Our History
Serving Sydney families since 1882.
1882
George Edward Ardill founded Home of Hope
Founder George Ardill, a printer and preacher, opens a Women’s Refuge in Sussex St Sydney known as the Home of Hope
1890
Sydney Rescue Work Society was formed
The Sydney Rescue Society (The Society) was formed to continue the work of George Ardill, led by the Chief Justice of NSW, Sir Fredrick Darley.
1911
The Society expands its services
The Society was by now managing a number of agencies serving the community such as the South Sydney Women’s Hospital, the Jubilee Home for working and unemployed women, the Adoption Agency and Roslyn Hall Babies Home (Rockdale).
1930
Advocating for the needy
The services of the Society had extended to a District Nursing Service, several mission halls and George Ardill himself was active in social advocacy for the needy and outcast.
1934
Ardill awarded M.B.E.
George Ardill was awarded an MBE for services to the community.
1943
George Ardill retires
George Ardill retires at the age of 86 having served as a Director for a period of 61 years and is succeeded by Rev Dr Harold Whitmore Dart, a Baptist minister.
1945
George Ardill passes away
1956
Dr Dart retires
Dr Dart concludes his service and was subsequently awarded an OBE for service to the community.
1965
Support services continue to grow
The Society had by now extended its services to include Lidcombe State Hospital Mission, the provision of food and clothing for homeless and destitute men and women, support for single and unmarried pregnant girls and a hostel for business girls.
1975
A new direction
A pilot project was commenced in the field of day care for children and the Society sought to find a new direction in its activities.
1982
The birth of Communicare
By this year the Society had established a network of child care services and had reinvented itself as a specialist in this area of community need. Toward the end of this period leading up to the year 2000 the Society had changed its name to Communicare.
2010
Communicare becomes lntegricare
Communicare changed its name to Integricare, having established itself in the early learning sector and providing services in family day care, supported playgroups and family support services.
2021
Present day
With over 200 employees and 13 early learning centres, Integricare also offers caring support services to families in need.
