History of Lutanda Children's Homes
Lutanda was established by Ms. Florence Dalwood in 1930. 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 assist destitute children. She opened the first home in Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales. The home was run on faith, trusting in God’s provision for their daily needs. During the depression and the years of World War II the children’s needs were adequately provided through the generosity of members of various Christian Brethren Assemblies.
A purpose built facility was subsequently prayerfully established at Pennant Hills and Lutanda moved there shortly after Ms. Dalwood’s death in 1949. Called Lutanda Children’s Home, this new facility accommodated up to 60 children at any one time in more suitable and spacious surroundings.
In the 1970s, Lutanda moved into numerous suburban homes in the community. These programmes were established and continue to be based on a Christian family model.
Supported Family Group Homes:
Currently operating in Baulkham Hills and Glenmore Park, care is provided for four children in each home by house managers and support workers. Our Homes are primarily funded through the NSW Department of Community Services and are accredited with the Office of the Children’s Guardian.
Lutanda Recreation & Conference Centres:
Toukley Recreation & Conference Centre, originally known as Camp Toukley, was purchased and established in the early 1950s to provide a seaside holiday retreat for the children and workers of Lutanda. Over the years it has developed into an outreach ministry that provides not only for Lutanda children, but is a venue for school, corporate groups, church groups and school holiday camps.
In 2007 Lutanda Children’s Services and Christian Youth Council (CYC) merged, bringing Eltham Park at Mt Victoria, and River Park at Yarramundi, under the banner of Lutanda. CYC commenced operation circa 1945 at Mt Victoria primarily as a means of evangelism and discipleship.
These three accredited Recreation & Conference Centres at Toukley, Mt Victoria and Yarramundi provide facilities and activities for people of all ages and abilities.
Lutanda literally meaning “morning star”, was a Swahili term encouraging porters to be at their post and on watch when the morning star appeared – Miss Dalwood could think of no better name to encourage us to be at our post for when Jesus, our Bright and Morning Star1, returns.
The Mission of Lutanda
Lutanda Supported Family Group Homes:
provide a secure Christian environment, showing love and setting appropriate boundaries that maximise stability for children and young people. We give children and young people the opportunity to develop their own sense of self-worth and significance. We support their spiritual, emotional and physical needs by modelling a balanced lifestyle of family relationships, education, sport, work ethic, and religious expression. We encourage restoration with families and significant others where appropriate.
Lutanda Recreation & Conference Centres:
With Recreation & Conference Centres at Toukley, Mt Victoria and Yarramundi we provide safe, challenging and educational Christian camping experiences through school holiday outreach camps as its prime
