Focus
Published to mark the significant milestone of 100 years of UnitingCare Burnside, Because Children Matter celebrates the achievement without glossing over the historical mistakes made by early Australian children’s care institutions.
In this way it is an insight into the routines and philosophies children lived with and how care for disadvantaged and vulnerable children has evolved in this country in the last century.
The book documents Burnside’s history from its Presbyterian beginnings with a generous donation by Sir James Burns through periods as an insular, self-sufficiency society within Parramatta, into the wide-reaching and modern advocacy powerhouse it acts as today.
When welfare allowed more children to remain with their families, Burnside’s role changed to strengthen family units.
Rather than simply housing them and protecting children, UnitingCare Burnside now works with over 13,000 children a year helping protect, advocate and provide support for vulnerable children and their families across 31 locations.
Because Children Matter details the hopeful work and innovative programs that are in operation through UnitingCare today, encouraging healthy relationships and increasing stability.
The book could have been strengthened by the inclusion of captions to shed light on some of the beautiful historical photographs included.
Nonetheless, Because Children Matter is a treat for readers who relish Australian and Uniting Church history or who are passionate about the care of children. A website has also been developed under the same name to encourage congregations and individuals to get on board and help celebrate the centenary.
Lyndal Irons
