1935
Catholic Social Service Bureau established
In the shadow of the Great Depression, Norma and Connie witnessed a heart-wrenching reality; countless children entering Catholic institutions due to their families’ financial struggle and the lack of the most basic necessities — food, shelter, and clothing.
In 1928, Norma and Connie were awarded scholarships to study Social Work at the Catholic University of America in Washington. Norma and Connie’s first work experiences were in Catholic Welfare Bureaus in Cleveland and Los Angeles, respectively.
Determined to make a difference in Melbourne, Norma and Connie presented a visionary proposal for a new service to Archbishop Mannix, culminating in the establishment of the Catholic Social Services Bureau in 1935.
The Bureau’s social workers, worked tirelessly to keep children safely with their families, offering support and alternatives to institutional care. This approach set a precedent for a holistic approach to supporting families, and is the foundation for family services at CCV and throughout Australia.
In 1928, Norma and Connie were awarded scholarships to study Social Work at the Catholic University of America in Washington. Norma and Connie’s first work experiences were in Catholic Welfare Bureaus in Cleveland and Los Angeles, respectively.
Determined to make a difference in Melbourne, Norma and Connie presented a visionary proposal for a new service to Archbishop Mannix, culminating in the establishment of the Catholic Social Services Bureau in 1935.
The Bureau’s social workers, worked tirelessly to keep children safely with their families, offering support and alternatives to institutional care. This approach set a precedent for a holistic approach to supporting families, and is the foundation for family services at CCV and throughout Australia.
1940s – 1970s
Name changes to Catholic Family Welfare Bureau
Counselling services expand to respond to the increased need following post-war migration and post-war trauma & loss, experienced by community. In 1956, the Catholic Social Services Bureau changes its name to the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau to better reflect the organisation’s focus.
Adoptions arranged by the Bureau since 1959 in conjunction with Sisters of St Joseph.
In 1960, it was officially recognised as the authorised Marriage Counselling Organisation by Commonwealth Government.
Adoptions arranged by the Bureau since 1959 in conjunction with Sisters of St Joseph.
In 1960, it was officially recognised as the authorised Marriage Counselling Organisation by Commonwealth Government.
1970s
Regional offices expand
In the early 1970s, we began opening regional offices in Geelong (1972), Dandenong (1973), Footscray (1974), and Ringwood (1979), as a promise to bring support closer to families and communities in need.
In 1973, Fr Gerard Dowling reached the airwaves through the Family Counsellor Radio Program, offering comfort and guidance to countless listeners.
By 1974, our Marriage Guidance Counselling Services expanded, made possible by the dedication of Volunteer Trained Counsellors, who were passionate about strengthening relationships and thus, families.
In 1973, Fr Gerard Dowling reached the airwaves through the Family Counsellor Radio Program, offering comfort and guidance to countless listeners.
By 1974, our Marriage Guidance Counselling Services expanded, made possible by the dedication of Volunteer Trained Counsellors, who were passionate about strengthening relationships and thus, families.
1980s
School Counselling established
In 1984, Archbishop Frank Little appointed the first Board of Management, marking a new focus into schools, the heart of a community.
Two years later, in 1986, we launched the first Family Week campaign in Catholic primary schools, a fundraising campaign that has been running in both primary schools and high schools annually since.
Our commitment to supporting young people at schools deepened with the establishment of the School Counselling Unit in 1989, in partnership with the Catholic Education Office.
Two years later, in 1986, we launched the first Family Week campaign in Catholic primary schools, a fundraising campaign that has been running in both primary schools and high schools annually since.
Our commitment to supporting young people at schools deepened with the establishment of the School Counselling Unit in 1989, in partnership with the Catholic Education Office.
1990 – 2000s
Name changes to Centacare Catholic Family Services, services expand
In 1994, Cabrini Centacare in Malvern established in collaboration between Cabrini and Catholic Family Welfare Bureau to reach more vulnerable people.
To reflect our growing mission, the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau changed its name in 1998 to Centacare Catholic Family Services.
By 2000, the St Mary of the Cross Alcohol and Other Drug Family Service was integrated into Centacare, to ensure families affected by addiction received compassionate and non-judgemental support.
The Refugee and Settlement Program launched in 2005, offering settlement support to those starting anew in Australia.
In 2006, we brought together Pastoral Services including the Prison Ministry, Healthcare Chaplaincy, Youth Justice and our HIV/AIDS Ministry, offering crucial support to those marginalised at the time.
To reflect our growing mission, the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau changed its name in 1998 to Centacare Catholic Family Services.
By 2000, the St Mary of the Cross Alcohol and Other Drug Family Service was integrated into Centacare, to ensure families affected by addiction received compassionate and non-judgemental support.
The Refugee and Settlement Program launched in 2005, offering settlement support to those starting anew in Australia.
In 2006, we brought together Pastoral Services including the Prison Ministry, Healthcare Chaplaincy, Youth Justice and our HIV/AIDS Ministry, offering crucial support to those marginalised at the time.
2010s – 2025
CatholicCare is established
In 2010, CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania is formed to better serve communities and secure vital government support.
A year later, in 2011, we changed our name to CatholicCare, reflecting our mission to supporting disadvantaged people from all walks of life, with care.
In 2012, in partnership with Australian Catholic University, the Clemente Fitzroy Program offered a supportive pathway to university study for those facing disadvantage.
A year later, in 2013, CatholicCare began management of Centacare Gippsland for the diocese of Sale.
By 2017, our presence stretched across Melbourne, Geelong, Eltham, Melton, Wyndham, Dandenong and Gippsland, bringing support to the communities through a range of services.
In 2020, the four CatholicCare organisations across the diocese of Sale, Sandhurst, Ballarat and Melbourne merged to become CatholicCare Victoria.
A year later, in 2011, we changed our name to CatholicCare, reflecting our mission to supporting disadvantaged people from all walks of life, with care.
In 2012, in partnership with Australian Catholic University, the Clemente Fitzroy Program offered a supportive pathway to university study for those facing disadvantage.
A year later, in 2013, CatholicCare began management of Centacare Gippsland for the diocese of Sale.
By 2017, our presence stretched across Melbourne, Geelong, Eltham, Melton, Wyndham, Dandenong and Gippsland, bringing support to the communities through a range of services.
In 2020, the four CatholicCare organisations across the diocese of Sale, Sandhurst, Ballarat and Melbourne merged to become CatholicCare Victoria.
