Mt. St. Joseph's Home - Sydney NSW

Location & Overview

Mount St Joseph’s Home is nestled in the heart of Randwick, a charming suburb located just 7km southeast of Sydney’s CBD. The Home has evolved over the years to meet the growing needs of our community. Originally built in 1886, the original building – once equipped with the best fire safety features – was deemed a fire hazard by 1980 and was eventually replaced by a modern facility in 1987. After a major renovation in 2017, Mount St Joseph’s home continues to provide a safe and comfortable space for our 62 residents.

Our Home is easily accessible by public transport, with the Randwick shopping precinct just a few kilometres away. Here, you’ll find a variety of shopping, dining, and leisure options, including a post office, chemist, and local cafes.

Common Areas

At Mount St Joseph’s Home, we offer a range of comfortable, welcoming spaces for our residents and their families. Key features include:

  • Lounge Rooms: Two cosy lounges with garden views – perfect for relaxation and socialising.
  • Dining Rooms: Two spacious dining areas, accessible to all residents, including those using walking aids.
  • Chapel: A serene space for daily Mass and quiet reflection
  • Auditorium & Function Centre: A versatile venue for events, gatherings, and community activities.
  • Library & Coffee Shop: A community-run library and coffee shops, offering a peaceful retreat and refreshments.
  • Physiotherapy Room: Allied health services to support residents’ physical well-being.
  • Expansive Gardens: Beautiful gardens and courtyards that provide tranquil outdoor spaces for residents and families to enjoy.

We take great pride in maintaining these spaces to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for all.

Standard Single Rooms

Mount St Joseph’s Home offers single rooms, each designed for comfort and privacy:

  • Private Ensuites: All rooms are equipped with their own private bathroom.
  • Modern Design: Freshly painted with either vinyl or carpeted floors, the rooms are thoughtfully maintained.
  • Serene Views: Each room offers a calming view of the courtyard or garden.
  • Room Features: All rooms come with an emergency call bell system, electric beds, built-in wardrobes, and freestanding furniture to suit individual needs.

Fees & Charges

At Mount St Joseph’s Home, all room types are priced equally. If you’re not eligible for a government subsidy, there are three payment options to choose from:

  • Refundable Accommodation Deposit: $250,000 (paid as a lump sum)
  • Daily Accommodation Payment: $34.25 per day, based on the Maximum Permissible Interest Rate of 5.00% which is set by the government.
  • Combination Option: 50% of the refundable accommodation deposit and 50% of the daily accommodation payment. Your deposit will be $125,000 and your daily payment will be $17.13.

For more detailed information, please reach out to the Mother Superior of the Home you’re interested in.

A Rich History

In the 1880s, Cardinal Moran of Sydney played a pivotal role in welcoming many religious orders to Australia—including the Little Sisters of the Poor. Just two years after establishing their first Australian home in Melbourne, the Sisters arrived in Sydney.

On November 1st, 1886, seven Little Sisters—five French, one English, one Irish, and one American—landed at Port Jackson. Their first residence was “Elswick House” in Leichhardt, formerly owned by Hon. James Norton M.L.C. That same evening, they welcomed their first resident: a 74-year-old woman who, after falling into poverty, sought the Sisters’ care. She took the only bed, while the Sisters slept on the floor. The local community soon rallied with food, furniture, and hands-on help.

Support grew quickly, and the Sisters began their traditional market collecting—an effort that still continues today. However, tragedy struck in 1887 when typhoid fever claimed one Sister’s life and sickened three others. The outbreak and limited space prompted the search for a new location.

On July 11th, 1887, the Sisters acquired a six-acre property in Randwick. A temporary timber home was soon built, and by November the entire community relocated. A permanent building was opened in 1900, with extensions added over the years: new wings in 1919, a laundry in 1929, and further additions in 1959 and 1965.

In 1969, the St. John Vianney Villa was constructed for retired priests. Though once considered state-of-the-art, it was later deemed a fire risk and demolished in 1980. A modern facility was opened in its place in 1987.

Through every chapter, the Sydney home has reflected the Providence of God, the generosity of its people, and a steadfast commitment to the dignity and care of the elderly.