Our History

Lutanda - A Diverse History

Over 80 years of experience

In 1930 Lutanda Children’s Services was established by Ms. Florence Dalwood. Ms. Dalwood, a teacher who had worked in George Muller’s orphanage in Bristol, England, saw the need for a similar Christian home in Sydney in order to care for destitute children. She opened the first home in Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. During the depression and the years of World War II, the children’s needs were adequately provided for through the generosity of members of various Christian churches.

In 1949, a purpose built facility was established at Pennant Hills shortly after Ms. Dalwood’s death. Called Lutanda Children’s Home, this new facility accommodated up to 60 children at any one time in more suitable and spacious surroundings.

A collection of over 150 historical pictures of Lutanda Children's Services

In the 1950’s, Camp Toukley was established to provide a seaside holiday retreat for the children and workers of Lutanda. Over the years it has developed into a Centre for school, community and Christian groups.

In the 1970s, Lutanda moved into numerous suburban homes providing out-of-home care through government funding and the Office of the Children’s Guardian. Today Lutanda has two Group Homes at Baulkham Hills and Glenmore Park.

In 2007 Lutanda Children’s Services and Christian Youth Council (CYC) merged, which resulted in three Centres under the Lutanda name at Mt Victoria (formerly known as Eltham Park), Yarramundi (formerly known as River Park) and the Toukley (formerly known as Camp Toukley).

Today Lutanda carries out its mission directly through its three Centres and two Supported Homes and indirectly with other like-minded organisations and churches.