In November 2007, Bethany Community Support launched the 140th Anniversary Building Development Appeal.

Bethany opened its doors in May 1868 as the Geelong Female Refuge. It was established to provide refuge and rehabilitation to the poor women of Geelong.

As political, social and economic trends changed during the past 140 years so too did the needs of the community. In this time Bethany has responded to these changes and has provided services including: babies’ home, adoption agency, mothercraft training centre, kindergarten and day care service.

Today our Mission is to Support and Strengthen Communities.

Bethany has continued to evolve by establishing new programs that are based on emerging community needs. We have broadened from dealing specifically with families and women to incorporating men, victims of crime and the reunification of children with their parent/s.

Bethany has long been proud of its capacity to respond to community needs and social issues. The ever increasing demand for our services has meant that we have quickly outgrown our current home.

Over the past 8 years, Bethany’s broad range of integrated services has more than doubled with staff numbers rising from 45 to 84. Whilst the budget has risen from $1.5m to $5.5m.

At the launch, we announced our development plan that will see our capacity grow in line with the needs of the community and to allow for future growth of the organisation. Now we need your help to build the future so we can continue to support and strengthen our community together.

Experienced Geelong architect, Wendy Hastrich, has designed the new building and will supervise the building works. View schematic drawings.

If you would like more information download a Bethany Community Support

140th Anniversary Building Development Appeals Brochure here or click on the brochure at the top of the page.

If you would like to help, contact Executive Manager – Community Relations, Julie Stefanoff on 5245 2818, or email jstefanoff@bethany.org.au or download a pledge form here.

A message from our appeal patron, Mr Robert Costa