Our Mission
“Never see a need without trying to do something about it.”
— Saint Mary MacKillop
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This simple yet courageous conviction shapes everything we do.
For us, this mission is not about fixing people or offering quick answers. It is about walking beside women, men and families as companions on the journey of life. It is about noticing isolation, hardship or loneliness and responding with presence, dignity and love.
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We believe this reflects the heart of Jesus. Christ met people without judgement. He listened. He restored dignity. He offered hope. In that same spirit, Mum’s Cottage is a sanctuary where people are welcomed as they are, without expectation or criticism.
Our Story
Mum’s Cottage began with a simple but profound desire. Around April 2009, while working in pastoral care and witnessing the deep isolation many mothers were experiencing, Sister Helen Anne Johnson voiced a heartfelt longing:
“I wish there was a place where we could help the women.”
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That quiet prayer became the seed of something extraordinary. Encouraged by Sister Lauretta Baker and inspired by Mary MacKillop’s words, “If it is of God, it will prosper”, a three-year search began for a suitable home. There were setbacks, disappointments and closed doors. At one point the journey appeared to end. But providence intervened.
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Following what can only be described as a Spirit-led turning point, the Holmesville Uniting Church Hall became available. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Uniting Church and the Sisters of St Joseph was formally signed on 22 September 2011, preparing the way.
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After months of renovation, cleaning, furnishing and community support, Mum’s Cottage officially opened on 18 March 2012, blessed and opened by Bishop Bill Wright of the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese.
Meet Our Team
A Place Prepared with Love
Every room in the Cottage tells a story. The counselling and mentoring spaces were carefully designed to create a sense of calm, belonging and safety.
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The garden was landscaped in memory of Wal Reynolds, a devoted St Vincent de Paul member whose generosity and guidance helped shape the early journey.
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At the heart of the Cottage is Gemma’s Kitchen, lovingly dedicated to the memory of a young mother. The kitchen symbolises what Mum’s Cottage is all about — nourishment, welcome and family. Around this table, countless cups of tea have been poured and countless conversations have brought renewed strength.
What We Offer
Mum’s Cottage has grown into a place of holistic care — physical, emotional, spiritual and social.
Over the years, programs and support have included:
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Weekly Mums Groups offering companionship and shared understanding
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Reading to My Toddler and toddler playtime
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Baby Massage
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Parenting and life-skills workshops
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Counselling and mentoring
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Support for Centrelink, court and medical appointments
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Budget and employment assistance
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Craft skills and personal enrichment sessions
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Outreach programs including work with the Miruma Residential Diversionary Program
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Shared meals, celebrations and community gatherings
Many guests have said that the first gift they received here was simple:
“Someone made me a cup of coffee.”
Our Partners
