Burnside centenary and the Centre for Ministry

This year UnitingCare Burnside is honouring its one hundred-year contribution to the social welfare of underprivileged children, young people and their families.

Read all about Burnside here.

The Centre For Ministry site at North Parramatta is a key part of Burnside’s history.

The large buildings on either side of Pennant Hills Road were homes for the children,  George Brown Hall was the hospital and Bulayu House fulfilled a number of different roles.

George Brown Hall was originally The Margaret Harris Hospital, opened in 1938 (see The Story of Burnside by the Rev. R. G. Macintyre, 1947). Bulayu House was Ross Memorial Home, opened in 1935 (see Burnside: 75 years of Caring, by Susan Keen, 1986).

Last year the Centre for Ministry built the “Burnie kids Track” through the bush beside the creek, to honour the thousands of kids who lived and played there from 1911 to 1986. It’s a peaceful and relaxing stroll, with a couple of spots to sit and reflect.

Two key events involving the CFM are happening this month:

• An extra special Ex-Burnsiders’ Reunion to be held on Saturday, October 15. Between 400 and 500 “Burnie Kids”, family and friends are expected to attend.
• A Uniting Church Thanksgiving Service in the CFM chapel on Sunday, October 16.

In Celebrating a Century of Care, Burnside has put together two wonderful products to purchase, available at the Centre For Ministry.

• The book ‘because children matter’ takes us on a journey to celebrate the history of Burnside and to share in its vision for the future: safe children, strong families, inclusive communities in a just society; $29.95 each.
• Commemorative Tea Towel showcasing the many Burnside buildings; $10 each from Centre for Ministry Reception & Library.