Cottage by the Sea helps more children have opportunities for fun and inspiration. We are an Australian children’s charity that does not rely on government funding.

Founded in 1890 in Queenscliff, Victoria as the Ministering Children’s League by Annie Hitchcock and Elizabeth Calder, the vision has always been that every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood. Our rich history continues to this day.

Located only a stone’s throw from the beach, we aim to empower young people by providing them with inspiration, fun and opportunity through our four tailored programs – Take A Break, REEF, Mentor and National. The young people who attend are chosen with the help of schools and welfare agencies from all around Australia.

With more than 1,500 children attending each year, it is a big task running the charity. Cottage by the Sea operates with a Board of ManagementstaffBranches, a team of amazing volunteers and our passionate Patron, Rebecca Maddern.


Donate to a charity that does not rely on government funding.

Cottage by the Sea is passionate about its success over many years as an independent organisation, and thankful for the community support it receives.

Cottage by the Sea is enormously proud to be an organisation that does not rely on government funding. This independence goes hand-in-hand with autonomy. That Cottage by the Sea is funded by private sources, also serves to demonstrate how beloved the Cottage is within our community.  

The guiding principle adopted by Cottage by the Sea is that it exists independently of government funding. It does not rely on or seek government funding support. That said, on limited occasions, Cottage has received Government support. In 2018, Cottage by the Sea was grateful to receive partial federal government capital funding of $1.5M for a very special project: the major refurbishment of the building in 2019/2020. This funding went hand in hand with the funding received from private sources to enable Cottage by the Sea to look after more children in an improved facility for decades to come. 

If you would like to support the Cottage through a donation or other support we encourage you  to get in touch with us as we would welcome your support.

Cottage by the Sea is a registered charity with Tax Deductible Gift Recipient status. All donations to the Cottage of $2 and over are tax deductible.


Watch past and present children of Cottage by the Sea talk about their experiences, in their own words.

Everything we do at Cottage by the Sea
reflects our values:

Respect


Adventure


Integrity


Belonging


Community