Lutanda Children’s Home

Lutanda Children’s Home was established in 1930 by Miss Florence Dalwood who had worked in the George Muller Homes in Bristol in the United Kingdom. Miss Dalwood saw the need for a Christian home for needy children and opened the first Lutanda Children’s Home in Wilson Street, Wentworth Falls (in the Blue Mountains). The Home was run on the principle of faith in God’s supply. The children were adequately supplied even during the Depression and the war years. After Miss Dalwood’s death in 1949, Lutanda moved into a large purpose-built orphanage in Pennant Hills which later housed around 50-60 children in separate buildings for boys and girls.

In the 1970s, Lutanda moved into the community and established four family group homes, one of which still operates. This home is partially funded by the Department of Community Services although most money comes from donations and Lutanda investments. Lutanda also owns and operates Camp Toukley which was originally built as a holiday camp for children in care of Lutanda. Today it provides quality camping for hundreds of children throughout the year.

Lutanda is currently expanding into Independent Living Training for Adolescents and into short-term care for sibling groups. Long-term care is still provided for seven children. A respite care service also operates for small numbers of children. Lutanda is a registered company managed by a Board of Directors. Its head office is in Cherrybrook. Residential programs operate in Castle Hill, Hornsby and West Pennant Hills.

For records on this Home you must first contact the Lutanda Social Worker in writing to:

Lutanda, PO Box 515, Pennant Hills NSW 2120

Or by telephoning: (02) 9479 8091