney Wide.

Today The Infants’ Home provides integrated early childhood education and care and early intervention, family day care, an allied health service for children, a postnatal service, playgroups and parenting programs.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please email us at childrensservices@theinfantshome.org.au.