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The Heritage and Information Service is responsible for preserving and safely storing the historical records for orphanages and children’s homes established by the Sisters of Mercy, the Christian Brothers and the Sisters of St Joseph. This collection of records dates from 1857. Read more about our history the orphanages run by our founding congregations.

What we can offer:

  • searches for records and photographs
  • supported access to records
  • advice about where and how to search for records
  • searches for and reunification with separated family members
  • site visits to MacKillop’s Heritage Display.

How to access this service

If you would like to request a search to be made for information about yourself or a family member, please submit it using our Records Enquiry Form.

Collection Of Records From MacKillops Archive Of Former Homes And Orphanages

Search for a Record

Access records and photographs of residents in the orphanages run by our founding congregations. Complete our online form to initiate a record search.

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St Vincent De Paul's Orphanage Emerald Hill 1862 Engraved B- Arthur Wilmore

Our History

MacKillop Family Services was established in 1997. But our history dates to the 1800s and was founded on a deep commitment to caring for the most marginalised children, young people and families in our community.

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Mac Killops Heritage Display History Wall 2019

Heritage Display

Between 1854 and 1997 more than 100,000 children spent all or part of their childhood living in one of the orphanages established by MacKillop’s founding congregations. Our Heritage display offers a touching insight into their lives.

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Stories about our

History

David Smiling Standing In Front Of Weatherboard House

Filling in the gaps

For the first 79 years of his life, David Weger knew nothing about his birth family, or why he spent his childhood in care. 80 year-old David knew he had come into care at six months of age, but until his daughter-in-law, Irene, contacted MacKillop’s Heritage and Information Centre to see if they could shed any light on his early years, he did not know why.

Read David's story
Jenny Glare (left) with Former Resident Patricia. Photo courtesy of HESTA.

Catholic Archbishop’s Charitable Fund supports national record keeping service

When Jenny Glare, General Manager of MacKillop’s Heritage and Information Service won an Australia-wide award highlighting her work in the preservation and supported release of the records of those who had spent all, or part of their childhood in care, she highlighted the importance for everyone to know their personal story.

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St Anthonys Building Before Renovation On A Bright Sunny Day

The pioneers of a quiet revolution in child and family care

St Anthony’s Family Service, Footscray, has been through many transformations since it started out almost a hundred years ago, as St Anthony’s Home for Little Children in Kew. Established in 1922 to deal with overcrowding at the Babies Home in Broadmeadows, St Anthony’s began as a home for babies and toddlers up until they were ready to start school.

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