Celebrating 140 years of Compassionate Care
Little Sisters of the Poor – Sydney
As 2026 marks 140 years since we opened our doors in Sydney, we celebrate a rich heritage of loving service to the elderly poor in our community. Inspired by our founder Saint Jeanne Jugan’s humble mission in France (which began with a single act of compassion in 1839), seven Sisters arrived in Sydney on November 1, 1886, and opened our first home in Leichhardt.
That same day, we welcomed our first resident – a 74 year-old woman who had fallen on hard times – demonstrating immediately the living compassion of our mission. From that beginning, the Sisters embraced Jeanne Jugan’s conviction that “every elderly person deserves dignity and care“, a guiding truth that brightens our work.
Key Milestones
- 1886: Seven Sisters from France, England, Ireland and America arrived and opened their first home on Market Street in Leichhardt, immediately caring for the poor and vulnerable.
- 1887: On July 11, 1887 we acquired a six-acre property in Randwick. By November the community had relocated there, and a permanent brick home was opened in 1900 (with wings added in later decades).
- 1900 and beyond: The Randwick home grew over the years – new wings in 1919, a laundry in 1929, and more additions by 1965 – always with the same spirit of service and care.
- Today: Mount St Joseph’s Home in Randwick (the Sisters’ current home) is a modern facility that provides a safe, comfortable environment for dozens of elderly residents. The original building was replaced in 1987 and refreshed in 2017, ensuring the Home continues to meet the needs of Sydney’s seniors.
Continuing Our Mission
For generations, we have nurtured a welcoming home environment. Simple acts of kindness – a gentle push of a wheelchair, a warm smile at breakfast – exemplify how we share love with each resident. Even as our buildings have modernised (the original building was rebuilt in 1987 and updated in 2017), the core spirit has never changed. In every new and old tradition, we remember that “every elderly person deserves dignity and care” – the guiding truth behind 140 years of service in Sydney.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone year, we give thanks to all who have joined the Sisters on this journey – staff, volunteers, donors and families who make this work possible. Your support and prayers sustain our mission. Together we look forward with hope: may the years ahead bring continued blessing and opportunities to share love with Sydney’s elders. Here’s to 140 years of faith, friendship and caring hearts – and to many more to come.
