The Infants' Home

In the early 1900s, The Infants’ Home provided postgraduate training in paediatrics to students from the University of Sydney.

One such student, Sir Lorimer Fenton Dods (1900-1981), pictured with his grandchildren, became a pioneer in specialised health care for children. In 1949 he was appointed Australia’s first Professor of Child Health. Knighted in 1962, Sir Lorimer Dods co-founded the Children’s Medical Research Foundation (now Institute) in 1958.

Sir Lorimer kindly addressed The Infants’ Home’s Annual General Meeting in 1971.

This EOFY, help rewrite a child's story 💛

When seven-year-old Ali began therapy at The Infants' Home, his family had two key goals—for him to express his wants and needs, and to feel confident joining in with other children.

Through two therapy scholarships, Ali attended sessions tailored to his needs. Over time, his confidence began to shine. His mum proudly shared stories of Ali taking part in school holiday programs with other children, a milestone that reflects his growing independence.

As his scholarship-funded sessions come to an end, Ali's family is navigating how to continue. Your tax-deductible donation before June 30 can help more children like Ali access life-changing therapy.

Donate now:
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vXHHt0

🌟 Today (11 June) we celebrate the UN-designated International Day of Play! It’s a day to remind us that play is not just fun—it’s a child’s right and is essential for their growth, wellbeing, and learning.

The theme for 2026 is “Protect play, protect childhood”.

At The Infants’ Home, our nature-rich Outdoor Classroom and play-based early education programs invite children to explore, connect, and flourish through hands-on learning experiences that are inclusive and fun. We believe that every skip, climb, and discovery helps children build resilience, creativity, and lifelong skills.

💬 How do you celebrate play? Share your favourite play moments with us in the comments!

Infant mental health is often overlooked and misunderstood, yet the first years of life are critical for emotional and social development.

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (IMHAW) (8-14 June) shines a light on the importance of supporting babies’ mental health and wellbeing, because healthy beginnings build strong futures.

This year’s IMHAW theme “Attunement” focusses on how attuned early relationships support babies’ development. Attunement is about connecting closely to others' feelings and needs, and responding to these with warmth and, understanding.

At The Infants’ Home, we work closely with families to nurture secure relationships and provide holistic support for every child. 💙

There’s still time to make a difference 💛

Our EOFY appeal is underway, helping children who would otherwise miss out on vital speech and occupational therapy.

For families facing significant barriers, your support can open the door to life-changing support.

Every donation helps a child build the skills they need to learn, connect and thrive.

✨ Give today and help us reach more children before 30 June https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vSwMs0.

Every child deserves the chance to learn, communicate and thrive, but for some families, therapy is simply out of reach.

This EOFY, we’re raising funds to provide 60 speech and occupational therapy sessions for children aged 0–9 experiencing developmental challenges, with no access to other funding.

Your support can help change a child’s future, one session at a time.

💛 Donate today and make your impact count before 30 June: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vPrVm0.

🍓 FUN WITH FOOD – Therapy Group (July School Holidays)

Our ‘Fun with Food’ group helps children build confidence with food, explore new tastes and textures, and learn skills through fun, play-based activities.

Led by The Infants’ Home’s Senior Speech Pathologist Jennifer Leong and Occupational Therapist Julia Foundouradakis, the group is:
✅ Ideal for fussy eaters and children of all abilities
✅ Great for NDIS goals (social skills, fine motor, self-care).

This group is open to children aged 4 to 8 years.

📅 13–17 July 2026 (Mon–Fri, Week 2 Winter School Holidays)
🕤 9.30am–12.00pm
📍 The Infants’ Home, 17 Henry Street, Ashfield

Register your interest via the Fun with Food EOI form: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0vCr4Q0

Not sure if this group is right for your child? Contact Sophie Li on 9799 4844 or email us at [email protected]

Costs align with NDIS price limits (2025–2026). Group goes ahead with a minimum of 4 children—please tell a friend!

The Infants’ Home was established as the ‘Sydney Foundling Institute’ in 1874. Uniquely for its time, the organisation was founded and managed entirely by women.

However, due to the laws of the day, the Board required we have a male Trustee. This role was first filled by politician, merchant banker and philanthropist Mr Thomas Walker. He became a long-time benefactor of The Infants’ Home, paying £3,000 in 1876 to buy and donate to us our current 4.5 acre property and house called ‘Gorton’, on Henry Street in Ashfield.

At the time of his death in 1886, Mr Walker was one of the wealthiest and most influential colonialists in New South Wales.

While many great men donated their time in the roles of honorary lawyers, doctors and architects, The Infants’ Home’s board of management remained entirely female right up until the 1970s.