“Every thinking person must realise, that when this bitter strife is over, we must build a better world, and it’s only through children that this can be done.” Lady Zara Gowrie, 1941.
2020 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Lady Gowrie Child Centres in 1940 by Lady Zara Gowrie, the wife of the 10th Governor General.
Our focus, from establishment in 1940, was on research and leadership, with a demonstration centre established at Erskineville.
Gowrie NSW has gone through various iterations throughout the decades but we still continue to provide quality care, stand by the children, families and communities is the 80 year legacy Gowrie NSW carries into its values today.
Today, Gowrie NSW not only contributes to early and middle childhood in NSW but influences national conversations as a member of Gowrie Australia.
A leader in early childhood for 80 years, Gowrie NSW provides diverse child care, family support and professional development services. Gowrie NSW continues to create happy, safe and nurturing experiences for children through:
- 8 early education centres
- 8 outside school hours care programs
- 9 vacation care centres throughout NSW
- 15 Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) centres that provide child care for newly arrived migrants undertaking AMEP English classes at partner institutions.
Gowrie NSW also provides professional development and consultancy services to the early childhood and middle childhood sector, information and referral services for families and early childhood professionals, and consultancy services to corporate organisations to help them meet the child care needs of their employees.
Gowrie NSW also receives federal funding to provide care for the children of those enrolled in the Adult Migrant English Program. Recognising the importance of supporting the whole family, Gowrie NSW runs a parent series to engage, inspire and inform parents, presents on early childhood to parents in corporations and is funded through the State government to run the Child and Family Information Line.
Gowrie NSW is committed to excellence and strives to make a lasting impact on children's lives.
It is our vision that children are active participants in society, their voices are heard, and they are empowered to make a positive contribution in their community and make a difference in the world. Five important Values reflect our spirit, heritage and commitment to achieving our Vision. These Values are Caring, Purposeful, Inclusive, Authentic and Integrity.
As centres of excellence, Gowrie NSW programs will continue to empower our children to make a difference in the community and lead in the education and advancement of the sector.
