1980s
The Catholic Community and Family Services was founded
In 1983, the Bishop of Sandhurst discerned the need to strengthen marriages and families by creating a diocesan organisation dedicated to their support. For two years, a fortnightly outreach counselling service bridged the gap between Melbourne and Bendigo, led by Paul Fogarty and Fr James Brasier (from the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau in Melbourne).
To address the rural challenge, a team of volunteer counsellors were trained in a two-year counselling course, approved by the Attorney General’s Department for Marriage and Family Counsellors. The course was led by the professional guidance of the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau in Melbourne involving Fr Gerry Gallagher, Paul Fogarty, Mary Scarfe, Joe Mayer, and Margaret McHardy – enabling more clients to receive crucial support.
The Catholic Community and Family Services was born in 1986, and the first federal funding for marriage counselling was granted in 1987.
In 1988, we carried forward the legacy of the Good Shepherd Sisters’ Maryfields Centre, caring for vulnerable women.
Between 1988 and 1990, counselling services reached further across Victoria to Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton, and Echuca.
To address the rural challenge, a team of volunteer counsellors were trained in a two-year counselling course, approved by the Attorney General’s Department for Marriage and Family Counsellors. The course was led by the professional guidance of the Catholic Family Welfare Bureau in Melbourne involving Fr Gerry Gallagher, Paul Fogarty, Mary Scarfe, Joe Mayer, and Margaret McHardy – enabling more clients to receive crucial support.
The Catholic Community and Family Services was born in 1986, and the first federal funding for marriage counselling was granted in 1987.
In 1988, we carried forward the legacy of the Good Shepherd Sisters’ Maryfields Centre, caring for vulnerable women.
Between 1988 and 1990, counselling services reached further across Victoria to Wodonga, Wangaratta, Shepparton, and Echuca.
1990s
New identity, Centacare marks a new chapter
In 1991, although the organisation’s focus remained the same, it embraced a new identity with the name Centacare, to represent a ‘centre of care’.
Just a year later, in 1992, Centacare received funding from the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department to deliver Marriage Education Services across the Bendigo region.
In 1995, an Advisory Board was established and in 1999, the first official Board meeting took place, to lead the growing organisation.
Fr Gerry Gallagher retired as Director in 1999, succeeded by Paul Fogarty who led the organisation from 1999 to 2014.
Just a year later, in 1992, Centacare received funding from the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department to deliver Marriage Education Services across the Bendigo region.
In 1995, an Advisory Board was established and in 1999, the first official Board meeting took place, to lead the growing organisation.
Fr Gerry Gallagher retired as Director in 1999, succeeded by Paul Fogarty who led the organisation from 1999 to 2014.
2000s
Services continue to expand across the region
Between 1999 and 2005, Centacare Sandhurst experienced a period of transformational growth, doubling staff numbers and expanding impact.
In 2000, the ACCESS Program was launched, offering vital employee assistance to CEO staff within the Sandhurst Diocese.
By 2001, counselling services had spread across Victoria to include Cobram, Echuca, Wodonga and Shepparton. That same year, Centacare secured state funding for the Family Services Program, following Board advocacy and engagement with the State Minister.
In 2002, a successful joint tender with Centacare Ballarat and Melbourne introduced Conciliation and Separation Mediation services.
The organisation redeveloped its vision, mission, and values in 2006, following it’s growth.
In 2008, Centacare co-located the Family Relationship Centre in Shepparton and launched the Drought Response Teams in Bendigo and Wodonga to support struggling communities.
When bushfires struck in 2009, Centacare responded with dedicated counselling and community development teams, standing alongside families in times of crisis.
In 2000, the ACCESS Program was launched, offering vital employee assistance to CEO staff within the Sandhurst Diocese.
By 2001, counselling services had spread across Victoria to include Cobram, Echuca, Wodonga and Shepparton. That same year, Centacare secured state funding for the Family Services Program, following Board advocacy and engagement with the State Minister.
In 2002, a successful joint tender with Centacare Ballarat and Melbourne introduced Conciliation and Separation Mediation services.
The organisation redeveloped its vision, mission, and values in 2006, following it’s growth.
In 2008, Centacare co-located the Family Relationship Centre in Shepparton and launched the Drought Response Teams in Bendigo and Wodonga to support struggling communities.
When bushfires struck in 2009, Centacare responded with dedicated counselling and community development teams, standing alongside families in times of crisis.
2010 – 2021
Centacare changes its name to CatholicCare Sandhurst
In 2014, the organisation embraced a new identity as CatholicCare Sandhurst.
By 2020, CatholicCare had grown to serve more communities across Wedderburn, Mildura and Seymour, offering a wide range of services to rural Victoria. These included the Emergency Relief Program, Youth Justice Conferencing, Family Dispute Resolution, School Chaplaincy, Family and Relationship Services, and Parenting Programs.
In 2021, CatholicCare Sandhurst merged with CatholicCare Melbourne and Centacare Ballarat to form CatholicCare Victoria.
By 2020, CatholicCare had grown to serve more communities across Wedderburn, Mildura and Seymour, offering a wide range of services to rural Victoria. These included the Emergency Relief Program, Youth Justice Conferencing, Family Dispute Resolution, School Chaplaincy, Family and Relationship Services, and Parenting Programs.
In 2021, CatholicCare Sandhurst merged with CatholicCare Melbourne and Centacare Ballarat to form CatholicCare Victoria.
