Australian Children's Charities - Our
HistoryWe wish to acknowledge the Wathaurong Community and show our respect
to the Elders, both present and past. We wish to acknowledge the Custodians on
whose land we stand.
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Known as The Ministering Children’s League Incorporated prior to
1998, Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff Inc. was established in 1890 to provide
care and accommodation for children recovering from illness. The Ministering
Children's League was founded in England by the late Countess of Meath, who had
a strong passion for children's charities, in 1884. Twelve acres of land
opposite the Meath Estate in Surrey were purchased and subsequently two holiday
homes were built, one for girls and one for boys.
Our History Brochure gives a brief timeline of our rich history.
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The
Countess of Meath was instrumental in the establishment of the Ministering
Children’s League in Victoria in 1890. Financial support was forthcoming, land
bought at Queenscliff and a cottage built on a high point overlooking the sea. A
centre was formed in Melbourne and branches started throughout the State. The
first State President in Melbourne was Mrs Robert Harper of "Myoora", Toorak.
Cottage by the Sea, like many Australian charities, is operated by the
Board
of Management, a General
Manager and Staff
in Queenscliff and Camberwell.
The Cottage has recently embarked on a
strategic, well planned expansion of our programs and services. This has seen an
increase in program options, personnel, and resources and, most importantly, an
increase in the number of children enjoying a holiday with us. For example, the
acquisition and refit of the Riptide property allowing a number of additional
camps with smaller groups. We have also expanded our geographical range to offer
our programs and resources interstate, to provide the services of Australian
charities to more people in need.
Today, the focus of care is on helping
children and families in need. The Cottage is one of Victoria's important
children's charities, providing holidays to approximately 900 children annually,
whilst giving adult family members and carers some respite.
Download
a presentation giving a brief overview of the history of the Cottage
(11Mb)
Join
in our 120 year commemorative celebration flagpole paving memorial 1890 –
2010
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History