The genesis of Caroline Chisholm Society began in Dr Joshua’s house in Box Hill, Victoria where a small group of dedicated volunteers established the first pregnancy support phone service to assist vulnerable pregnant women and mothers with babies.
A few years later, Mrs Pat Coffey OA living in Shepparton at the time, established a volunteer service also responding to the needs of pregnant women and mothers and their families.
Within a decade, the two networks would come together, taking their inspiration from Caroline Chisholm to form the incorporated, accredited and registered community service that Caroline Chisholm Society is today, carrying on in the spirit and intent of a group of women with a vision to make a difference in the lives of women and children.
Inspired by our namesake, Caroline Chisholm was a pioneering changemaker who passionately advocated for immigrant women and family welfare in 19th century Australia. Widely regarded as an Australian heroine, Chisholm was a social reformer dedicated to improving the living conditions of single women and women with children arriving in the new colony of New South Wales. Caroline Chisholm provided practical assistance including housing, employment opportunities and social protection – campaigning for change on behalf of women and their children.
For over 50 years, we are and remain grounded in the heritage and tradition of our founders, and inspired by our namesake, the Caroline Chisholm Society continues to provide a range of programs and services for some of the most complex and vulnerable families in Victoria.
Today, the Caroline Chisholm Society operates across three sites and is recognised for its specialist expertise in family services. Our work focusses on early intervention and prevention, helping thousands of women, children and their families to avoid involvement with the Child Protection system.
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