Our History
In the heart of the Sutherland Shire, a quiet movement began in February 1995.
It started with two counsellors in a small room under the stairs listening to stories of pain, struggle, and resilience. Originally called Tea Gardens Cottage, the service was born from a vision to support the community and show the love of Christ in a very real way.
By 1999, Tea Gardens Cottage had evolved into Southern Community Welfare, with a clear mission: to walk beside those doing it tough, hearing the heart of their need and responding with care that meets them where they are.
Under Susan Foyle’s leadership (2010-2014), the organisation strengthened its professional and ethical standards, laying the foundations of the service today. Services expanded to include support for self-harm and suicide postvention, children and families, homelessness, and domestic violence. Counselling services grew to address mental health conditions, relationships, depression, anxiety, and stress.
In 2010, NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, APM became patron.
“Strong societies are built on well functioning individuals and families, therefore services that support the family and social relationships are a necessary part of our community. Organisations like Southern Community Welfare must be supported to continue the work they do in counselling, education, resourcing and prevention to enhance relationships and support networks increasing functional community life.”
The ‘Jitters’ series of books (2011) authored by Kerry Moss and released by Southern Community Welfare, established the organisation’s reputation for childhood anxiety work. Speech pathology services for children, adolescents and adults commenced in 2014.
CEO Vicki Sherry’s appointment in 2015 continued the transition into a robust, sustainable organisation. Accreditation to NSW Disability Standards and NDIS registration followed in 2017.
“At the core of Hopefield is hope, through every action at the organisation, our mission is to ensure individuals are healthy internally and externally, families are safe, happy and interconnected with communities that enable them to flourish.”
The 2018-2020 Strategic Plan brought further expansion: the Hope Store op shop, a second location on Gosport Street, Cronulla with a weekly meal service, and in September 2019, the rebrand to Hopefield – a name reflecting our belief that every person has inherent worth, dignity, and a future holding opportunity and growth.
Starting in 2020 during COVID-19, Hopefield partnered with local organisations to establish a food co-op that continues providing meals and groceries to those in need, while introducing videoconferencing services.
From housing support and mental health care to case management, NDIS services, parenting workshops, and community programs, Hopefield has become a lifeline for many.
In 2024 alone, over 400 individuals received support, including 252 new clients. More than a third of clinical appointments were offered pro bono or at subsidised rates—because help should never be out of reach.
From a small room under the stairs to a community-wide presence, every day through every meal served, every conversation held, and every life touched, our story continues.