Children Are Back On Site!
We re-opened the Stewart House residential program to schools under a strict COVID Safe Plan in Week 3 of Term 4. It's been a long-time-coming, seven long months since we bid farewell to our last group and were forced into shutdown amid the public health crisis. We thank you for your patience, support and well wishes throughout this time.
We finalised our COVID Safe Plan with a determined commitment to ensuring we could safely welcome back the children we serve. The directives handed down by the NSW Government and the NSW Department of Education on school camps have allowed us to re-open our residential program with confidence in Term 4
In brief:
- Children have returned to Stewart House, under a modified program for the remainder of 2020
- The Stewart House Boxing Day on the Harbour event will not go ahead in 2020. You can, however, lend your support
- NSW MPs acknowledge Stewart House for making a difference to the lives of children in need
- We celebrate the voluntary financial contributions made by the staff of the NSW Department of Education through workplace giving
In a year like no other, we sincerely thank you for your ongoing support in 2020. We look forward to continuing our important work in 2021 – our 90th year, serving public school children-in-need.
Re-Opening with a Modified Program
On 26 October 2020, we were delighted to re-open and welcome our first group of students since the forced shutdown in March
For the remainder of 2020, our strict COVID Safe Plan will allow us to accommodate up to 20 children each week, from the areas of Granville, Bankstown, Liverpool, Penrith and the Blue Mountains. On the up-side, smaller groups make for highly personalised experiences and, in these difficult times, we are incredibly grateful to be once again helping children make happy memories.
School Testimonial "I can't express how grateful we are as a school community for all you do to support the children who visit Stewart House. [They] were absolutely beaming with excitement as they recounted the events of the week and how much fun they had." (Deputy Principal, Term 4 - November 2020)
Event Cancelled: Boxing Day on the Harbour
For the safety of our supporters and the broader community, we will not be selling tickets to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race for 2020
While we lament the loss of income and the camaraderie we enjoy onboard with our supporters, it is not practical to enforce social distancing requirements at both Manly Wharf and on the ferries for our usual 1000 attendees. For the past 10 years, all proceeds have gone towards supporting children-in-need from across NSW and ACT public schools. If you would like to lend your support and are in a position to do so, please click here to donate online. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible.
Acknowledged by Members of NSW Parliament
In the last quarter, we hosted a site tour for NSW MPs and received an acknowledgement in Parliament for our work with disadvantaged children
We were pleased to have Reverend Jay Bacik (left) host a site tour, in September, of the facilities at Stewart House for a group of NSW MPs. Among the attendees were the Members for Orange (seated & second from left), Upper Hunter (second from right) and Manly (right).
In August, Dr Hugh McDermott, Member for Prospect, delivered a Community Recognition Statement to NSW Parliament recognising Stewart House for 90-years of dedication to young people in the community. We are thankful for this acknowledgement.
Online Lottery
If you would like to help raise funds for Stewart House and be in the draw to win from a range of attractive prizes in the process, the 2020 People’s Choice Community Lottery provides an enticing opportunity to lend your support
With all our usual social fundraising events cancelled this year, this online event helps us to bridge our fundraising gap. We thank you for your consideration and support in this lottery and wish you every success in winning some great prizes. Click here to purchase tickets online.
Thanks to our Teachers
We owe a debt of thanks to the staff of the NSW Department of Education for their support
From the very beginning and throughout our 90-year history, the generosity and support of school teachers and staff through fortnightly salary deductions has been paramount in allowing Stewart House to remain viable. Click on the image to view our video message
Our History – Want to know more about our early beginnings and the role of teachers in addressing the declining health of school children during the height of the Great Depression? See here.
Workplace Giving – We have a range of attractive workplace giving options available to those looking to make regular contributions. Click here to contact a member of our team about the best option for you.
Our Social Channels
Stay up-to-date with what’s happening at Stewart House
We are on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow us for up-to-date information about Stewart House. We enjoy connecting online and hope to see you there!