A property was purchased by the leader of the community, Sister Joseph Doyle, on the banks of the Yarra in Collingwood. The former tearooms and surrounding gardens were known as Abbotsford, a name which was later extended to the suburb. The sisters began their work by providing accommodation for homeless and needy women. In 1865 to provide both employment training and a source of income a commercial laundry was set up. While there were many difficulties in these early years the venture prospered. Women prisoners were cared for. An orphanage was established. In 1879 a parish school was opened to provide Catholic education in the area. The order grew in numbers both from Australian vocations and Irish missionaries.

As the success of the work continued requests for communities in other areas were received. In 1883 a community was begun in Oakleigh. This was followed shortly by a foundation in Christchurch, New Zealand. Throughout the following fifty years Good Shepherd work was developed in Albert Park, Bendigo, Hobart, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. While there was some variations in the work undertaken, the basic format of providing accommodation, training for employment and education for women and children was adopted. The means to bring about change were kindness, encouragement and firmness.

Over the years many teenage girls came to Good Shepherd houses through the juvenile court system. In the post war years as a response to this younger age group schools were established within the institutions and more emphasis was given to the social and emotional needs of the girls and their families. The period of world change in the 1960s and 70s which included the effects of Vatican Council Two led to Good Shepherd sisters adopting a policy of de-institutionalisation. Residential care for women and girls was provided in hostels and smaller housing units. There was a recognition that for the Good Shepherd charism to be effective in the modern world diverse expressions of ministry were needed. Counselling agencies were established. Sisters worked as chaplains in prisons, hospitals and Children’s Courts. Aged Care needs were met through the provision of hostels and a nursing home. Lay people became partners with the sisters in extending the mission of the Good Shepherd.

There was an increased recognition of social justice demands in both Australia and overseas. As a result Good Shepherd sisters today although ageing and becoming smaller in number, work confidently for the change of unjust structures which affect the lives of the poor as well as continuing their direct services ministries.

Further Suggested Reading:

Bowman, S.D. ‘The Good Shepherd Sisters in Melbourne’ History Essay (B.A.) - University of Melbourne 1979

If further information is required about individual Sisters, the following address is given:

The Archivist

Good Shepherd Provincialate

P.O. Box 182

ABBOTSFORD VIC 3067

In writing to the Archivist it would be appropriate that a financial contribution be made for the Archivist’s time and expertise.

Religious Orders or Congregations have released the details on their members. It is understood that the copyright of any material (including the listing of the names of the Sisters) relevant to a particular Order or Congregation in this publication remains with the relevant Order or Congregation.